The soft and smooth fur of a pet can bring happiness to its owner for a long time. But sooner or later the moment will come when this fur will need to be trimmed and happiness risks turning into suffering. Pets are often very nervous when going to the salon and do not always like to leave the comfort of home and meet new people. This is where a cat clipper will help you, with which you can trim your pet’s fur yourself without any extra effort.
Why do you need to cut your pet's hair short from time to time?
Grooming, or trimming a cat's fur, is necessary for many reasons. These include keeping a person’s home clean, caring for a pet, preventing intestinal diseases, allergies and maintaining hygiene.
Owners of long-haired cats should be aware that their pet loses hair all the time, and not just during the shedding season. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically cut your pet's hair short to maintain its health and cleanliness in the house.
For your information! Grooming also helps to avoid tangles, which cause suffering to the cat, provoke the growth of bacteria, and disrupt blood flow and heat exchange.
The frequency of haircuts is affected by the breed and the rate of fur growth. Long-haired pets should be trimmed more often, for example, British chinchillas, Maine Coons and Redgalls should be trimmed once every five months. To begin with, the wool must be washed, dried, combed with brushes, and then trimmed. You can do this yourself or in a specialized salon.
Grooming a cat with thick, long hair
Pros and cons of grooming
Hairdressing and hygiene procedures for animals are the most practical care option, which consists of general cleaning of the surface of the pet’s body, shortening claws, cleaning ears and teeth, combing and cutting off matted fur. Hygienic grooming is relevant for Siberian, Norwegian, Himalayan, Angora and Persian cats, and in addition for breeds such as Maine Coon, Burmilla, Laperm, Selkirk Rex, Munchkin, Highland Fold, Lowlander (British Longhair) and some other representatives of the cat family.
Reasons for the procedure
Hygienic grooming relieves long-haired cats from clogging their stomachs with lint during the molting period, and relieves owners from fluffy deposits on clothes and interior items. The growth and loss of fur in cats is a continuous process, but once or twice a year, when shedding begins, the fur falls out intensively. This is the only inconvenience associated with long-haired felines that hairdressing services can successfully solve.
The reasons for carrying out hygienic grooming in the salon or at home are the following reasons:
- Too voluminous and long hair in the summer or at high room temperatures contributes to overheating of the pet’s body.
- An aged animal cannot cope on its own with maintaining its coat in perfect condition.
- If there are pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, then ingestion of a large number of hairs by a cat, especially during the molting period, can aggravate its health condition or negatively affect treatment.
- Increased secretion of substances of specific action (secrets) by the endocrine glands.
- Skin diseases, the treatment of which is hampered by long hair.
- Clumped and tangled pile, which is a symptom of various diseases.
- Mats and matted fur.
Supporters of pet grooming and their opponents have ongoing debates about the positive and negative aspects of grooming. Owners who are of the opinion that grooming cats of long-haired breeds is not a whim, but a necessity, are definitely right. It is advisable to carefully consider all the pros and cons before going to a cat beauty salon.
Pros of grooming:
- No wool deposits on upholstered furniture and clothing.
- It is easier to wash your pet and there is no need to dry it with a hairdryer.
- In summer, the cat does not languish from the heat.
The protests of cat owners who express a negative position regarding visiting pet hairdressing establishments are understandable. And they are based, first of all, on the fear of harming a defenseless creature. But you need to approach any event sensibly: if you eliminate all possible risks when carrying out grooming, then if the need arises, you can do a pet haircut.
- Stress for a pet that is unaccustomed to interference in its life from strangers.
- Possible abrasions on the cat’s body if hairdressing manipulations are performed by an unprofessional master.
- Undesirable consequences of using anesthesia in case of an allergic reaction.
Reasons for the procedure
What it is
Externally, the device looks like a regular electric device for cutting people's hair. The difference between them is minimal, since a cat can be trimmed with a regular clipper.
But provided that it is very powerful, it has sharp blades, and the power comes from the network. However, long-haired pets cannot be cut with conventional devices.
When choosing a model, you should take into account the breed and structure of the coat: in cats it is soft and thick. Special machines do their job well and do not cause discomfort to the pet. The following types are used for grooming cats:
- automatic - they work thanks to a vibration or rotary motor, powered by batteries or mains;
- manual - mechanical design similar to scissors, but with cutting blades.
Mechanical devices are silent, do not create vibration, and therefore do not frighten the cat. They also have their drawbacks - the length of the process, the inability to achieve an ideal result.
