HELP!!!

I have three former stray cats of my own and another (huge Maine Coon) who turns up many nights to sleep in a cat bed on my enclosed porch.  It's really cold this winter and he is covered in mats.  He let me cut off a few but most of them are so close to the skin that he would have to be professionally shaved.  If I have that done what would I do with him until the it warms up in the spring?  He won't stay in the house and I don't want him to freeze to death with no fur at all.  I put up signs all over the neighborhood (Picture included) but have had no response so I guess no one is taking responsibility for him.  He's in pain and has even pulled out a few on his own - his chest is bare.   Any suggestions?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks sooo much.

It's fantastic that you are helping this cat !

Have you got a spare room that he could be confined to ? Somewhere with a enough room for a cat bed and litter tray, like a bedroom or bathroom.

Wow.  What a predicament.  First, why do you think he's in pain?  And does it have to do with the mats?  I know how severe mats can become, so I totally believe you when you describe them as being so close to the skin.  You are fortunate that he will at least allow you to handle him.

Would it be possible to clip the mats down but not actually remove them close to the skin?  That might give him a chance to pull more of them out without too much difficulty.  He may be able to thin them out that way without depriving himself of too much protection from the cold.  I think you're right that the weather is much too cold to have him shaved right now!  ..

I don't know if this has been much help.  I pray you are able to find a solution, and bless you for caring for the outside kitties! ...

I agree with GemsGem and AllMomsKitties. You could try clipping the mats enough so that they don’t get too close to his skin, but it sounds like they are pretty tangled. Maybe you could bring him to a groomer and have all of the mats and tangles removed and then keep him warm by isolating him in a small dark room (i.e., bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom) or even just a securely closed playpen or large crate with litter box, food, water, and maybe some small toys if he’s interested, but that might still be overwhelming for him, especially since he’s a stray. Maybe someone with a lot of experience on taking out severe mats and tangles can give you some ideas on trying to take on the ones that are close to his skin.

Hope for the best for you and this kitty- thank you for what you have done to help him.  

If he's letting you cut them at all, he's been someone's pet at some point.  A professional clipping is the answer but again, only if you have an inside space for him.  Thank you so much for helping him.  Matts can actually tear their skin and the tears can get infected.

Like @Ondine   said he may have been someones pet or has adjusted to you and understand that you want to help. But get him inside and sit in the room with him. DONT BE SCARED!! Cats will sense that and it will frighten him. But keep an eye on him. He may start to spray so getting him fixed ids a MUST!!

And after his visit to the groomer it would be good if you moisturize his skin since its sensitive to the cold air.

And what we feed our strays is scrambled eggs with clam chowder mixed in or. smashed sardines with beef stew and some dry food.