Hair matted on the back of Cheddar

The hair on the back of my cat is matted.  It looks as if something got on it....but I can't clean it out.  Nothing will get it out.  I've tried all kinds of detergents and it still won't come out.  I've tried cutting it out but Cheddar isn't too keen on that.  Any ideas as to what could be causing it?  Someone suggested to me that it could be an allergic reaction to something.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Is Cheddar a long-haired kitty? If the mats are thick and close to the skin, then I would opt to shave them out. Cutting out mats is very risky because cats skin is so thin and you could easily catch or cut the skin. If you are not comfortable shaving yourself, you could have a groomer do this or even your vet's assistant. Anyway - that is what I would do so I could get a good look at the skin and see what is going on under the mats. What about fleas? Any troubles with those? Some cats do get oily on their backs especially above the tail area and need constant combing or brushing. The sebaceous glands can overproduce oil causing matting in that area along the back and constant brushing is necessary to avoid matting.

Be careful about washing the mats with different types of soaps because the mats will retain water close to the skin, if the mats are thick, and then the skin will become very irritated and could become quite sore from not drying out properly. That is why I recommend shaving. Don't worry the hair will grow back and Cheddar may look silly from your point of view for a little while but he will feel so much better.

Thanks for the advice!  

Cheddars Mom said:

Thanks for the advice!  

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Sure! Do let us know how it goes and GOOD LUCK with Cheddar.