Should I shave my matted long-haired cat?

Heavy, tight mats often do need to be clipped out rather than brushed, but it’s usually not a home job. Mats sit right against the skin, and cat skin is thin and tears easily, so scissors and even home clippers cause a lot of accidental wounds. A groomer or vet can shave a badly matted coat safely, sometimes with light sedation if she won’t hold still. For mild matting, work it loose gently with your fingers and a comb. Then prevent the next round with regular brushing, which is far easier than removing mats.

When to call a vet: Don’t cut mats with scissors. If she’s severely matted or the skin underneath looks sore, have a groomer or vet handle it.