Not all cats need professional grooming or clipping, but some situations can call for a cat haircut, such as matting fur. When a cat has matted fur, a shave or haircut is often the best solution.
Cats that are prone to matting may require professional grooming every few months to help keep their fur clean and healthy. Cats' fur can become matted if they are in their senior years or if lazy groomers don't keep their fur clean. They can also struggle with mats if they are overweight, which makes it hard for them to reach some areas during self-grooming, or if they have long hair, which requires too much time and effort to stay pristine.
While a trim might be for the best, don't try to cut out mats or shave your cat yourself. Instead, take them to a certified groomer to keep everyone happy and safe. Here you can learn about the most popular clips, cuts, and shaves used on cats to help you decide on the best style for your cat.

Lion Cut
The Lion cut involves a close shave on most of the body but leaves longer fur on the shoulders, head, legs, and end of the tail. The resulting style really does remind you of a lion and is great for cats prone to matting, with the added benefit of reduced shedding.

Comb Cut
The Comb Cut is not as short as a Lion Cut, but it is similar. The fur of the shoulders, head, and legs is left long, while the back is trimmed short (though not shaved). This cut also reduces matting and shedding but allows your cat to keep some super-soft fur on their back.

Panther Cut
More extreme than the Lion Cut, the Panther Cut shaves off a larger area of fur, only leaving fur on the head and legs (and sometimes the end of the tail). This is the preferred cut for cats with severe matting, especially if matting occurs around the neck.

Kitten Clip
Who doesn't want to look two years younger? This all-over trim for long-haired cats takes fur down to the usual length of a short-haired cat. In addition to looking cute, it is a useful preventive cut to reduce the number of mats and amount of shedding for a few months.
Sanitary Clip
The Sanitary Clip is a more limited cut, only trimming the area around the genitals. This can be very helpful for elderly or overweight cats that have trouble staying clean. In order to stay clean, cats will need a new shave every six weeks or so.
Belly Shave
Since the area most prone to matting is the underside of the cat, some pet parents prefer to tackle this trouble zone with a shave. Usually, the belly is shaved close to the skin, but the rest of the fur is left long. Sometimes, the shaved belly may be completely unnoticeable when the cat is walking around, but it makes a significant difference in reducing mats.
Ways To Get Rid Of Cat Hair And Furballs
Unless pet owners have a leather sofa, there are chances that their furniture will end up with pet hair and fur deposits. It’s not just furniture but any kind of fabric, such as curtains and tablecloths, that are sites for cat fur to get stuck. Leather furniture can be quite expensive, and thus cat owners need to have efficient ways of getting rid of their pet hair. One of the first things that pet owners can do is to ensure that there is enough ventilation in the room and the humidity levels are not significantly low.
Removing cat hair from furniture
Removing cat hair from various kinds of furniture, such as sofas and upholstery, is best done with a pair of damp rubber gloves. By simply running the gloved hand over various surfaces, hair can be easily collected. Once the glove is covered with hair, one needs to simply rinse it off and repeat the process. In case rubber gloves are not available, one can also use a wet sponge in its place. Another easy tactic is to spray a combination of water and fabric softener on the furniture and fabric and then start wiping it off.
In order to remove cat hair from wooden furniture, a soft cloth with furniture polish can be easily used. Alternatively, one can also use an anti-static dusting spray. Using such anti-static sprays eliminates static charge, and the fur comes off the surface easily.
Removing Cat Hair from Carpets and Floors
One of the best ways to clean those tough-to-dig fur and hair deposits from the carpets is to use a pumice stone. Using a pumice stone is advantageous as it not only collects the hair efficiently but also doesn't damage the surface of the carpet. For wooden or laminated floors, one can use electrostatic mobs or one of those microfiber wipes. Using a vacuum is not very effective in these cases, as it loops the hair around instead of sucking it in. If the cat owner wishes to vacuum the carpet, then it is advised to go twice over hair-infested areas in alternate directions. This will ensure that the hair is properly disengaged from the carpet fabric. There are special vacuums available that especially cater to pet hair. These come equipped with filters and powerful suction, which pulls off hair effectively.
Throwing floor mats and tablecloths in the dryer along with a dryer sheet or a spiky dryer ball is an effective way of automatically removing fur from them. Brushing and grooming cats with long hair every day and those with short hair once a week is a preventive measure against fur deposit. Timely grooming leads to a fur-free house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you cut mats out of cat hair?
No, cutting mats out of cat hair with scissors or other sharp tools is not recommended, as this can be dangerous and potentially harm the cat's skin or cause injury. It is best to use appropriate grooming tools and techniques or seek the assistance of a professional groomer or veterinarian.
How do you prevent a cat’s hair from matting?
To prevent a cat's hair from matting, it's important to establish a regular grooming routine, which includes brushing or combing the fur regularly. In addition, a healthy diet can prevent excessive shedding and tangling of the fur, while occasional bathing can help keep the fur clean and free of tangles. Trimming the fur around the areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and around the tail, is also recommended. Providing soft bedding or blankets for your cat to sleep on can help prevent tangles and matting. Finally, regular grooming appointments with a professional groomer can help keep your cat's fur in good condition and prevent matting.
How do you remove matted cat hair without cutting it?
Removing matted cat hair without cutting it requires patience and gentle techniques to avoid causing pain or injury to the cat. First, try to gently tease apart the mat with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Use short, careful strokes to avoid pulling the hair or causing discomfort. Apply a pet hair detangler or conditioner to the mat, which can help to loosen it and make it easier to comb out. Use a slicker brush, which has fine, angled wires, to work through the mat. Start from the outside and work your way in, using short strokes to loosen the hair. If the mat is too large or difficult to remove, try using a mat splitter or mat rake, specialized grooming tools designed to break up and remove mats without cutting the hair. Be sure to reward your cat with treats and praise throughout the process to keep them calm and relaxed. If the mat is too close to the skin or too large, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional groomer or veterinarian, who can safely remove the mat without causing harm to the cat.
How painful are mats on cats?
Mats on cats can be very painful, especially if they are tight and close to the skin. Mats can cause discomfort and irritation, leading to skin inflammation, infections, and even open sores. Additionally, the pulling and tugging sensation of a mat can cause your cat to experience pain and distress, which can make them more sensitive to touch and grooming in the future. Therefore, it is important to take prompt action to address matting in cats and prevent it from becoming a source of pain and discomfort for them.
Does olive oil remove mats from cats?
Olive oil can be effective in helping to loosen and remove mats from a cat's fur, but it should be used with caution to avoid causing harm to the cat. Gently apply a small amount of olive oil to the mat, taking care to avoid getting it in the cat's eyes or mouth. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently work the olive oil into the mat, starting at the outer edges and working inward. Once the mat has been loosened, carefully comb it out with a slicker brush or mat splitter, taking care to avoid pulling or tugging on the hair. After the mat has been removed, thoroughly wash the cat with a mild pet shampoo to remove any remaining oil. Using too much olive oil or leaving it on the cat's fur for too long can lead to skin irritation or even digestive issues if the cat ingests it during grooming. Therefore, it's best to use olive oil sparingly and always monitor your cat's behavior and well-being after applying it.
More on Cat Care
What Causes Cat Hairballs?
The Importance of Taking Your Cat to the Vet
Maintaining a Healthy Cat Weight