Cats are excellent self-groomers, long-haired cats benefit from extra grooming care by their owners.   Long-haired cats living indoors can shed all year round.  During the main shedding season (springtime) when the weather turns warmer, the undercoat will loosen.  The loose hairs if not removed by a rake comb or long-toothed comb will become entwined with the guard hairs.  This process is the beginning of a mat, essentially starting a dread-lock on your cat.  The mat then attracts more hair and dirt to join it.  By the time you see the mat, it will be quite large.
 
The Dangers of Mats
Mats can cause skin infections, skin lesions and other pyodermas.  The hair clumped together cuts off the oxygen to the skin creating a hot bed for bacteria. The dead hair traps dirt and debris.  If the matted hair gets wet, this can be an open invitation for a maggots, lice and fleas to take residence making your cat quite miserable.  If the mats are too large, if there are too many or if they are obstructing the rectum or are on the legs, over time, your cat will be unable to walk properly, so take your cat to vet now as these are major medical issues.  A professional groomer can also remove mats but make sure that they are familiar with the differences in attitude between cats and dogs.  Grooming your long-hair cat/kitten from the first day she arrives at your home so they become used to and eventually like the process is very important.
 
Removing Mats
Never bathe your cat before trying to remove the mats and gather your tools around your work station. To start put a pinch of cornstarch on the mat and gently work it down into the hairs with your fingers.  Pull the mat upward, without pulling the skin and using either the comb or your fingers, grasp the base of the mat above the skin and work the hairs to try and loosen it.  Once the hair is less tight, use the comb and gently comb the hairs apart. If the mat is stubborn, use a smaller flea comb or a baby comb to work through the clump of hairs. Do not use your wire bristle brushes for mat removal.   Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair.  Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors, just be very careful.
 
Preventing Mats
Prevention means brushing your cat daily.  Although short-haired cats do not get mats, brushing them daily will help stop hairballs from occurring.  If you own a long-haired cat, you should have on hand at all times hairball medicine. There are also various quality dry foods for cats that help control hairballs.  Laxatone works well as a hairball aid and cats seem to like it. It can be bought at any pet supply store.  Daily grooming is the key to stopping mats from taking hold in long-haired cats.  Brushing their hair helps prevent hairballs from occurring in both long and short-haired cats. Regular grooming sessions will also allow you to form a unique opportunity to bond with your cat, making each experience better and better.