What clippers and trimmers are needed to care for a cat's claws and what is their price?
Machines are divided by engine type: pendulum, vibration and rotary. The former have average power and are used for home use. The second ones are low-power and produce minimal sound. Ideal for cutting short-haired pets, such as Ocicat. Rotary devices are professional, they are powerful and reliable.
There are also electric trimmers that are used to trim hair on the face, under the tail, on the paws, and on the belly.
Most famous brands
Choosing a suitable device that will last a long time sometimes becomes an overwhelming task. Many foreign brands produce devices that have earned respect from customers. Product quality, price, appearance, type, specificity - all this influences the choice.
Moser
Moser
A German brand that produces specialized devices for grooming pets. The Moser set consists of a machine, attachments, and tools.
The advantage of the brand is that the devices are convenient to use and store. Currently it is the most popular brand producing such instruments in Russia. The design of the cars is classic, the average price is 4,000 rubles.
Сodos
Сodos
The brand produces products in the budget segment. The models make minimal noise, thereby reducing the cat's anxiety.
The devices use the latest battery; they operate on mains power and batteries. The blade is made of stainless steel, the kit includes attachments, a cleaning brush, and a charger.
Andis
Andis
The American brand creates professional clippers for cats and dogs, which include removable knives. They operate quietly, the body is durable, and the blades are made of carbon steel. Price – from 9000 rub.
Ziver
Ziver
The brand produces professional clippers; models can be powered by batteries or mains power. The battery life is six hours. The device is suitable for cats of all breeds. Price – from 6000 rubles.
Very convenient gadget Baorun
Baorun
A popular manufacturer known for quality products. The devices are equipped with a powerful motor and sharp blades, which allows you to work at high speed, cutting any type of wool. There are some drawbacks, like other designs, but the price is budget - from 1,500 rubles.
Beautiful Wahl
Wahl
Devices from this brand belong to the expensive and professional segment. The appearance is stylish and convenient to use. The devices have two speed modes and can operate almost silently. Nozzles are not included. Price – from 11,000 rubles.
How to choose
Choose a haircut device taking into account your personal needs. Nozzles should be selected based on the type of pet’s coat, as well as its length. An important role is played by the popularity of the manufacturer and the price of the device. Cheap models are usually made of low-quality plastic, which reduces the service life of the product.
The flimsy body will become unusable over time, and the attachments will quickly fail. Inexpensive devices look the part but may not cut hair well, causing discomfort to your pet. It makes sense to buy an expensive clipper if a haircut is needed to prepare a cat for an exhibition, for aesthetics, or for complete care of long-haired breeds.
The difference between professional models
Professional cat clippers are equipped with a powerful motor, many attachments, blades and knives. The equipment is extensive, and in terms of quality, amateur models are significantly inferior to professional ones. Simple models are inexpensive, easy to operate and designed for home use.
Warning! Inexpensive devices can quickly overheat and the blades become dull more often. Professional devices have much wider functionality, and the quality of the blade is higher.
Machines are often made of ceramic, as it heats up slightly, and the blades are made of durable stainless metal. The weight of the device should not be very heavy or light.
Ergonomics is the main difference between a good device, regardless of its purpose. The device should lie comfortably in your hand and not emit strong vibration. Expensive models have a wide range of settings; there are replaceable attachments for different areas of the body, as well as fur lengths. They require skills to use.
Kinds
All pet grooming devices are divided by type of operation. They are electrical and mechanical. The former are divided into the following types.
Rechargeable
Convenient to use, as they operate on batteries or mains. Use only when fully charged. Functional, suitable for non-professional grooming.
Vibrating
Low power devices, ideal for amateur use. Not suitable for cats with long hair. Often used to trim a cat's hair.
Mechanical
The device is suitable for grooming pets at home. Outwardly it looks like scissors, which have a spring in the middle. The advantage of a mechanical device is its quiet operation. It does not require any power supply and can be used anywhere.
The mechanical machine is universal and does not require attachments. Easy to clean, inexpensive. Disadvantages include the need for practice. In addition, it is difficult to cut the fur evenly with this device.
Rotary
High-power, they are not cheap, so they are used for professional purposes. The advantages of rotary models include versatility and easier blade movement. Different attachments allow you to trim any type of fur. The disadvantages include high noise and strong vibration during operation.
