Cat’s tangles. What to do?

What are koltuns?

Cat hair, like human hair, is constantly renewing. Dead hairs fall off and new ones grow in their place. Usually the animal is licked every day and more than once, thereby just removing the fallen hairs and renewing the skin. But if the animal is old or sick, or simply has very long fur, then it is impossible to remove all dead hairs by simply licking the cat. They remain in the wool, eventually getting confused among the living and falling into ugly lumps. This is the koltuns.

Why do tangles appear?

First, it is worth recognizing that this is a problem mainly for long-haired cats. Persians and similar breeds are especially affected. Simply because their tongue is not able to remove all dead hairs like a good comb. It is for these breeds that daily combing, one might say, is vital. Secondly, mats can be a symptom of the disease, appearing in an animal regardless of the length of the coat. The problem may be one or more at once:

1. Depression and stress. The depressed state of the animal leads to the fact that it does not pay attention to its appearance. There can be many reasons for stress. The main thing here is to identify the problem and help the pet recover.

2. Dermatological problems. Some skin diseases in cats lead to the formation of tangles, which cannot be eliminated without solving the underlying problem.

3. Diseases of the oral cavity. If a cat’s teeth or gums hurt, she has no time for grooming. Poor oral hygiene leads to caries and stone formation. But if the problem is running, you need to urgently make an appointment with the veterinarian. By the way, it is also necessary to visit a doctor prophylactically and monitor your pet’s teeth.

4. Dandruff. Dandruff flakes stick together the hairs even more, causing the formation of tangles. Dandruff treatment and hygiene will help to cope with the problem.

5. Skin parasites. Fleas or withers make cats lick themselves very often. Due to an excess of saliva, the wool falls into wet lumps, which then turn into tangles. Antiparasitic treatment will help to cope with the problem.

6. Improper bathing. If you use shampoos that are not intended for cats, or even lather the animal incorrectly, tangles can form.

How dangerous are tangles?

Tangles are not only ugly, but also dangerous for a cat. Of course, they do not require emergency assistance, but it is impossible to delay the solution of the problem. So what are the dangerous tangles?

1. Felled dead hair pulls on healthy hairs, causing the cat at first a slight inconvenience, and in advanced cases, severe pain.

2. Trying to get rid of interfering tangles, the animal licks and bites them. Wool soaked in saliva becomes a good breeding ground for bacteria.

3. Under the hairball, the skin swells, which leads to various dermatological diseases.

4. Trying to get rid of tangles, the cat can seriously injure itself. A wound under a dying coat heals for a very long time and can fester.

5. Ulcers and weeping wounds may appear.

How to deal with knots?

1. Prevention will help. Brush the animal as needed. Check the coat frequently on the belly, on the paws, on the neck and under the arms. Due to the movements of the animal, tangles most often form precisely there.

2. Unravel. Newly appeared tangles can be untangled. Carefully disassemble the ball of matted hair with your fingers, and then comb the cat with a comb, paying special attention to the area where the tangles were found.

3. Cutting down. If the mats are already running, then the only way out is to cut them off. First, it is better to separate the lump with scissors so as not to damage the skin of the animal later. After cutting the mat, the wool is carefully combed out.

4. Use a chisel cutter. This is a special device, a symbiosis of a comb and scissors. Thanks to him, you can cope with tangles much less traumatic for the pet.

5. Haircut and grooming. If the owner understands that it is impossible to cope with the problem on his own, it is worth contacting specialists.

Of course, tangles are not a condition that directly threatens the life of a pet. But still, you should carefully monitor the condition of the cat’s fur. If tangles appear constantly, the cat has ceased to take care of itself, and its general condition causes concern, do not delay – contact the veterinary clinic.

Photo: Collection

April 23 2019

Updated: 19 May 2022