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De-matts
Matts and Cats
Coat hair matts are the plague of many animal species, but most especially many of the long haired cat breeds.
Like so many of the dog breeds prone to matting, for long haired cats regular - daily grooming is essential if you are to have a hope of keeping on top of the problem - and have a happy stress free cat!
Tackling matts is a delicate operation with most animals, however with cat it can be quiet a daunting operation especially with the cats ability to "razor" you with its claws.
Before you start the operation of "de-matting" spend a moment or two accessing how you intend tackling the task. One important factor to consider is the way in which you can perform the "dematting" with the least possible discomfort to the cat. The importance of this is greatly emphasized by the knowledge that "de-matting" is an on-going task and not some "once only" or "infrequent experience" - the last thing you want to do is cause the animal discomfort or high degrees of stress, so that the next time you approach it, it vividly recalls memories of your last attempt!
Removing the various matts without some degree of skin "pulling" is not always that easy, and raising the entwined "ball" of fur should be done with considerable caution. Acknowledge also that in many cases of really serious matting the most effective way of removal is to resort to clipping!
Dematting by hand is a skill that is developed with considerable practice over time, similar to the art of scissoring and styling. As with so many things the more you practice, the better you get and the greater speed you achieve - all of which result in the least possible discomfort to your pet. If you own a longhaired Moggie you are very likely to get all the practice you need!
Really bad matts which are embedded in the coat over a substantial area call for severe treatment - normally the use of a clipper equipped with, in the really worst cases, a surgical size #40 detachable blade will do the job, especially if the matts are really tight to the skin.
When using a clipper remember to keep the blade surface "flat" to the body at all times, as this will prevent you from "nicking" the skin. Introduce the sound of the machine and indeed the machine itself before making a start to do the job! Let the cat smell the machine, then "lay" in on the body - first not running, then in running mode. Again be mindful - this is intended to be a "pleasant" experience (Just don't let your cat see itself in the mirror immediately after you have finished - wait a few days!)
Hopefully by diligent daily grooming you can avoid the really bad matts - the odd matt may well escape you for a short while before you discover it and these you should manage to remove with a size#10 or maybe a #7F blade, if the matts are not to tight. You can do this yourself if suitably equipped with the right type of clipper (a clipper which takes detachable blades is best.) or of course you can revert to using a professional groomer or your vet.
On the subject of
Clippers and Blades
- if you scroll to the top of this page and select
"PRODUCTS"
from the four boxes on the "nav bar" you will get a "drop down" menu. Select from this menu
"CLIPPERS & TRIMMERS"
and from the eight selection boxes which subsequently appear, select
"MAINS POWERED CLIPPERS"
A further menu of various categories of clippers will now be reviled, from these - select "
"CAT CLIPPERS"
for long haired Cats" Now you can get to the "meat" a range of suitable machine are shown for your information. Against each clipper make a list of blades are given.
Regarding
Blades
- again if you scroll to the top of this page and select
"PRODUCTS"
from the four boxes on the "nav bar" you will get a "drop down" menu. Select from this menu
"CLIPPER BLADES"
A further menu of various type/makes of blades will now be reviled, from these - select those of interest.
Those who are interest can obtain further reading by inserting the following URL addresses into their web browsers.
Clippers and Trimmers - A buyer's guide
http://www.peasridge.co.uk/acatalog/CLIPPERS_and_TRIMMERS_-_a_buyers_guide_.html
GUIDE to the selection of suitable dog blades
http://www.peasridge.co.uk/acatalog/GUIDE_to_the_selection_of_suitable_DOG_BLADES.html
(Scroll to the very bottom of the long list to find CATS!)
Word of warning! Be prepared - your beloved pet is not going to look its best after a complete body "shave" Clipping does not "enhance" ones looks! However after a relative short time "respectability" returns!
Several of the de-matting tools available can be used to really good effect. Most important is to do it in a way, which does not cause discomfort to the animal - not least because if you have to do the same job again - a bad experience will be remembered! So evaluate the degree of matting required and select your instrument accordingly!
One profitable way is to split a matted ball of fur by cutting it to create smaller pieces i.e. sub-divide it. By slicing the matted area lengthwise into smaller pieces, you create better chance of untangling the hair. There is also less discomfort to the animal to have smaller pieces of hair worked on rather than a large mass. The Matt Splitter tool works well for this task. However this does requires careful application and paying strict attention - due to a very sharp tool, and always a danger of slicing something other than hair! Scissors can be tried but use caution, never cut into mats with scissors pointing inwards to the cat - always work away from the skin.
