Patches of matted fur - help

[GreyGoose1980]

Hi all
I need some help with DC. He is now 15. I’ve had him since he was a one year old stray. Although he’s slowed down a bit over the last year sleeping more at night he’s still fairly active (caught a mouse the other week and climbs over fence, jumps onto window ledge etc) and affectionate. However over the last three - six months I’ve noticed a couple of patches of matted fur on his back hips that seem to be becoming more obvious. His fur in general is losing its condition. He still eats his food ( wet and dry) without seeming in pain with his teeth. He is booked into the vet next week but I’m worried they will find something wrong and he’ll be PTs. Anyone experienced similar with their DC? X

It could be that he’s getting a little bit arthritic and is finding it hard to groom. It’s probably worth the trip to the vet for a poke around. They can also trim the matts out, then you can keep on top of things by combing and brushing. If it is arthritis they can prescribe something, one of my cats had a daily painkiller that just got hidden in her food.

My DC is a longhair and is now 16, I’ve noticed her fur is really horrible on her sides this year and all I can do is keep brushing and carefully cutting out the knots. The vet said she wasn’t worried if DC is herself at home - they don’t groom as much as they get older apparently. Vet said she could be sedated and shaved but I didn’t want to do that with her age so am braving the hellcat she turns in to when the brush comes out
I know a lot of people say don’t cut the matts as you are at risk of cutting the cat - my vet was fine with me doing it carefully.

And to echo PP my cat has arthritis - she has metacam daily in her food (well in treats - it’s the best time to groom her - I get shredded less )

@Chemenger
@Martinisarebetterdirty
Thanks to you both - hopefully it is just old age / arthritis and the vet can give him something for it if need be. DC tolerates the brush so hopefully if the vet can snip out the matts this time I can up the ante with the brushing to try and stop any more matts.