When Cats Take Matters Into Their Own Paws: The Hidden Dangers of Matting

At first glance, this might just look like a patch of irritated skin — but there’s a bigger story behind it.

This poor kitty came into the salon recently with painful sores under their fur. Why? Because they’d been trying to remove their own mats by biting and pulling at them. It’s heartbreaking, but sadly, it’s something we see far too often in long-haired cats. Many owners are shocked to learn just how painful matting can be — and how cats will go to extreme lengths to get relief.

So how does it get to this point? And more importantly, how can we stop it from happening in the first place?

Matting Doesn’t Happen Overnight... But It Sneaks Up Fast

Matting usually starts small — a tiny tangle in the armpit, behind the ears, or on the belly. These areas are hard for cats to groom properly, especially if their coat is long, thick, or prone to shedding. Add in a bit of moisture (from licking, cleaning, or even damp weather), and loose fur starts to clump together.

Over time, those clumps form tight knots that pull on the skin. Think of it like having a rubber band twisted tightly on your arm — all day, every day. It tugs with every movement and gets tighter the longer it’s there.

Why Cats Try to Remove Mats Themselves

Cats are clever and sensitive creatures. When something feels uncomfortable — like tight, itchy mats — they’ll try to sort it out. Unfortunately, their only tools are their teeth and claws.

When a mat gets too painful, some cats will start to chew or rip at the area. They’re not being naughty — they’re just desperate for relief. But this often leads to:

• Broken or damaged skin

• Redness, swelling, and open sores

• Risk of infection

• Increased stress and anxiety

The image above is a clear example of this. The mats had pulled so tightly on the skin that the cat tried to bite them off, leaving raw, inflamed patches behind.

Why Cats Can’t “Groom It Out” Themselves

One of the biggest myths I hear is:

“Cats groom themselves — they don’t need a groomer!”

While cats do groom themselves, they’re mostly licking and spreading natural oils. They’re not detangling deep mats, especially in tricky spots like the belly, armpits, or under the tail. Older cats, overweight cats, or long-haired breeds like Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Persians struggle even more — and once a mat forms, they simply can't get it out.

What You Can Do to Prevent This

The best way to avoid this painful cycle is to catch mats early or prevent them altogether with regular grooming:

✅ Check your cat weekly, especially in problem areas like under the arms, behind the ears, belly, and around the bum.

✅ Feel for any tightness or clumps, even if you can’t see them — mats often hide under the top layer of fur.

✅ Book regular professional grooms — we recommend every 8-12 weeks for long-haired cats or those prone to matting.

✅ Ask us for advice if you’re not sure whether your cat needs help — we’re always happy to guide you.

No Judgment, Just Help

If your cat has mats, you’re not alone — and you haven’t failed them. Many owners simply don’t realise how quickly a small tangle can turn into a big problem. What matters most is getting help before it becomes painful for your cat.

At The Soggy Dog Spa, we’re here to help — whether it’s your cat’s first groom or they’re already struggling with matting. We offer gentle, stress-aware grooming to get them feeling comfortable again, and we’ll happily talk you through a care plan to keep them mat-free long term.

Got questions or need to book in? Drop us a message — we’re always here to help.

Or learn more about our Cat Grooming Services in Grimsby by clicking here