The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Olive Oil
Posted by Griffy (NH) on 08/14/2018
★★★★★
I first tried coconut oil- just a small amount applied to the base of the mats, along the skin. The next day it had loosened up & I was able to get one mat out with slightly less effort than before. Yesterday I applied a larger amount of olive oil, with an ear syringe to the base of several large mats. 2 big mats were on the floor this morning & later I watched while Grif ( 21 years old) reached around & pulled off a third. Amazed, this worked so well! ( I probably used a Tbsp of oo for 3 mats.)
Olive Oil
Posted by Jan (Uk) on 02/23/2018
★★★★★
After many purchases of brushes, combs and grooming products causing my cats more stress while trying to get stubborn matts out of their fur ( 4 Norwegian Forest cats ) I finally tried olive oil. It was nothing short of a miracle. One of my girls had a massive tat on her chest and once I had worked the olive oil into it then combed her I was amazed at how easily it slid out along with a load of loose hair. I don't know why this method isn't widely mentioned ( except it doesn't sell products perhaps ) although you have to be careful and not use any other oil. A big thank you for the advice .😺
Olive Oil
Posted by Kacey (Buffalo, Ny) on 06/14/2017
★★★★★
Matted Fur: I used olive oil. I put my hand in a ziploc bag and poured some oil into my palm and just rubbed it on my cats back. Then I used a furminator brush/comb and they came right out! Magic!
Olive Oil
Posted by Gidget (Ca) on 04/08/2017
★★★★★
After reading about putting olive oil on cat's matted hair, I was willing to give it a try. I really wanted to avoid any grooming salons if I could help it. I've tried combing the matted knots out, but I just couldn't they were too tight. This was my last shot before I was forced to take her to the groomer. I applied olive oil on a few spots. My cat was wondering what the heck I was doing. She'd rather be brushed than me putting a substance on her..It wasn't easy. I tried for 3 days, reapplying little by little. Well today, I could see they were kind of hanging there. Still attached tho. I thought.. this olive oil trick didn't work! I took out her comb and Wala! The mats came out super easy! I was so happy and I know my cat was too. I showed my daughter what came off and she was surprised. She was very sceptical. So, give it a try, even if it takes a few days. You will be amazed!
Olive Oil
Posted by Susanne L. (Hartwell, Ga) on 09/22/2016
★★★★★
Have an old long haired cat that stays outdoors. On a good day I can pet him on the head and back. His fur started matting badly, thick huge patches around his hips and lately on his butt. Had to do something! To catch him I used a 4'X4' and around 6'high dog kennel that I had converted into a cat condo with several levels made of shelves. Sits under a 3 sided shelter. I started feeding my cats in front and inside the kennel.
Days later manage to close the door on him. He went ballistic once he realized he couldn't get out. Sprayed some feline pheromone on a rag and put inside with him and let him cool down for about 30 min. Figured I could just cut the matted fur off and let him go again.
That was simpler said than done! Hardly any cooperation from the cat. Needless to say he really started getting frustrated as time went on. I didn't make much progress.
I searched the internet for a way to maybe tranquilize him in a safe way or take him to the vet.
Ran across this site and gave it a try:
To this cat it seems a 3 second rule applies. That's about all the time he gave me to get close to his rear end.
I took a eye drop bottle (Visine, artificial tears). Popped the top off, rinsed it and dried the inside with Q-tips. With small funnel filled it up with olive oil. Armed with cat treat kept cat busy enough to squirt oil around patches so oil runs between fur patch and skin. I did not put any oil on top of patches instead just dowsed it on heavy to let run between patch and skin.
That was the day before yesterday.
Yesterday a lot of the patches had loosened up a lot. Trimmed the edges that poked out as much as he let me. Put more oil on it.
The cat wasn't greasy other than the rear end. Had oil on the selves. No litter stuck on him anywhere.
Today patches where literally dangling. After a couple of visits in the kennel for a snip here and there it's all off!!!!! I can tell he's happier. I watched him groom himself again for the first time (yeah, now he move, bend and reach! )
This method worked for me in less than 48 hrs.
Olive Oil
Posted by Susanne L. (Hartwell, Ga) on 09/22/2016
★★★★★
In reference to my post less than 1 hour ago:
Litter didn't stick to oil; I only use coarse non-clumping unscented clay litter.
Planning on keeping cat (named Fluffy, ... not so fluffy at this time, but happier) in the kennel so I can brush him, spoil him, pet him so when I let him out it will be on a good note.
