Has anyone here encountered this before?
I have a friend whose long haired kitty Rosie hates to be brushed, and as a result often has mats on her sides and butt. They've never been a big problem before as they just cut them off her. Rosie has never been bothered by them much before. However, recently she's started getting them on her neck. They're really bothering her, and she's been ripping them out and leaving little scabby patches.
My friend is taking her to the vet, but we'd really like to hear from anyone with experience of this, or any advice! Thanks. :)

Ouch!!!! You know the mats have got to hurt if she just rips them right out!!!!! Yikes!!! We have a medium haired cat that has never gotten a mat in his 1 year of being a little rascal. We don't even brush him out, ever....I'm waiting for lots of criticism....... Anyway, the shapmoo we use is a cheap brand from Wal-Mart, it's a hairball control formula with conditioner beads. We bathe our cats once a month, because of allergies and all the loose hair. It's in a pink bottle by the way. I would give it a shot, it will be a lot cheaper than what ever your vet gives you. If it doesn't work then go buy the stuff from your vet.

Well, the cat won't let them brush her, let alone try to bathe her. This is why she gets mats in the first place unfortunately. I was just wondering if there was something you can rub into the mats to loosen them maybe? I wonder why the mats bother the cat so much. Do they pull on the skin underneath?

Poor kitty.... Mats that are close to the skin pull and pinch and can be very painful to a cat. Really severe mats can feel like a lot of pressure (like the cat is choking). The mats can even cause internal organ problems. My cats don't like to be combed but I have to do it anyway. If the owner won't or can't keep the cat groomed, they should probably look into a groomer where they can take the kitty regularly.

Also....I explained the wrong cat shampoo.....:blush: We use skin and coat kitten and cat shampoo. It's Hartz brand. I love it and it works great for our kitty

have you tried any oils or anything to help you try and comb through the mats. I have a feeling the mats are bad enough that you will need to just cut them out.

Poor kitty.... Mats that are close to the skin pull and pinch and can be very painful to a cat. Really severe mats can feel like a lot of pressure (like the cat is choking). The mats can even cause internal organ problems.
:( I figured it must be really uncomfortable for her to actually rip them out. Especially on her neck area.

have you tried any oils or anything to help you try and comb through the mats. I have a feeling the mats are bad enough that you will need to just cut them out.
They've tried a few things, including hairball remedy straight on the mats ( to try and get her to groom) but nothing seems to work. They have no problem cutting out the mats, it's just the ones on her neck that she rips out first.

Wow I don't really know what to do other than that. Have you talked to the vet or taken her to a groomer or anything. Our Petco has a grooming room in it. You could always stop by and just ask them if they know of anything to try. Those groomers are awesome and I bet they would be more than willing to give some advise.