What is the best method/product for long Haired MATTED CATS?

Try the FURminator deShedding Tool for Cats. I've used this on my Persian mix cat to remove mats. I've seen it at PetCo as well as Target. It's a little pricey but it really helps with keeping shedding under control and reducing the undercoat as well.

I use a product by Four Paws which has unmoveable bristles, in the shape of a wide "V," on it. It rips matts out, and thus can be very painful for my cat, so it's good to hold his fur at the base (near the root). Although I don't know the name of the product, it says on it: "#MTR 1J5." This is the only product I've found that really helps get his matts out.

I also sometimes carefully clip them away, but you shouldn't attempt this unless someone else can hold the cat completely still and you are absolutely confident you're not clipping the skin (remember that matts can be painful for the cat and involve the skin). If you're not confident, you may need to get a professional's advice. Some people have their cats shaved by a vet if the matts get out of hand.

Good luck!

I have actually used a combination of different things. First, I went out and bought NO MORE TEARS detangling spray for kids. I know this may sound stupid but when your desperate your desperate. This kinda worked my husband held my cat & I sprayed it in the fur and rubbed it in. It worked on some of the smaller mattes, but eventually the ones under the paws were so bad he had to go to the groomer to have them shaved off. So, going forward I went to Petco and bought the rake comb and that seems to have helped tremendously. I do brush him at least twice a week, but I've been told I should do it every day if not every other day. Also, cornstarch is supposed to work as well. I haven't tried this one, but a girl I work with who is actually involved in Pet Friends, Inc. told me this and she has 15 cats. Good luck!

If worse comes to worse you can have her clipped down and start over. They look very silly, but it grows back. A lot of people get the "Lion cut" for their long hair cats and they love it.

You can pick up dematting tools, rake combs and slicker brushs at any pet supply store.

The rake brush should be in a "Y" wishbone shape and have wide teeth, which you may want to use first. Start at the bottom of the hair shaft and work your way up. If you don't, you will end up brushing mats closer to the skin further down the hair shaft and tangle more hair into it. Also when brushing be sure to do small 1"-2" sections at a time and hold the hair with your hand so you're not yanking the kitties skin.

For preventative maintenance, use a slicker brush. This will be a sturdy handle with a square at the end, usually red or blue in color, about 2"x4" and larger. There are a number of small pins, maybe half an inch to an inch in length and very close together. These are ideal for curly-haired dogs and long-haired cats, but be sure to not press too hard, those pins can hurt!

The traditional two-sided cat brush with pins on one side and a human-looking brush on the other are really only good for smooth-haired cats. It won't brush out your long-haired cat properly, so don't bother with it.

As far as dematting tools, it would be best to call up or visit a grooming salon like PETsMART and ask to see this tool in use. It's a bit more complicated and medieval-looking, and it actually has razor blades in it - so this is an item best used with sound advice. I've actually accidently cut my thumb with one while grooming a Newfoundland - just so you know, they can be tricky if not used properly and will take off more hair than intended.

Best of luck to you and your cat!