Apply Conditioner or Shampoo
When the knot still won’t come loose, try using a loosening agent.
One of the safest is a pet-specific conditioner or shampoo. Rub some on your fingers. The knot should then be rubbed between your fingers once more until it starts to dissolve.
If your fingers are unable to loosen it, use a comb or other grooming tools in addition to the loosening agent.
Crucially, you should never apply water to the knot. You don’t want knots to tighten in the water. After you have de-matted your cat, you can wash the shampoo or conditioner off.
As an alternative, you can use cornstarch to safely remove knots from your Maine Coon’s fur.
Most people have this inexpensive and surprisingly effective remedy stashed away in their pantries.
Gently rub the knot with a small amount of cornstarch until you feel it loosen. As ever, take care not to pull on the knot.
What Caused My Maine Coons Fur to Suddenly Mat?
Mats usually appear when a cat is unable to perform regular self-grooming. Their fur layers frequently tangle to form tight knots that tug on the cat’s skin, which is how mats are often formed. Unfortunately, mats can be very painful for cats.
When cats groom themselves, they can’t always get to every part of their bodies, which leads to the formation of mats. Mats are frequently found on the armpits and rears of Maine Coon cats.
Additionally, mating is more likely to happen when a cat is shedding. In order to be ready for harsh summer and winter weather, Maine coons shed in the spring and fall. Their guard hairs may catch their shed fur, causing matting.
Surprisingly, cats with dental problems have acquired mats quicker than those without. Grooming becomes painful for a cat with gum disease or cavities, leading them to forgo their afternoon cat bath. If you notice more mats than usual on your Maine Coon, check their mouth and gums for signs of oral problems.
Due to their limited ability to reach nearly every part of their body, obese cats are also more likely to have matted fur than smaller cats. A few pounds gained by your Maine Coon may result in matted fur.
Additionally, older cats may find it more difficult to groom themselves. Their fur is matted because their muscles and joints don’t function as well as they once did. To stay clean and healthy, older cats require more love and care.
A Maine Coon Cats Coat
The functioning of a Maine Coon’s coat must be understood in order to prevent matting. Three layers make up their fur: the guard hairs, the second undercoat, and the first undercoat.
Their first undercoat protects them from cold weather by trapping air in its short, fine fur.
Although it is longer than the first undercoat, it is just as fine and adds another layer of warmth.
The guard hairs are thick and coarse. These hairs protect Maine Coon cats from water and snow. Theyre developed after kittenhood.
FAQ
How do I get rid of knots in my cats hair?
How do you get rid of a bad knot in a cat?
Is matted fur painful for cats?