when is it safe to use small scissors on a mat

Ziggy is 6 and orange, Biscuit is 2 and mixed. Ziggy is usually chill but has a small mat near his hip that isn't close to the skin. I want to use small scissors to cut it out but I'm worried about nicking him. What are the specific safety rules for using small scissors on mats that are not close to the skin?

If it's not close to the skin, you can cut it. But you have to be careful. I have Rex, a 4 gray shorthair, who gets aggressive when scared. If the cat moves, scissors are dangerous. I would use clippers instead. See clipping mats from a resistant cat for how I handle it. Scissors are for when the cat is very still.

Hello. I am a retired librarian. I have Luna, a 7 calico, who is a picky eater and Bob, a 3 tuxedo, who is a new rescue. Bob is very sensitive to touch. I think scissors are risky even if the mat is not on the skin. The cat can twitch. I would recommend using a comb to tease the mat apart first. If that fails, call the vet. See when to seek vet help for mats to know when to stop.

I have Gus, an 8 grey shorthair, who is overweight and Sam, a 4 orange tabby, who is healthy. Overweight cats are hard to groom. I use small scissors but only when the cat is eating. Food keeps him still. See best small scissors for cat grooming for what I use. You have to be quick.

Behavior modification is key. I have Miso, a 2 orange tabby, who is hyper and Gus, a 5 black shorthair. Hyper cats move too much for scissors. You need to desensitize the cat to being touched near the mat first. See preventing mats in long hair cats for routine care. If the cat is stressed, do not use scissors.

Thanks. Ziggy is food motivated so I might try that. But I was wondering if there are specific rules for the scissors themselves? Like how to hold them? I saw a thread about a shy cat with mats shy cat with mats and new baby stress and it mentioned using a different tool. Can someone clarify the safety rules for the scissors?