Mat removal

[MuffinMama]

Hey guys, 

I’ve had my bunny for a couple months and now that he’s very affectionate and used to me I figured it was time to work on his mats. He’s a long haired lop and has had a lot of matted fur ever since I got him. I took some scissors today and carefully cut them out while he was eating some hay. I was really careful and although I did have to cut somewhat close to the skin to get them out, I am almost positive I didn’t cut him. But since then (about half an hour ago) he’s been non stop licking himself and I noticed he has a couple bald patches. Like I said, I was VERY cautious and I didn’t cut close enough to have created these bald patches. Is it possible that they were already there but I couldn’t tell before because his hair was so long? and why would he be licking so much? For future reference is there some better way to get mats out? They were way too intense to fix with a comb. 

[Limit]

I’ve known some people to use clippers (with the guards) as this is generally the quickest and easiest way. The bald patches could be from where you’ve taken out the mats and that’s what’s left behind as you are taking out clumps of stuck together fur If you’re worried it might be worth popping him to the vets for a check over. The licking sounds like he’s grooming himself, I’m sure he feels much better with those mats off and I’m so glad you now have him in your care.

Hopefully someone with long haired bunnies can advise you x

[Paige]

I use a small pair of dog clippers from Walmart it’s around $9
I recommend the mini arco though
Using cordless clippers are better because they are usually quieter
I have an American fuzzy lop and he mats everywhere except his body and head
Some people are against using clippers because they can be dangerous
Always use a guard and only clipper for 5 minutes at a time to not risk your clippers overheating and burning your bun
Of course not having experience is scary and your rabbit savvy vet can clip out any mats as well
If you do decide to clip yourself please be careful!
If you didn’t yank any hair off of your bunny then the bald patches probably had hair that was ready to come off from molting if your rabbit is still shedding (mine is)

[Paige]

Also if the mats are not connected to the skin they can be taken out by ripping the mat apart with your fingers carefully and brush the smaller mats you created out
You could also cut the mat vertically several times and brush it out
Feel free to ask any questions ?

[Limit]

Posted By Paige on 3/22/2017 8:38 PM
Also if the mats are not connected to the skin they can be taken out by ripping the mat apart with your fingers carefully and brush the smaller mats you created out
You could also cut the mat vertically several times and brush it out
Feel free to ask any questions ?

I knew someone with a long haired bunny would come along quickly Always wondered what it’s like to have one, almost like giving them hair cuts

[MuffinMama]

Thank you all so so much for your help and for taking the time to respond. Muffin seems fine and so happy today! I’ll be heading out to get clippers with a guard ASAP. thanks everyone

[Jessica]

I personally prefer using clippers, I honestly feel you are less likely to accidentally cut your bun. If you do have to use scissors to remove a mat, slide a metal comb comb between the mat and your buns skin, this will prevent you from accidentally knocking their delicate skin. Also bald spots are very common under mats that have been there a while. Mats constantly pull every time the animal moves, therefore leaving a bald spot underneath them. I have seen this a lot in cats and dogs when I was a full time pet groomer. I have not run into it with my angoras but we also have a nightly grooming routine

[Author]

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