Has your cat’s fur gone Lumpy in place? Is your kitty’s coat looking less than sleek? Have you noticed an unwanted furry phenomenon taking over?

Lumpy fur is a common concern of cat parents. If your cat is currently experiencing this don’t worry as this article will help you get to the bottom of what could be causing this problem.

An Introduction – Why Has My Cat’s Fur Gone Lumpy?

We know that most cats like to look after their coats. Indeed, we often see that the health of cat’s coat provides insight into its overall wellbeing.

Hence, if your cat’s fur has gone lumpy suddenly or unexpectedly it should indeed cause you to reflect on the reasons why. It might also suggest that your cat requires medical attention.

Of course if you’re ever worried about your cat’s wellbeing, you should take them to a veterinary professional. In the meantime, the following are some of the reasons why your cat’s fur might have become lumpy.

Senior Cat Trouble

Is your cat elderly? If so, she may have decided it was time to step down from her position as the lead groomer. No doubt, senior cats require more love and attention as they slow down due to a variety of issues due to aging.

One common age-related issue is arthritis. Osteoarthritis could make it impossible for a senior cat to position herself as needed to groom many areas of her body. Cats over the age of ten are most likely to suffer from arthritis. It could impact any area, including the hips and spine.

Also, older cats naturally produce more grease, causing matting. If your cat is gray around the whiskers, commit to helping her with fur maintenance. She may also require the occasional bath in her old age.

When grooming senior kitties to relieve their lumpy fur, ensure they’re as comfortable as possible while keeping an eye out for any sensitive problem areas. Note that mats must be gently loosened to prevent hurting your kitty or causing fur loss. And, once the grooming session is complete, reward her with some tasty treats!

Lumpy Fur From Undercoat Shedding

Not all cats have undercoats, but for those who do, shedding seasons are spring and autumn. While a cat is shedding, undercoat fur could get stuck in the top layer of fur. As a result, tangles and mats can form, causing the coat to look lumpy.

Help your cat manage shedding season by brushing her regularly. Special undercoat brushes are available for cats with an extra-thick undercoat. Brushing prevents lumpy fur and creates a bonding experience for you and your fur baby.

How Much Does A Ragdoll Cat Shed?

Obesity

Everyone loves an extra-fluffy kitty, but weight gain can start causing problems if left unmanaged. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like heart or kidney disease, arthritis, or diabetes.

Besides those issues, overweight or obese cats also lose flexibility. That means they can’t twist and turn to properly groom hard-to-reach areas. So, their fur will eventually become matted and lumpy. If your cat is overweight or obese, you must brush them consistently.

Mouth Pain

If a cat’s experiencing oral pain, it’ll be difficult for her to groom adequately, if at all. Note that if she has mouth pain, she’ll likely struggle to eat and drink. Several medical issues could cause this unfortunate situation.

At the root of dental pain is dental disease. It’s a widespread issue that your vet can diagnose and treat. One such disease is gum disease (gingivitis), and periodontal disease is a worsened stage of gum disease. Tooth resorption occurs when a tooth decays beyond repair.

A prompt visit to the vet is necessary if your cat clearly has dental pain. As she recovers, assist her with grooming to prevent more lumps or matting.

A Case of the Blues

Like us, cats can get depressed. So, if your kitty has recently experienced a significant life change, monitor her closely. For instance, have you recently moved homes? Lost a family member? Has your cat had a recent change in physical ability? If so, check for other symptoms of depression, which include appetite loss, lack of engagement with toys, changes in urination habits, and, unfortunately, lack of grooming.

As a pet parent, you can help reverse your cat’s depression. Try spending more quality time with her, and introduce a few new toys. Also, cheer her up with new treats and catnip. Meanwhile, attend to her beautiful coat to prevent further lumpiness by grooming her yourself until she gets back to normal.

Skin Issues

A variety of skin problems can lead to lumpy fur and vice versa. If your kitty has a fungal infection, it could be the cause of that matted, greasy fur. What’s more, a fungal infection like seborrhea can cause itchiness and dandruff. Note that fungal infections are more common in outdoor than indoor cats.

If you notice lumpy fur, remember to act quickly before the matting takes on a life of its own. Extremely matted fur can cause itchy skin, inflammation, or even infection. Whether underlying skin problems caused the matting or the other way around, consult your vet to resolve the issue and prevent further skin problems.

Some Parasites Make Cat’s Fur Lumpy

No one ever invites fleas to make themselves at home on a kitty’s skin, but unfortunately, it can happen. Feline parasites include fleas, ticks, mice, and even lice. Any one of these pesky parasites can quickly wreak havoc on your cat’s skin.

Fleas eat their host’s blood, and if cats are allergic to flea saliva, it can cause extreme itchiness. Even if the host isn’t allergic, cats with fleas will often lick, scratch, and bite at their skin. This damages their fur, causing lumps or hair loss. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage to your cat’s coat or far more severe issues.

Unhealthy Diet

Poor diets can cause oily or clumpy fur. If your cat is eating kibble, check the carbohydrate count. High-carb diets aren’t a feline’s friend when it comes to health. Provide high-protein and high-quality meals to your cat if you notice fur issues, and before long, your cat’s coat could transform.

Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids promote a healthy, shining coat. Go a step beyond that kibble by adding these supplements to your kitty’s diet. To achieve a high-protein diet, consider wet food instead of kibble. Wet food, on average, contains more protein and fewer carbs than dry food. Of course, keep tweaking your cat’s diet to achieve the best one possible for her with the help of your trusted vet.

Is Wet Food Better for Cats than Dry Food?

Summary – Why Has My Cat’s Fur Gone Lumpy?

To sum it up, while lumpy cat fur may be worrisome, it can typically be resolved with a bit of extra care and attention. Whether that’s a change in diet, more frequent grooming, or a trip to the vet, there are many ways to get your feline friend back to looking and feeling her best!

Has your cat’s fur ever gone lumpy? What was the cause? Please leave your comments and questions about lumpy fur on cats in the section at the bottom of this page.

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