THE CAUSES & CONCERNS OF MATTED FUR IN CATS & DOGS
What exactly is matted fur?
Remember dreadlocks? Matted fur is exactly that. But for pets. Rasta-furry, much?
Jokes aside, benign as matted fur may appear, in the long run, without effective grooming, it could impact your fur baby’s quality of life.
How are mats different from tangles?
A mat is essentially a clump of stubborn tangles gone rogue. Tangles can still be combed out easily. Mats require special tools.
What even is de-shedding?
All fur babies shed! Some more than others. Sometimes strands of fur detach themselves from the hair follicles but remain trapped under their coat. The deeply-trapped strands tend to remain in place while some loose ends may break free.
That’s when the iconic tumbleweed bush scene from old Speghetti Western films is recreated in your home, as you keep stumbling across hovering clouds of furballs composed of strands of fur that have broken loose. It’s also a sign to “de-shed” your little one.
These furballs are also a hassle to bust, unless you have an industrial vacuum cleaner. So to avoid it altogether, de-shed your pet regularly with appropriate tools.
What are the causes of matting?
As with everything that is complex and nuanced, the causes of matted fur are no exception.
According to the New York veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Liff, for dogs, it is usually a “lack of appropriate grooming”. Genetic factors such as curly/wiry fur, thick undercoats and long hair could also influence matting.
For cats however, says Dr. Liff, the appearance of unkempt fur could signal underlying health issues like arthritis or diabetes. Since cats are generally very particular about cleanliness and their own grooming.
Additionally, a short walk in the rain without protective gear, humidity-induced sweating or dryness-induced flaky skin, improper drying after baths, improper de-shedding and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that could cause fur matting in pets.
What are the concerns of matted fur?
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Unruly look: Super cute as we may find the scruffy look in pets, unruly fur is not ideal. But we love them to bits anyway, right? Winters are especially tricky when we let their fur grow thicker for better insulation. So regular de-shedding and consequent de-matting would be your best friends.
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Infections: If not properly cared for, these clumps of fur could become a breeding ground for bacterial or fungal infections.
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Overheating: When clumps of matted fur grow too thick, not only do they become a nightmare to detangle, they also trap excess body heat making it difficult for your fur baby to regulate their body temperature.
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Improper blood circulation: If the tangles get too tight, they could inhibit proper blood circulation.
How do we prevent fur matting effectively?
For the most part, matted fur is a symptom of ineffective, if not improper grooming. It’s not only about the regularity, but the quality of grooming. In conclusion, your routine and the tools you use make all the difference. So as the adage goes, prevention is always better than cure.
IMPORTANT: In case the mats appear a bit too irregular, consult your vet immediately and if you find yourself struggling more than you should, do not hesitate to contact a professional groomer.
What is a good routine and what are the right tools?
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Regular baths: Bathe your little one regularly, as directed by your vet. Try not to miss these sessions. Use shampoos and conditioners that strike a fine balance between hydrating and moisturizing their skin and are ideal for their coat type.
The right tool: Take the guesswork out of choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog with Woof Wash, our 4-in-1 solution that cleans, moisturises, detangles and deodorizes. It works across all coat types and with its paraben-free, sulfate-free and pH-neutral composition, it is gentle on sensitive skin.
Check Out Woof Wash! -
Proper drying: Preventing matting is a game of balance. It is important to keep their skin moisturized all while making sure they are not damp. To dry them squeaky clean with an absorbent towel after a bath is important. You should also aim to dry them properly after a walk in the rain, or when it’s damp and mucky outside. Even after an energetic training session.
The right tool: Regular towels that are not meant for pets could either not absorb moisture properly and the ones that could, might just be a bit too prickly and abrasive. In case you are looking for one that was made with your pets’ safety, comfort and well-being in mind, we recommend checking out our microfiber towel that’s just right for the job. Ultra-absorbent but soft and gentle.
Check Out Our Microfiber Towel for Pets! -
Regular combing: Combing is one of those activities that takes less than two minutes a day, but is sometimes neglected because of busy schedules. Not only does combing nip matting in the bud, by busting frizz and tangles, it also improves your pet’s blood circulation and makes for an amazing opportunity to bond with them.
The right tool: For effectively-groomed pets, most ordinary padded brushes will do the trick. In any case, you might want to double it up with a moisturizing spray that helps with detangling their coat. Good news is that we have one that could be just right for your dog. And it doubles up as a perfume. The Dog Furfume spray which moisturizes and helps detangle your pup’s fur while providing up to 12 hours of lasting freshness. Perfect for in between showers.
Check Out Dog Furfume! -
Regular de-shedding and de-matting: Even if you comb your pet regularly, it is always a good idea to frequently de-shed and de-mat their coat. Like an extra layer of protection for the obstinate tangles that combing didn’t straighten out. As discussed earlier, de-shedding prevents the buildup of loose clumps that aggravate the matting of fur. And de-matting takes care of the extra adamant clumps that form behind the ears, their armpits, their tails and in their nether regions.
The right tool: If you’re using trimmers and traditional clippers, exercise caution. A lot of it. Ideally, if you’re inexperienced, leave that bit to the professional groomers. But for their regular grooming routine, we suggest using our 2-in-1, double-sided de-shedding and de-matting rake for dogs and cats. A versatile tool that works for all coat types and has been designed with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. Keep their coat healthy and mat-free.
Check Out Our De-Matting and De-Shedding Rake for Cats
Check Out Our De-Matting and De-Shedding Rake for Dogs
BONUS TIP: Vet visits and hiring a professional groomer can be expensive. At least when it comes to fur hygiene, regular, proper grooming can save you the hassle and the extra fee.
DOG-PARENTS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: In case you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for bathing, cleanliness and grooming, we have something special for you.
Check Out the All-in-One Dog Bathing Kit Pro
Happy pet parenting, guys!
Team GoNorth.
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