Why You Should Never Use Scissors to Cut Out Mats: The Hidden Danger Pet Owners Need to Know

Roman's Empire • May 27, 2025

Matting in your pet’s coat may look like just a grooming inconvenience—but what many don’t realize is that underneath those tangles lies a serious risk. One of the most dangerous DIY mistakes pet owners make is using scissors or shears to try cutting out mats.


While it might seem like a quick fix, this well-intended act often ends in injury—and it’s one of the most common causes of lacerations we see in grooming.


Mats Sit Tight to the Skin—And Skin Isn’t Flat

Mats don’t just form on the surface of the coat. They often pull tightly against the skin, especially in high-friction or high-moisture areas like armpits, behind or on the ears, tail base, or groin. Because pet skin is incredibly thin and mobile, it often gets pulled up into the mat. When you slide a pair of scissors underneath what looks like fur, there’s a very real chance you’re actually cutting skin.


Unlike human skin, which is relatively taut and even, pet skin moves with very little pressure—especially on older pets or those with loose, wrinkled, or sensitive skin.


A Split-Second Slip Can Cause a Long-Term Injury

Even the most cautious scissor snip can end in stitches, staples, or worse. We've seen pets who needed emergency vet care for full-thickness cuts, and unfortunately, many of these injuries aren’t noticed right away—until they’re infected or your pet is in visible pain.


Vet bills from lacerations often exceed the cost of multiple full grooming appointments, and the trauma—both physical and emotional—to your pet can make future grooming even more difficult.


Why Groomers Use Clippers, Not Scissors

Professional groomers are trained to use clippers with surgical-grade blades to gently shave under mats without risking the skin. Even then, extreme matting can make this process risky and delicate—which is why most reputable groomers won’t attempt dematting with tools in severe cases and will opt for a full shave instead to protect your pet’s health and safety.


At Roman’s Empire, we prioritize your pet’s well-being above aesthetics. If matting is present, we’ll assess the safest route and never attempt to salvage a style at the expense of your pet’s skin. It’s safety over vanity—every time.


See why shaving matting isn't optional for more.


Why Scissors Are Even More Dangerous for Cats

Cats have even thinner, more elastic skin than dogs. Their skin can tear with minimal pressure—think of it like delicate tissue paper beneath the fur. In fact, many veterinarians and professional groomers consider feline grooming to be one of the most high-risk services in the pet care industry for this reason alone.


What makes cats especially vulnerable:

  • Hyper-mobility of the skin: Their skin shifts and slides over muscle like silk, which means a snip near a mat can catch flesh without warning.
  • Smaller body mass and tighter mats: Cats are compact animals, and their mats tend to form very close to the skin—especially around the neck, chest, and underarms.
  • High sensitivity: Cats don’t tolerate discomfort well. An injury—especially a hidden one from scissors—can quickly turn into infection, excessive licking, or behavioral issues.
  • Delayed recognition of wounds: Cats hide pain instinctively, which means you may not even realize you've cut them until a serious infection has developed.


Even minor attempts to "just snip out a small mat" in a cat can result in full-thickness lacerations, tissue trauma, or emergency surgery. In some cases, a simple accident has even resulted in death from secondary complications like abscesses or necrosis. This is not an area to take lightly.


Professional cat groomers use specialized equipment, techniques, and restraint protocols to protect feline skin. If your cat is matted, please don’t try to fix it with scissors—schedule with a trained feline groomer instead.


But I Just Needed to Get One Small Mat Out…

We hear this a lot. And while it may be tempting to just cut out “one little knot,” the truth is, even one careless snip can turn into a serious injury. Especially in areas like behind the ears or near the groin, where veins and nerves are close to the surface, the risks far outweigh any short-term fix.


If your pet has just a few mats, the best option is to schedule with a professional groomer trained in safe mat removal—or if they’re minor enough, ask your groomer to show you the proper tools (like detangling sprays, mat splitters, or undercoat rakes) and techniques for at-home coat care between visits.


Don’t DIY the Danger—Seek Professional Support

We know it’s frustrating when your pet’s coat gets away from you. Life gets busy, and mats happen! But we’re here to help you recover without risk.


If you suspect your pet is matted, or you’re unsure how to safely address a knot, contact us. We’ll give you honest advice, humane solutions, and options to get your pet back to comfort without fear, trauma, or pain.


Further Reading & Resources:


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