Helene4, With a cat that is as cranky as Roxy,
14+K has the right idea. A little at a time usually works best.
Having said that, if the mats are
reeally bad and as you say next to the skin, and you want to get rid of them all at once, a "stitch ripper" (available at a sewing or fabric store) is a great little tool to gently get a mat out. It has a tiny blade and by poking it into the mat and gently
pulling it up toward you it gradually cuts the mat without any danger of cutting the skin. Sometimes a mat is so close to skin tho, that you do have to let it grow out a bit.
The secret to having no mats, is that once you've got them out, you really do
have to groom a longhaired cat a minimum of once a day (twice is even better). It's a quick groom to run a grooming comb through the coat.
Here's an example of the type of comb that works well. I've found most cats prefer combing to a wire brush, and it works better.
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store....-flypage-31097
If the fur is
clean it is not as likely to mat. If Roxy really detests baths, you can freshen the coat with "cat wipes" (also great for people that have cat allergies)
http://www.achooallergy.com/pets-quickbathforcats.asp
If the mats are just in her breeches area, you could wrap her up in a towel like a mummy or newborn baby--- but with back end exposed, have someone hold her and her back legs still, and you remove the mats. This way you avoid being bitten or scratched---tho don't wrap her head.
I also agree that you should not use tranquillizers.
But do give her the yummiest treats after grooming, whatever she likes best, a bit of cheese, even ice-cream, cat treats.
Don't give her treats at any other time. Hopefully, you can get her mind turned around that grooming is pleasurable or at least tolerable and treats are coming! Try to maintain your cool and speak to her in a gentle voice, telling her how beautiful she's going to look. Good luck!
For people that have or are considering a long haired cat, as part of their training, it's best to get them accustomed to being
groomed every day, as kittens, even though their coats don't really need grooming, and always finish with a little treat. Believe me they will look forward to it and get excited when they see you coming with the grooming comb or calling them to come to you!
quincymycat, to keep your cat's breeches clean, trim back about 1-1/2" from around the anus. (blunt-nose or moustache scissors work well) This will help a lot.