Splitting hairs

My non-shedding fluffball gets the occasional mat in the usual places - back end, tummy, armpits, ears. What's the best way to remove?

Combing them out is time-consuming and pulls on the hair, even if I hold the mat. Someone mentioned a mat splitter to me. I googled it and it looked like a torture device. How do you use it safely?

Any other ideas on mat removal, please?

Georgina Kay, by email

Muddy paws

Can any fellow dog owners recommend a good mud-removing mat for after we come in from muddy walks? For years I’ve been putting towels on the kitchen floor before we go out in the rain, but I’ve seen a mat that claims to remove mud from paws and I wondered if it is any good. Has anyone used one?

Beverly Riley, by email