Can short haired cats get mats in their fur?

[Sanity Claws]

When coming back from a walk this evening, I passed a homeless cat hanging out in the park. He was not feral because he responded to my calling him kitty and he allowed me to pet him.
When I went to pet him, I noticed dried fur in lumps on his back. I just patted him on the head because of that.
Could those lumps be simply mats?

For those who are interested, I walked back and fed him a can of food. He ate it up.
I plan to call the local animal shelter during business hours and see if they can trap and help that pretty little cat.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Yes; mats are just loose fur that clumps together. It's more likely in longer fur

but short-haired cats can get them, too. It has a lot to do with fur texture. I have a short-haired cat who never gets mats, a medium-haired cat who never gets mats, and a medium-haired cat who constantly gets them. Her fur is very fine and it just mats up easily. All this kitty probably needs is a good grooming. I hope he can be rescued, cleaned up and given a home.

[japple]

2. He might have had an abscess or scabs. Or it could be grass burrs.

n/t

[Sanity Claws]

3. Update

A cat rescue group picked up the cat without even using a trap. He was that tame and friendly.
The person who got him said that his fur was just matted. They don't think they'll have problems placing him because he's so friendly.

Yeah!!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. That's good news! Thank you for helping him.

:loveya: kitty

[japple]

5. Good on you, SC, for taking care of this kitty. You are so fortunate

to live in an area where this kind of help is available. I hope he finds a wonderful new family.

[yellerpup]

6. Thanks for taking care of that lost kitty.

I know he appreciated every act of kindness you performed for him and will thrive because he met you and you cared. I wish I could kick & recommend this to high heaven for the wonderful example you set. :loveya:

[XemaSab]

7. For future people who come across this post

mats are sometimes a sign of mouth problems. If your short-haired cat has matted fur or has stopped cleaning herself, it's time to go to the vet.

Good for you for helping that cat. :(