Once the matted hair is divided you use a "picking" action, rather than trying to pull a comb or rake through a chunk of hair. Developing a "picking" technique is very similar to the to combing up hair in preparation to scissoring. You are lifting the tool in and out of the hair, not pulling through. Try to pick from the ends of the hair toward the skin, not from the skin outwards. Relax your wrist and get a "whipping" action going. The objective of picking is to loosen the hair.
There are several very good products, which make the hair slippery, and if sprayed on and worked into the coat with a comb will help to reduce the reoccurrence of the matts. They are not a "miracle" cure but do help! Kelco "Conditioner and De-mat," Double K' s "Tangles Away" and "Easy Groom" by Wahl are all very successful and do not require washing out after use. Once you have rid the coat of matts a regular application of one of these products when grooming will also help to keep the re-appearance of the dreaded knots at bay!
Coats which are liable to matts can be assisted also with a regular application of a blower/blaster if you happen to have one. A "professional" heavy duty hand held hair dryer will perform better than the normal ladies type which with continued use may well burn out the motor! These hand held dryers are fine for the single cat, but if you have a number of cats it may be prudent to consider one of the smaller blower/dryer machines.
Most cats - not unreasonably have a "total" aversion to any type of dryers so an early introduction is a good idea, and at whatever age introduce the dryer and the effects of "blown air" cautiously and with gentleness. With patience and commonsense, in time with most cats you will succeed and your life will be greatly improved from a grooming aspect! Recognise - unfortunately - there are some moggies with whom however you will never succeed!
Whatever you do - both in training and thereafter - never allow the hair dryer/blower tip to aim air at the face, or ears! Totally forbidden areas! If you do the results will almost certainly ensure you never see your cat again in the vicinity of a dryer!
The action of the air aimed via the dryer/blower's coned tip serves to shake loose some of the hair that is inter woven to form the matt. In the case of more coarsely textured hair, a good deal of detangling can be done with airflow and splitting of larger areas. On finer coats, the use of air from an dryer while fluff drying or from a blower tip suitably applied will speed up dematting.
Fairly regular use of a dryer/blower is useful in removing loose and dead fur and for the simulation of the underbody fur. Coats, which have been "blown", have a much softer feel and a general "liveliness" about them.
IMAGINETIC Mat breaker
Product code: 7106
A highly innovative tool designed to remove matt's and serious tangles without causing any animal discomfort.
Fitted with 6 stainless steel curved blades, each having recessed sharpened edges. Blades can be changed simply for right or left handed use as desired. Comfortable rubberised handle affording a good grip. Overall length 6.5 inches. Cannot harm animals if correctly used.
Recommended as an effective tool!
"BUY" AWARD
We don't make a habit of giving a "BUY" recommendation. Products can only qualify by being of special value and effectiveness in their field of use.
In the case of this product we are happy to award a
"BUY"
recommendation.
Price: £14.95
(Including: VAT at 17.5%)
MAT CUTTER - 10 blade cutter
Product code: 1247
De-matt combs are a highly effective way of dealing with a tangled and knotted coat as often experienced a number of cat breeds. Correctly used they can greatly improve the overall appearance of the animal's body.
Available in two product types, the "T" shaped handle with 10 serrated edged blades with approximately a 2-inch spread, or the flat type - 9 serrated edged blades, - which is used with more of a wrist action.
Blades have a 3/16th - 5mm spread and are approximately 2.25-inch in length. Each blade has a rounded tip for added safety.
Price: £6.50
(Including: VAT at 17.5%)
MAT CUTTER - 9 blade cutter
Product code: 1248
De-matt combs are a highly effective way of dealing with a tangled and knotted coat as often experienced a number of long haired cat breeds. Correctly used they can greatly improve the overall appearance of the animal's coat.
Fitted with 9 blades - this comb is used with more of a wrist action.
Blades have a 3/16th - 5mm spread and are approximately 2.25-inch in length. Each blade has a rounded tip for added safety.
Cat owners experiencing problems with matts should consider using a De-matt spray. This is a product which can be applied to the coat and which effectively controls the problem if regularly and correctly used.
Price: £6.20
(Including: VAT at 17.5%)
MIKKI - Matt splitter
Product code: 7111
Resembling the outline of a "flea" this small and innovative tool is most effective and painlessly cutting out matt's.
Ideal for use many small dog breeds and especially cats. Overall length 6.5 inches
Price: £1.70
(Including: VAT at 17.5%)
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