How do you prevent tangles in your cat's fur?
Mats in the coat appear faster than you think, especially with semi-longhaired and long-haired cats. They pull on the skin, trap moisture and dirt, and can cause painful skin irritation. The good news: with the right routine and the right tools, you can almost completely prevent mats. In this guide from the SmartPaw editorial team, we explain step by step how.
By the SmartPaw editorial team · Published August 7, 2026 · Last updated August 7, 2026 · Facts checked by veterinarian and official sources.
📌 In brief
- Brush long-haired cats daily, short-haired cats 1 to 2 times a week.
- Mats develop fastest behind the ears, under the paws, in the groin, and around the tail.
- Work layer by layer and never pull hard on an existing mat.
- A grooming set with suction immediately collects loose hair, preventing it from ending up back in the coat.
- Good nutrition and sufficient hydration keep the skin healthy and the coat supple and less prone to matting.
Why does my cat get mats in its fur?
Mats form when loose, dead hairs get stuck in the coat and clump together with skin oils, saliva, and dirt. Especially during the shedding season in the summer, your cat loses a lot of hair; if that loose hair remains, it forms felt-like mats within a few days. Cats that are less flexible (older, overweight, or with joint problems) groom themselves less effectively and therefore more quickly develop mats in hard-to-reach places.
Where do mats appear first?
In areas with a lot of friction and movement. Pay extra attention behind the ears, in the "armpits" and under the paws, in the groin, on the belly, and around the base of the tail. Check these areas at least weekly with your fingers: if you feel a thickening or a hard clump, a mat is forming.
💡 Tip: Make brushing a fixed, calm ritual after eating or while cuddling on the couch. A cat that associates brushing with something pleasant will allow you to access the risk zones much more easily.
How to prevent mats? 6 practical tips
Prevention starts with regularity. With this approach, your cat's coat will remain mat-free:
- Brush often enough. Long-haired cats daily, short-haired 1 to 2 times a week. During shedding season, more often.
- Work in layers. Lift the top hairs and brush from the skin outwards, so you also catch the undercoat.
- Use the right tools. A dematting comb or a grooming set with suction removes loose undercoat before it can felt.
- Keep a close eye on risk zones. Feel daily behind the ears and in the groin.
- Ensure healthy skin. Sufficient hydration and a balanced diet keep the coat supple.
- Stay calm. A relaxed cat allows brushing; never force it.
FurVac all-in-1 grooming set
Brushes and immediately vacuums away loose hair with 6 attachments. This keeps the undercoat mat-free and prevents hair from flying around your house.
View product →What do you do with an existing mat?
Carefully loosen an existing mat with your fingers or a dematting comb, from the tip to the skin. If that doesn't work, never blindly cut the mat with scissors.
⚠️ Never cut mats blindly with scissors
A cat's skin is thin and often caught in the mat. You could cut the skin open. If it doesn't work with a comb, have the mat removed by your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
Does nutrition help against mats?
Yes, indirectly. A diet with sufficient omega fatty acids and enough fluid intake keeps the skin healthy and the coat supple, reducing the likelihood of hairs matting. A cat that drinks too little often has a duller coat; good coat care for long-haired cats therefore also starts with hydration. Also, check how often you should brush a cat.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my cat to prevent mats?
Long-haired cats daily, short-haired cats 1 to 2 times a week, and a bit more often during shedding season.
Can I cut out a mat?
It's better not to. The skin is often caught in the mat; use a dematting comb or have it done by a professional.
Why is my older cat suddenly getting mats?
Older cats groom themselves less well due to stiff joints or overweight. Help them with extra brushing sessions in the difficult areas.
Does a grooming set with suction prevent mats?
It helps because you immediately vacuum up loose undercoat before it can felt, and the hair doesn't fly around the room.
Sources: AniCura Belgium (cat care), zooplus Magazine (cat coat care).
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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