Also give him fish oil (poke with thumtag and squeeze it out of capsule) for his sore skin. Gave it to dog every before that hat inflammed skin from rash and it worked wonders after about a week or so. Not every cat is fond of fish oil and licks is readily of the plate like Fluffy does. I use a medicine container with a dropper that had antibiotics in it from the vet (cleaned out of course) and give it to my cats into their cheeks.
Olive Oil
Posted by Roger (Nh) on 06/10/2016
★★★★★
I've been using olive oil on my feral cat who just recently started getting mats. He loves the taste of it and a lot less stressful than if he had to be shaved. A large chunk of matted fur came off so it does actually work. Before you use baby oil on your animals, do a shot of it yourself first!!
Olive Oil
Posted by Sue (St. Jospeh, Mi) on 05/12/2015
★★★★★
Several people have posted that they used oil on their cat's matted hair. I have tried it before and never had any luck, but my cat must have gotten into some sap or something very sticky, so I tried it again. She was so matted up. I didn't even know where to begin. Out of desperation, I got out the bottle of olive oil and really soaked some of the big matts. I really felt sorry for her because there were so many. I want to tell you, that it really does work. I think that I may not have soaked the matts enough on my past attempts. Also, it didn't take just one time. I could see after a couple of days that they were definitely coming lose so I reapplied again and sure enough, they came loose enough that I could cut them off. She still has more but I am working on them a few at a time. So, if you have tried it before and it didn't work, just keep oiling until you see them coming loose. It might take a few days before you notice it.
Olive Oil
Posted by Peggy (Memphis, Tn.) on 03/04/2015
★★★★★
We tried olive oil on our cat and it worked great!!! The vet recommended a $200 lion cut to remove his mats because they were so severe. Also, they wanted to sedate him. He is an older cat and i was afraid of that so out of desperation I went to the internet to find a solution. This site came to the rescue. The oil worked great but I tried to watch him and keep him from licking and ingesting much of it. Also, you have to be patient and work it into the mats every now and then and very lightly and gently brush him with a brush with rubber nibs on the bristles. After about 5 days a miracle happened. No more mats!!! He does have some bald spots but better that than the mats. God bless everyone who suggested the oil remedies. You all saved our cat and saved us a $200 traumatic shaving experience for our cat!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! P.S. bathe your cat a.s.a.p. Peggy
Olive Oil
Posted by Yay For Olive Oil Nay For Canola Oil (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 02/03/2015
★★★★★
18 year Maine Coon. Thick mats all over his body. Used olive oil because it is safe....it worked!!! Just have to be a little patient. While I was applying the olive oil he purred....
Don't use Canola Oil. It is man made and not good to ingest.
Thank you!
Olive Oil
Posted by Anna (Missiouri, US) on 01/31/2015
★★★★★
I used olive oil for the first time on my 16 year old blind (and long haired) cat. I put it on three mats last night and this morning, found two on the floor! And the other one is well on it's way to coming off. I am SOLD. This not only works, but works fast. I am talking, hard to get matts too. Amazing. I am so happy. I have spent years! Getting mats out of my older cat's fur. Thank you!!!!
Olive Oil
Posted by Larry (Denver, CO) on 12/24/2014
★★★★★
I used canola oil and it seems to work well. I put a liberal amount on my cat and worked it in. Made fur very oily but most clumps are working out nicely. Maggie (my 18 year old long hair) is grooming it out and as she is grooming the clumps come out. It is also much easier to comb her, and I'm betting it will help with my wife's alergies.
Olive Oil
Posted by Willie (Boulder City, Nv) on 04/26/2012
★★★★★
Our cat had a lump of matted fur and we tried olive oil. We gentley rubbed it into the clump of hair and within a couple of days it was gone. Yea for olive oil.
Olive Oil
Posted by Linda (Quincy, Ma) on 12/01/2010
★★★★★
After reading your email, I tried the olive oil on my 16 year old cat this morning. In all honesty, I didn't expect it to work.... I got home for work and I couldnt believe it, the matting was gone!!! Thank you all for sharing:)
Olive Oil
Posted by Pam (Lancashire, England) on 09/11/2010
★★★★★
My cat is 18 years old and developed matting all over her back. Booked her in a grooming parlour but she was so stressed out just trying to put her in the kitty box. In desperation I bought some virgin olive oil on monday and covered one of the matts and tuesday morning it was on the floor. Repeated the same night with another matt, I was a bit bothered about her licking it but thought surely it can't do her any harm. By Friday she was matt free. She's never been happier and so am I