No noise, vibration or heat
A manual cat clipper, which is not particularly popular, can be a real salvation if the mustachioed impatiens show nervousness, break out, or try to attack the “offender.” This simple tool works on the principle of pruning shears: the blades are controlled by two handles that need to be squeezed in the palm of your hand, the handles return to their original position under the pressure of a straightening spring.
A mechanical cat clipper has a number of advantages for both the owner and the pet:
- low cost compared to electric machines;
- almost impossible to break;
- the cat does not feel the frightening vibration;
The advantage is obvious: there is no need to forcefully restrain your pet, persuade her or use sedatives. A manual cat clipper works discreetly: you can, sitting on your favorite sofa, completely trim your cat without even waking her up. But there are also disadvantages: the cutting speed is significantly reduced, without certain skills it is difficult to make a perfect haircut.
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Stroke the back and sides of the cat with the machine turned off. There is no need to bury the blades in the fur: move in the opposite direction so that the hairs do not catch on the teeth of the blades. After turning on the clipper, you should not immediately cut the hair on the belly, head, inner thighs - these are places that frighten the cat when touched; first let it get used to the vibration of the tool.
Caring for a pet often includes grooming it. Moreover, this applies not only to owners of flocks of sheep or dogs, but also to cats: some breeds simply need to remove excess hair. In this regard, the question arises: how to do this? You can turn to the services of a professional, or you can buy a cat clipper and perform this procedure yourself. The second method has certain advantages.
With the help of a good cat clipper, you can trim your pet in comfortable conditions. Sometimes the procedure becomes a necessity, but transporting cats and their contact with unfamiliar people and equipment becomes stressful. In addition, groomer services are not cheap.
There are actually not many reasons to purchase a specialized device:
- decorative haircut when preparing an animal for an exhibition;
- creative haircut for aesthetics and giving your pet an unusual appearance;
- animal care - preventing the formation of tangles;
- Grooming long-haired cats during shedding.
Size differences
Small devices that are easy to carry and hold in your hand are in demand among hobbyists. With their help, it is easy to shape the fur in hard-to-reach places on the pet’s body. Miniature models are often used in the armpits and joints. Freely trim any parts of the body, trim the muzzle perfectly.
The advantage is that small devices have blades up to two centimeters long. Ergonomics is another advantage. The disadvantages include the noise made during operation. Small clippers are not suitable for a full haircut, and the blades quickly become dull. They cost up to 3000 rubles.
Large devices are considered professional. For example, the most famous models of the Moser brand. They are reliable, powerful, the design is equipped with replaceable blocks and attachments, and they perfectly remove hair from curves and any parts of the body. Price – up to 4000 rubles. Large models also include Oster, a high-speed model. Price – up to 6500 rub.
At home or in the clinic?
Dog and cat grooming is usually done at a veterinary clinic by a professional groomer. Many cats do not go outside, and in the veterinary clinic they begin to get nervous, break out, and can be aggressive. Therefore, many people have the desire to cut their cat’s hair themselves or call a professional to their home.
How much does cat grooming cost? The price, depending on the complexity, can vary from 1000 to 3000 rubles. Grooming cats at home will cost 300-600 rubles more. If necessary, the cat will be given a sedative and even anesthesia, its ears will be cleaned, and its claws will be trimmed. But you can learn how to groom a cat yourself, which means you can save money.
Rating of the best gadgets for working at home and what the price is
Not all amateur designs are inexpensive. The same applies to versatility, as well as other parameters. There are many devices on the market that can be used at home.
For home use Brofa 206B2
Brofa 206B2
Inexpensive network model with two speeds. The set includes replaceable blades; the device is suitable for cutting cats with medium-length fur. Disadvantage: Frequent sharpening of the blades is required. Price – 2000.
ZIVER-205
ZIVER-205
Corrective trimmer with a lithium-ion battery, including a hair trimmer, two attachments, an oiler, a brush, and a charger. The device is convenient for adjusting the length of fur on the paws, muzzle, tail, and ears. Price – 1700 rubles.
Small but comfortable Oster Cordless mini
Oster Cordless mini
Machine with nozzle 1 -1.5 mm. The kit includes an oil can and a brush. Designed for pets with short hair.
Battery operated. Designed for trimming and cutting hair in hard-to-reach parts of the body. Not used for basic haircuts. Cost – 1100 rubles.
Wireless GTS CW 301
GTS CW 301
A vibrating trimmer that runs on mains power and a battery. Power 5 W. Available with 30, 40 and 8 mm blades. The device has a reduced noise and vibration level, a powerful motor, a comb with four positions, and a charging indicator. Price – 1150 rubles.
