Jasmine (East Haddam, Connecticut) on 08/18/2010
5 out of 5 stars

I could not believe that using baby oil would get rid of mats. My Norwegian Forest cat (long-haired) is over 16 and has stopped grooming herself and the mats have just multiplied. I did not want her to undergo any shaving which would mean being "put under" and wouldn't know if she could take it. I applied some virgin olive oil that I had in the house and put it on a couple of her mats. I couldn't believe my eyes today when I found one of the oily mats on the floor! Unbelievable! I figured if she licked herself, it would be good stuff for her! Thank you all so much. More tonite! .... A little at a time!

Replied By Ann (Bingley, Yorkshire, England) on 06/01/2011

Thanks so much for the baby oil suggestion. Our long haired cat is 19 years old and has stopped grooming and coat covered in mats. We have been trying to cut out but frightened we might hurt her. Think she wouldn't cope with a full coat shaving as recommended on some web sites. Read your postings re baby oil and decided to give it a try. To our amazement it is working and mats are sliding off. Not sure how its working but it is. Be grateful for any advice re what to do now with one very oily cat. Mats are going but coat now covered in oil. Will it eventually wear off or do we need to do something to remove oil? Be grateful for advice.

Thanks

Replied By Lapebble (Glenwood, Ia) on 06/04/2011

I would suggest bathing him in dish liquid or something similar that cuts grease. They use it on birds that get oil on them from oil tankers that spill in the ocean.

Replied By Godfreytribe (Norman, Ok) on 06/05/2011

good old blue dish soap bath. I used olive oil on lice for my kids and had to use it to cut the oil. Good luck.

Replied By Annemichelle (Fort Wayne, Indiana) on 11/15/2011

I was so glad to hear from the woman who has a 19 yo cat. Thank you for going into a little more detail about keeping the oil on for several days.
I was doing fair at keeping my 18 yo cat's fur somewhat clump free until recently. Lately it has gotten worse and it breaks my heart because I can tell it is very uncomfortable. After reading the posts. I went to the kitchen and got the Olive oil and a plastic syringe and started putting in on both back sides near his tail and even on his chest! In the last couple weeks even his legs have gotten matted.... :(. I am working on the biggest ones and will attack the little one's after that. I have to tell you that he was not happy that I was putting it on him. Our relationship has temporarily changed from him following me everywhere to me following him. LOL He just keeps looking over his should to see if he can relax before I put more oil on him!!!
I put towels on my couch and since my cat sleeps with me I am a little nervous of getting oil every where.... But it is worth it if it works!
Thank you!

Replied By Colleen (Canada) on 12/31/2015

Great thread guys! I used vita oil on my himalayan but it was to thick so now he's a greasy matted static mess. I'll try some oil on the large grouping of smaller matts then wash him down with dish soap. Has anyone used human shampoo and conditioner on your cat?

Replied By Suseeq (Sydney, Australia) on 01/01/2016

Colleen, try coconut oil or olive oil in spray can and spray each tangle then comb works well and no mess.

Replied By Theresa

(Mpls., Mn) on 01/02/2016

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The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

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Hey Colleen,

Human shampoo should be fine on your himi as long as you follow up with a final vinegar rinse to restore the balance of the PH on the skin - use 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Do keep in mind that when you wash and dry matted fur the mat shrinks when it dries; this could cause tremendous pain for your himi. Please consider cutting the mat out or seeing a groomer if you cannot work the mat out.

Replied By Donna (Philadelphia, Pa) on 08/14/2016

Try cornstarch for matted fur.

Replied By Soazburrolady (Southern Az) on 08/16/2016

One of my older long haired kitties has been prone to matting really from the beginning. I have tried multiple combs and brushes along with massaging coconut oil into the base of the mat. Coconut oil is actually good for kitties and a good choice for oiling. Recently, the mats have become more of a problem and I tried a new comb. Wow! Worked great even without the coconut oil and with almost no pulling. I sent one to my son for the "grandkitties" and it was a big hit there too. The head of the comb is rather heavy, so I am careful while using it over bony areas. I bought mine from Amazon for about $30. I hope it is okay to be specific about the item - Go Pets Dematting comb. Maybe it will help your kitty. I also used it on my big old lab/Newfie mix. And he liked it too.

Replied By Bernadette (New Zealand) on 04/14/2017

No please don't use any dishwasher or soap just sponge her with water then towel dry. Putting any soap unless special vet soap is toxic and makes Matt's worse.

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