Our feline mates spend a great quantity of their time grooming themselves, however even with all that work and a spotlight, they sometimes get mats of their fur. That is very true in the case of the again, as matted fur alongside the backbone is pretty widespread. However why does your cat’s fur get matted on their again?
The fur of a cat’s again can get matted for varied causes, which we’ll have a look at intimately under. We’ll additionally share why matted fur is unhealthy to your cat and what you need to do to assist them, so maintain studying!
The ten Causes That Your Cat’s Hair is Matted on His Again
1. Problem Grooming the Again
For some felines, the difficulty is that they merely can’t groom their backs very effectively. In spite of everything, the again is a troublesome space for any cat to succeed in, and if there isn’t one other cat round to assist them groom that space, they will simply develop mats. Problem grooming the again is a extra vital subject in cats who’re chubby, as they might simply have an excessive amount of mass to succeed in round to get to that a part of the physique. Matted fur on the again may also be extra prone to happen in felines experiencing ache that stops them from bending their backbone to succeed in the again.
If you happen to’ve observed that your cat appears to be fighting reaching their again for grooming, verify whether or not they’re displaying any indicators of being in ache or in the event that they may be somewhat chunky. Take them to the vet in the event you imagine they’re hurting, and in case your cat is chubby, communicate to your vet about assist them shed just a few kilos.
2. Age
As cats age, they typically lose some flexibility, making it tougher to succeed in their again to groom. So, in case your cat is getting up there in years, there’s a great probability for this reason the fur alongside their again has gotten matted. Whereas it’s all the time essential to brush your cat (notably if they’ve longer fur), it’s important to take action when your cat reaches an age the place they will’t groom as a lot of themselves on account of being much less versatile.
3. Doesn’t Groom Usually
One more reason the fur alongside the again can get matted is that some cats simply don’t groom themselves as ceaselessly. Whereas this could possibly be on account of your cat being somewhat lazier than different felines on this space, it might additionally stem from some type of oral drawback. Dental illness, stomatitis, oral tumors, or a reduce or sore of their mouth could make it so that they received’t wish to groom themselves. In case your cat has all the time been somewhat lax within the grooming space, it simply means you’ll have to brush them extra typically. But when your cat previously loved grooming however doesn’t groom typically now, it could possibly be on account of a problem with their mouth.
Oral issues apart, a cat that isn’t feeling effectively for any cause could not groom themselves as a lot. So, in case your kitty is displaying any indicators of sickness, akin to not consuming, a change in habits or litter field habits, a change in water consumption, or the rest that appears off, see your vet.
4. Friction
Cats are continuously rubbing up in opposition to stuff—your legs, furnishings, blankets, cat bushes, and extra. All that rubbing in opposition to issues equals friction, which may make it extra probably for fur to get knotted, tangled, and matted. So, in case your kitty is keen on rubbing their again on issues or enjoys rolling round on carpets, this could possibly be why the fur is matted on their again.
5. Lengthy Hair
Cats with lengthy hair are attractive, however all that hair makes them extra prone to develop mats. Whether or not they simply have an overabundance of fur or a thick undercoat, longhaired feline breeds are extra vulnerable to mats, which might present up on their backs. In case you have a longhaired feline, it’s important that you simply brush them usually to forestall mats from taking place!
6. Shedding
All cats shed. Nonetheless, if a cat’s free hair isn’t usually faraway from the remainder of their haircoat, it could enhance the possibilities of matting. Once more, that is very true for longhaired kitties as a result of their prolonged locks are extra apt to tangle.
7. Humidity
Apparently, humidity may also trigger a feline’s hair to mat on the again and in different areas. So, in the event you reside in a very humid a part of the nation or your cat is usually exterior when humidity hits, this could possibly be inflicting their mats.
8. Overseas Objects
This cause is likelier for cats who spend time outdoor, however overseas objects can get snarled within the fur and result in matting. This could possibly be something, however the objects most vulnerable to tangling embrace sticky substances, burrs, and twigs. In fact, overseas objects can get lodged within the hair of indoor felines, too, but when your pet is operating round within the yard, they run an even bigger threat of getting one thing caught of their fur.
9. Pores and skin Circumstances
Has your cat been coping with pores and skin allergy symptoms, dermatitis, or one other pores and skin situation? If that’s the case, this could possibly be why their fur is matted on their again. Pores and skin situations akin to these could cause irritation and itchiness, which result in extreme licking, scratching, and biting on the affected space. These behaviors could cause fur to turn out to be matted in the event that they go on for too lengthy.
10. Stress
It could appear odd to consider our pets getting confused, however they do. For cats, stress might be attributable to vital life adjustments, akin to a brand new child within the residence, shifting, or the loss of life of one other pet. In case your cat is experiencing stress, they could possibly be grooming excessively or in no way. This might result in the fur on their again turning into matted. In case your feline is confused, they might additionally present indicators like lack of urge for food and frequent hiding. You’ll be able to attempt to assist your pet with their stress or discuss along with your vet if it looks as if what you’re doing isn’t serving to.
Why Is Matted Fur Dangerous for Cats?
A couple of small mats right here and there could not seem to be a giant deal, however matted fur is usually uncomfortable for felines. Plus, if the fur will get extremely matted or giant areas are matted, the mats might trigger ache to your pet. Worse than that, mats in a cat’s fur cease the pores and skin beneath the mats from receiving recent air, so pores and skin can get scorching, dry, itchy, flaky, and even contaminated. And there’s extra—matted fur is the right place for parasites like fleas and ticks to cover; your cat might need these on them, and also you’d by no means even know.
Maintaining your kitty’s fur as mat-free as potential is important to their well being and well-being!
How Can I Assist My Cat With Their Mats?
In case your cat’s fur is matted on the again, you may assist them out a few alternative ways relying on the dimensions and severity of the mats.
If the mats are small, you need to use a metallic mat comb to attempt to work them out (gently!) Maintain the matted fur near the pores and skin whilst you comb with quick strokes to lower pulling on the pores and skin. You may additionally wish to strive an oil-based detangler in your pet’s mats.
If mats are giant, the comb in all probability received’t work on them. As an alternative, you may strive pulling them aside (once more gently!) along with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, the mats will must be reduce out. Except you’re skilled in grooming, you do not need to chop a mat out your self. Feline pores and skin is extremely delicate and might simply be reduce or nicked. As an alternative, take your pet to a groomer or your vet to have mats eliminated.
And if you wish to stop mats in your cat’s again, brush them usually! Not solely will this make kitty really feel higher, nevertheless it additionally presents the 2 of you a wonderful alternative to bond.
Conclusion
Cats can develop mats within the fur on their again for a number of causes. This may happen when a cat ages and loses flexibility, has a problem with their mouth, isn’t feeling effectively, is confused, and extra. You’ll be able to assist stop mats in your cat’s again by brushing them usually, but when the cat already has mats, you may strive gently detangling them with a comb or your fingers. If this doesn’t work, the mats will must be reduce out.
Featured Picture Credit score: Pezibear, Pixabay
