How to use a cat dematter

A cat dematter is used to remove matted fur. This tool combines a comb and scissors to help tidy up your pet's fur. Although it's fairly easy to use, extreme caution is essential to avoid causing physical or psychological harm to your pet.

Varieties

The problem of matted fur is quite common in cats of various breeds that have free access to the outdoors. Among indoor cats, it is most common in long-haired breeds such as Maine Coons, Siberians, Persians, and others. In short-haired pets (British, American, European Shorthair cats, etc.) this situation is less common, but not excluded.

A mat cutter is a good tool for combating tangled fur. It can not only remove mats but also comb out tangled branches, leaves, and dirt, which often accumulate in free-roaming cats during the spring and fall.

Mat cutters vary in design, material, and, of course, manufacturer. There are three most common types of this device:

• Horizontal: Similar in appearance to a paring knife, the tool has multiple blades arranged parallel to each other, seemingly an extension of the handle. The blades are sharpened on one side and rounded on the other, ensuring safe use.
• Vertical: Similar to a regular comb, but blades are used instead of teeth. They are also sharpened on one side and rounded on the other. Sometimes the teeth are shaped like a hook, which provides a good grip. tangles.
• Culpeid: shaped like a teardrop, usually with a single blade. It is used to remove mats in hard-to-reach areas (paws, ears, groin).

The size of a mat cutter will depend on the number of blades (usually 4 to 12) and the length of the handle. The blades should be made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant steel.

How to choose

The wide variety of dematting tools can be confusing for pet owners. Therefore, here are a few tips to help you choose the most appropriate one:

1. The horizontal dematter is more suitable for short-haired animals, while the vertical dematter is unique and more effective for long-haired animals.
2. A teardrop-shaped dematter is useful for animals of any breed, as it is convenient and safe for removing clumps of hair in areas with sensitive skin.
3. The number of blades should be selected depending on the size of the cat, so that the device is not too big or too small.
4. The blade steel must be of high quality to ensure long-term use of the tool.
5. Blades must be sharp, as they are virtually impossible to sharpen at home. Blades that aren't sharp enough won't cut the mat cleanly, but will tear the fur.
6. It is recommended that the handle be rubberized and non-slip, and fit well in the palm of your hand.

Method of use

Using a mat cutter for cats requires a certain amount of skill. It may take some time to get the hang of using the tool quickly and easily. If the owner is unable to completely remove the mat on the first try, the procedure should be interrupted for a short period of time and then repeated. Taking a break is also beneficial for the animal, as the procedure is not particularly enjoyable.

To effectively perform the manipulation, you can use the following recommendations:

1. The animal should be calm. The procedure should not be performed during play or immediately after eating. At the same time, the pet should not be hungry.
2. It is necessary to place the pet on a hard surface without foreign objects and hold it firmly.
3. It is advisable that the procedure be performed by a person in whom the cat has the greatest trust.
4. If your pet doesn't like being brushed, it's best to restrain them properly. You can ask a loved one to help you with this.
5. Special sprays that soften hairballs can help speed up the process of removing tangles.

The actual removal of mats is accomplished by running a mat cutter along the hair growth in the affected area, with the sharp edge of the tool facing the wearer.

Note: The handle of a tangle cutter is usually designed in such a way that it will be uncomfortable to hold if you grip it incorrectly.

The movements must be performed smoothly and carefully, without applying too much pressure. Continue the procedure until the hairball is completely removed.

The dematter is used only on problem areas; it is not suitable for daily combing.

Cat tangle cutter: video

Reviews

Alexander:

"We have a Persian cat in our family. After moving into a private house, he started going outside a lot, and we started having problems with his fur constantly matting. We bought a Trixie universal cat dematter. It turned out to be very useful. It easily untangles matted fur and cuts away tangles. It's easy to use: it has a comfortable handle and rounded teeth, sharp on one side. The tips of the teeth are specially blunted so they don't damage the skin. We're happy with the purchase."

Julia:

"I use a Beeztees dematter (made in Hong Kong) for my Maine Coon cat. It works well, removing matted fur quickly. Naturally, the cat doesn't like the procedure, but it's much safer and neater to use than scissors."

Read also:

• Nail clippers for cats
• Furminator for cats: what it is, how to choose and use it
• How to get rid of cat and dog hair in your apartment