Rating of the best professional tools and how much they cost
Professional devices are distinguished by the fact that grooming specialists can handle them. Skillful handling of the device is the key to a quality haircut. There are various models on the market both in cost and functionality. By power they are divided as follows:
- 15 W – soft-haired breeds;
- 15 – 30 W – for cats with thick fur;
- more than 45 W – coarse and fluffy wool.
Professional devices can be networked, battery operated, or have a combined power supply. The types of motors also differ: it can be vibration and rotary.
Elegant and strict Moser 1400-0075
Moser 1400-0075
The device is from a German manufacturer. The set includes tools and attachments. The device is convenient to use and store. The machine has a classic design, powerful and high quality. Price – 4000 rubles.
Professional tool OSTER Grooming Kit 220 W
OSTER Grooming Kit 220 W
The device is designed for grooming cats with short hair. It is used not only in salons, but also at home. Despite the relatively high price, it is quite popular. Price – 5500 rubles.
Excellent ZIVER-209
ZIVER-209
The device operates autonomously on mains power and on battery power for up to six hours. The advantage is that it is used for all types of fur, so it is universal. Cost – 6000 rubles.
The choice of many professionals WAHL 1247-0477
WAHL 1247-0477
The machine works from the network. Easy to use, stylish appearance. There are two speed modes, it can work silently. The downside is that you will have to buy attachments separately. Price - 11,000 rubles.
Why can't they be used on people?
Cat clippers are more powerful and aggressive, as they are designed for a different level of hair density. If in some cases it is acceptable to use ordinary devices for pets, then it is not possible for a person to cut their hair with a device intended for our little brothers. Knives, attachments and blades are made taking into account the anatomical features of cats.
It is unacceptable to use machines that have already been in use, even if they are cleaned after the procedure. There is a possibility of infection from a cut; such actions are dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
Where to buy a cat clipper
The easiest way is to order online. For example, on the website of the Ozex online store, cat clippers can be purchased at a discount of up to 1,000 rubles until the end of December.
The range includes both inexpensive and the best professional models. Here are price examples:
- Machine Takumi 990 (power 50 Watt, Japan) - 5605 rubles;
- Machine Takumi 900ED (power 30 Watt, Japan) - 3990 rubles;
- Machine Ridian 3500 (power 15 Watt, China) - 2190 rubles;
- Machine Monella MHC-01J-Turbo (power 5 Watt, China) - 3505 rub.
For a complete catalog of cat clippers and their prices, see the link https://ozex.ru/tovary-dlya-zhivotnyh/mashinki-dlya-strizhki-koshek/.
Terms of use
Before using the machine, you must first carefully study the instructions, which are always included in the package. It is recommended to turn on the device, check the operation of the speeds and attachments. It is important to ensure that the machine does not get too hot during the process. Cats have sensitive skin, and hot blades can frighten them.
Advice! When cutting the wool with a device, the skin is stretched. They do this carefully, preferably with outside help. The machine moves in the direction of hair growth. You cannot bring the device too close to the skin, there is a risk of touching it and causing an inflammatory process.
You should not cut your hair with the device yourself in dangerous places. For partial cutting, use size 10 blades. How to trim a cat completely, but leave the fur on its head? It is necessary to perform a set of actions.
- They start from the back. First cut the base of the tail using a size ten blade. In this case, move the machine against the growth of the fur. Hair is cut to the scalp.
- Next they move to the chest. They cut it up to the belly, moving the device in the direction of growth, then turn the device around and move against it.
- While keeping the hair on the head, you can leave the tip on the tail or trim it completely. The clipper is passed to the base of the tail, alternately cutting off the fur on all sides.
- Then the armpits and paws are trimmed. They are pulled out, the skin is stretched. They cut according to hair growth, and then against it.
- Remove fur from the hind legs, moving down and up.
- Finally, the hairs on the neck are removed against the direction of their growth.
After completing the procedure, the device is cleaned and the blades are disinfected with alcohol. Store in packaging.
Reasons for cutting a cat's hair
There are several good reasons why pet grooming is necessary and desirable.
procedure. According to their purpose, haircuts for domestic cats are:
- Hygienic. This procedure is carried out if the wool is tangled and tangles have formed in it. Often the animal can become very dirty. Contaminants such as paint, varnish, building materials (plaster, cement, glue, etc.) cannot always be removed with water and shampoo. In this case, only trimming the wool will help.
