problems with matted fur and dandruff

by Kristi
(Spokane, WA)

My cat Pickles is 3 1/2 years old, spayed, front declawed and always stays inside. Recently she has developed clumps of matted fur on her behind on each side of her tail. There is also a white, flaky dandruff substance near these clumps that is not present on the rest of her fur. I have brushed the area several times and not only does it seem to bother her (she squirms to get away and gets very vocal even though she is usually pretty quiet) but the matts hav not gone away. And a LOT of fur has come out, it seems like much more than normal. Her fur is too thick and dense for me to see the condition of her skin. She is eating, sleeping, playing and pestering my other cat as normal.

I am just wondering if this is all a result of the matted fur and she has maybe a skin condition or if it might be something more serious. I'm scared.

Answer by Kate
matted fur can be very painful and unplesant for a cat and preventing them in the first place is the best option. this will require brushing at least twice a week.

The flaky skin could be caused by the matts as they pull on the skin and cause irritation etc. or course she may also be unlucky enough to also have a skin problem too. the only thing you can do is to take her to the vets so that the mats can be safely and gently removed and also the skin can be treated.