Not all mats are the same.
A small tangle behind an ear and a full-body pelt may both be called "matting," but they represent dramatically different levels of coat involvement, discomfort, and intervention needs.
The TANDEM Cat® Matting Severity Scale was developed to provide a structured framework for assessing coat burden in cats. The scale helps create consistent communication between guardians, groomers, veterinary professionals, and the TANDEM Cat® Clinical Grooming Team.
Rather than describing a cat as simply "matted" or "not matted," the scale recognizes that matting exists on a spectrum.
The TANDEM Cat® Matting Severity Scale evaluates:
Coat compression
Mat density
Distribution of matting
Skin involvement
Mobility impact
Hygiene impact
Required intervention level
The goal is to identify not only what is visible on the surface, but also how the coat may be affecting the cat's comfort and wellbeing.
A Level 0 coat demonstrates:
Full coat glide
No tangles
No matting
Minimal retained undercoat
Normal grooming function
The coat separates easily and moves naturally with the body.
Most healthy coats spend the majority of their time in this category.
At Level 1, the coat remains largely functional but early changes are beginning to appear.
Common findings include:
Mild undercoat retention
Increased shedding
Small areas of coat density
Reduced coat glide in isolated areas
Many cats at this stage appear completely normal to their guardians.
This is often the ideal point for preventive intervention.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/signs-your-cat-is-developing-coat-problems/
https://catsinthecity.com/how-to-prevent-matting/
At Level 2, distinct matting has begun.
Common findings include:
Small mats
Multiple tangles
Localized coat compression
Areas that no longer separate easily
Matting is usually limited to specific locations such as:
Behind the ears
Under the front legs
The chest
The rear legs
At this stage, intervention is typically straightforward compared with more advanced cases.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/why-long-haired-cats-become-matted/
https://catsinthecity.com/what-is-cat-matting/
At Level 3, matting becomes more extensive and begins affecting larger regions of the coat.
Common findings include:
Multiple connected mats
Significant coat restriction
Dense areas of compression
Reduced ability to inspect skin
Cats may begin experiencing noticeable impacts on comfort and self-grooming ability.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/why-cats-cannot-groom-through-severe-mats/
https://catsinthecity.com/why-mats-hurt/
At Level 4, large portions of the coat are affected.
Common findings include:
Extensive matting
Significant coat restriction
Hygiene concerns
Reduced mobility
Hidden skin conditions
Many cats at this stage require comprehensive coat restoration.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/how-matting-affects-mobility/
https://catsinthecity.com/how-matting-affects-skin-health/
https://catsinthecity.com/severe-matted-cat-portland/
Level 5 represents the most advanced form of matting.
At this stage:
Mats have fused together
Large sections of the coat behave as a single structure
Skin access is severely limited
Mobility may be affected
Grooming function is compromised
This condition is known as pelting.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/what-is-pelting/
https://catsinthecity.com/case-study-full-body-pelt-removal/
https://catsinthecity.com/severe-matting-cat-grooming-portland/
Many guardians assume grooming is only necessary when obvious mats appear.
In reality, the earlier levels of the scale are often the most important.
Addressing coat congestion and early matting may help prevent:
Extensive matting
Skin irritation
Mobility restrictions
Major coat restoration procedures
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/pre-felt-somatic-entrapment-syndrome/
https://catsinthecity.com/the-felting-model/
The TANDEM Cat® Matting Severity Scale helps determine:
Appropriate grooming recommendations
Grooming frequency
Coat restoration needs
Preventive maintenance plans
Guardian education
Not every cat requires the same intervention.
The scale helps match care recommendations to the actual condition of the coat.
One of the most important things to understand about the scale is that it is not a judgment tool.
Cats become matted for many reasons, including:
Aging
Arthritis
Illness
Mobility limitations
Coat type
Heavy shedding
Many deeply loved cats develop matting despite attentive care.
The purpose of the scale is to improve understanding and support better outcomes—not assign blame.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/why-senior-cats-need-more-grooming-support/
https://catsinthecity.com/do-indoor-cats-need-grooming/
At Cats in the City, the Matting Severity Scale is part of a broader clinical observation framework that helps guide trauma-informed feline care.
By creating a shared language around coat conditions, the scale allows guardians and caregivers to recognize problems earlier and intervene more effectively.
Combined with regular grooming and proactive coat maintenance, it helps support comfort, mobility, skin health, hygiene, and overall quality of life.
The TANDEM Cat® Matting Severity Scale provides a structured way to understand the progression from normal coat function to severe pelting.
Recognizing where a cat falls on the scale helps guide intervention, improve communication, and support earlier, more effective care before minor coat problems become major ones.