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In the last week I have noticed that my cat's fur is ...
Sent to Cat Experts August 11 01:52 PM

In the last week I have noticed that my cat's fur is all matted along his back in the hind area. It feels different too. I tried brushing it, but it still looks and feels weird. At first I thought it was because it has been so hot lately and that is why his fur is clumping and shedding, but it doesn't look normal. Any ideas?

 

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August 11 3:44 PM (15 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
Reply to Lori's Post: My cat is 4 years old, an indoor cat. He is neutered. He eats Purina Cat Chow dry food. His diet has not changed. Thanks.
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August 11 5:02 PM (1 hour and 18 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
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Thank you for the additional information! If your cat is overweight, he may be having problems reaching the area on his back that is matting. I would remove the matts first. You may have to either take him to a groomers to have this done, OR you can try taking a little seam ripper and going through the matt and getting it out. I would not try to cut it out, as many cats have been accidently cut by an over-enthusiastic owner. Your kitty may have an issue with his food. Many times diet can cause the problems you are seeing in his coat. He may not be processing the corn and gluten portions of his food. Initially, I would try moving him onto a corn-free food such as Innova, Wellness, Felidae or California Natural to see if there is any improvement in a few weeks from doing that. If you are still seeing an overproduction of oil and mats in his coat, at that time, I feel you may need to have him checked by the vet for glandular issues such as diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. He's young to be experiencing those problems, and that's why I suggest the gradual change in diet first. Keeping him brushed and combed daily will help keep mats from forming and will help distribute natural oils throughout his coat. When changing food, do it by adding a little new food to his existing diet each feeding. Add more each time and less of old food until he is eating all new diet. Please let me know if I can help further.


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Lori McLaughlin
Your veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted first and foremost when your pet's welfare is at stake.
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