Dear Sinéad and Siouxsie,
My brother Lucas and I are worried. Sometimes I get mats in my fur. My Mama says she's going to have all my fur cut off in the spring if I keep getting them! Will I be cold? Will it hurt me?

Thanks,
Zack the Kitty

Siouxsie: Mats? Ew! We've never had that problem, being short-haired ladies, but it's fairly obvious that it's all your mama's fault. If she'd just brush you more often, you wouldn't be having this problem, and now she wants to shave you? Humph!

Sinéad: That's a little harsh, Siouxsie. Maybe there's a reason Zack is getting mats, like perhaps he's got oily skin secretions or something. I'm sure Zack's mama takes really good care of him.

Siouxsie: I suppose you're right. Sorry, Zack's mama. Now, Zack, if you don't want to get mats, you have to let your mama brush you every day. She'll help you get rid of all that extra fur you may be having trouble with.

Sinéad: If you're having skin problems that are making your skin extra oily, your mama might want to try adding some nutritional yeast to your food, and maybe getting you some better-quality, all natural kibble. Our Mama used to buy us natural lamb and rice kibble at the pet store, and we loved it. Now we have to eat this Prescription Diet stuff because of my little urinary tract problem, but it tastes pretty good, too, even if Mama says it costs an arm and a leg. Also, she shouldn't feed you tuna cat food. Tuna tastes good, but it's really not good for us. It's too rich, and usually cat food manufacturers put extra artificial stuff in it to make it taste even better to us. Siouxsie and I particularly like chicken-flavored or turkey-flavored canned cat food. And of course, if hamburger or beef scraps happen to fall onto the floor, we don't mind helping Mama to clean them up.

Siouxsie: Even if she does give you different food, you're probably still going to have to have your mats cut out. She might not have to have all your fur shaved off. Mama tells us that our great-great-great grampie, Purr Bear, used to get mats, and he used to let her cut them out. Maybe your mama will give you a break and take you to a professional groomer, who can get the mats out and leave you with most of your lovely fur.

Sinéad: If you do get your fur cut or shaved, it won't hurt as long as you sit still and cooperate with the groomer. If you move around, you might get nicked or cut, and that would hurt. It'll be a little embarrassing to be naked, but your lovely fur will grow back in short order, especially if your mama gives you nice, nutritious food.

Siouxsie: Yeah, Sinéad knows all about being naked. Naked belly girl! Naked belly girl!

Sinéad: Cut it out, Fatso!

Siouxsie: Do I have to come over there and bat you?

Sinéad: Oh yeah? Why don't you just TRY and catch me, Miss Thunder-Paws?

JaneA: Ladies, please!

Sinéad: Ahem, oh, yes...well, as I was saying, being naked might be a little embarrassing, but your fur will grow back soon and hopefully your brother won't be mean to you, unlike SOME cats. It will be a bit cold, too, so make sure your mama is extra careful to keep the house warm and not leave you outdoors for too long, if you go outside.

Siouxsie: So, to recap: Daily brushing (and you have to cooperate with your mama on this if you don't want to get shaved!), nutritional yeast and better-quality food, and no tuna cat food.

JaneA: I have a dog friend that has skin problems like hot spots and oiliness, and I got her a flower essence called Healthy Coat from Green Hope Farms in Meriden, New Hampshire. They actually have a whole line of animal care flower essences that both the ladies like quite a bit.

Sinéad: They're yummy! If Mama forgets to give me my essences, I keep reminding her until she gets the point.

Siouxsie: I like mine, too. Mama just puts a drop of the essence in her hand and strokes it into our fur along our backs. We lick it off, and it tastes good.

JaneA: One other question, Zack: Is it possible that you're getting mats because you can't reach the area where the mats are growing? Sometimes cats that are overweight or who have arthritis can't groom as well. If that is the case, then your mama may want to talk with your veterinarian about a weight-reducing diet or treatment for your pain (if you're having pain).

Got a question? Need some advice? E-mail Sinéad and Siouxsie at advice@paws-and-effect.com. None of the advice in this column is meant to be a substitute for regular veterinary care.