The fur on my cat's back near his tail is all matted and stuck together.?

[hamlegz]

What could this be and should I wash him? If I do that how can I keep him from flipping out (he's a pretty big 3-year old and has some powerful claws, not sure how to hold him down). Or do you think there's something really wrong that shampoo would make worse?

 

[Stephanie S]

Don't wash your cat the matts will only get tighter. I would take him to a groomer to be dematted.After that try to brush him at least once a day.

 

[altaira_3]

Washing it won't get the matts out. I'm assuming you have a long-haired cat and you don't brush him very often. Take it to a groomer to get them shaved out and then after that brush the cat daily to prevent them.