Long haired cats really need daily brushing. I have not been able to brush Mr Tom daily (yes, he’s my neighbor’s cat, but he lets me brush him, so I do), so over the winter he had matts build up under his legs. When I first noticed them they were tight to the skin, making cutting them out a risky business. As his fur grew, the matts came away from the skin and I was able to slip a small pair of scissors in to clip it off while he was lying on his side. He only allows me to get one off before he lets me know he’s had enough, though, so there is still some work to do. Spring time shedding should help, and will be a good time to get him matt free again.

I brush Shadow less, but Shadow keeps himself groomed better than Mr Tom.