This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
Old cat very matted fur.
If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary.
When your cat notices this change they start to groom more which could increase the amount of hair they ingest and cause other health problems.
Recognizing the signs a cat is dying of old age can help you make the best choice for your pet.
Dental issues the easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn t autogrooming as often is their mouth.
Using a wide toothed comb.
This is just as horrific as it sounds.
Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats.
But there are plenty of solutions for cat mats it s just a matter of experimenting with different courses and seeing what works for your kitty.
It is very important that you keep your cat clean in this respect.
When a cat no longer shows an interest in grooming it s important to look for the underlying causes as an old cat with matted fur may be indicative of an underlying health issue.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.
This is a condition in which flies are attracted to matted waste on a cat s fur.
Longhaired cats develop matted fur more easily than their shorthaired counterparts do.
These flies will lay eggs which hatch into maggots.
Weight loss an unpleasant odor and other symptoms of aging can indicate your cat may be approaching the end stage of its life but the severity of the symptoms can help you determine how much time is left.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats.
Dubswede how to remove mats from a longhaired cat 1.
While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline.
If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems.
Cat matted fur can be a real problem for cat owners and it can be difficult to keep mats at bay or get rid of them especially if your cat is particularly sensitive to brushing or clipping.
Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.