- In some cases, hygienic haircuts are resorted to in old and sick animals that are unable to care for their coat. This hairdressing procedure is performed to avoid the formation of hair balls in the stomach. This is especially important during hot periods to avoid overheating of the animal.
- With prolonged molting, such a hairdressing procedure can make it easier to maintain a pet.
- Medicinal. A veterinarian can prescribe a haircut for certain diseases. Indications for the procedure are the following diseases: parasites (fleas, lice), dermatitis, infectious skin diseases, hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands). Clipped wool makes it possible to more effectively treat the skin with medications and significantly reduces treatment time. There is nothing complicated about how to shave a cat for medicinal purposes.
- Decorative or fashion haircuts. This type of hairdressing in relation to a domestic cat is a whim of the owner, nothing more than a tribute to fashion. Through an original haircut, the owner expresses the characteristics of the cat's character, disposition, and individuality.
- Exhibition. A special haircut that is carried out to give the animal its shape to breed standards.
Care
The machine does not require special care. The main requirement for long service is cleanliness.
- After every six haircuts, the cooled device is turned off and cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Before grooming the cat, you need to wash it, then the clipper will last longer and will not become clogged with dirt.
- It is recommended to purchase cleaning solutions for the device and attachments.
- Trimmer blades and knives are sharpened in a salon; this should not be done at home due to the high probability of damaging the device.
The steps are as simple as possible, but will help extend the life of the device.
Knives
Professional models are equipped with different types of attachments and blades. Tools are available in different lengths, starting from 1 mm. Knives can be ceramic or metal, made of stainless steel. Their specificity is that the manufacturer produces blades for a specific model.
Warning! Knife blocks, regardless of price, need proper care. Regular lubrication reduces friction, wear and heat, reducing stress on the device, motor and battery.
Most models have a quick-release blade block. It is easy to care for. After the procedure, it is cleaned with a brush, lubricated with oil, and then installed back. If the device does not have such a block, then the knives can be unscrewed independently using a screwdriver.
Cat clipper with replaceable working blades
Clean the top and bottom parts and lubricate the blades. After cleaning, turn on the machine for ten seconds. The device uses standard and thinning knives of A5 size, as well as attachments with a comb.
You cannot sharpen knives yourself; this is done by professionals. You can buy tools in specialized stores and on the Internet, taking into account the model of the device you are using.
Where to buy a cat clipper
Before purchasing a cat clipper, decide how often you are going to use it and how multifunctional it should be.
The choice of models, the prices of which vary quite a lot, directly depends on whether you will simply cut your pet’s hair for hygienic purposes, or plan to create masterpieces of cat hairstyles.
The tool can be purchased at:
- Online store;
- Real store;
- According to the advertisement.
The price in each of these places is different.
The quality of the purchased tool differs in the same way.
Different manufacturers and countries, different technical characteristics and functionality also contribute to the fact that the price of some models may differ significantly from others.
The online store usually has the lowest price for the device, however, the downside is that the product can only be viewed after receipt.
You can choose a product based on customer reviews left on the site.
A cheaper tool can also be purchased secondhand. But, in this case, you will not have any guarantees regarding its quality and service life.
In real retail pet stores, the price is usually higher, but the advantage of purchasing is that you can immediately inspect the product by holding it in your hands.
Haircut options
You need to choose a clipper and type of haircut taking into account the characteristics of your pet: its coat, breed, behavior. Many owners believe that it is best to cut the fur short all over the body. Grooming experts note the popularity of this haircut option. In this case, the fur is left on the paws and head, including the tassels on the tail. They cut it with a machine, and then trim the hair with scissors.
Average length
The best option for medium length wool is to make it shorter. As a result, the cat is left with a length of one to three centimeters. The fur is not shaved, but trimmed; a special attachment is used for this.
The peculiarity of the haircut is that it reduces the number of hairs falling out and is a prevention of intestinal diseases. Before the procedure, a restrictor is put on the clipper, then the hair is cut behind the ears, on the back to the tail, shoulders and sides, belly and paws.
Long thick coat
Pets with long hair need special care. It often forms tangles due to the fact that cats wash themselves. As already mentioned, such tangles cause a lot of discomfort and can negatively affect health.
If you missed something and tangles appear on your pet’s fur, a special tangle cutter tool will help you. It is with its help that you need to remove the tangles and only then start cutting with a clipper.
Simply brushing your cat with a comb can help ease your cat's condition. For overweight cats and long-haired breeds, a partial haircut is suitable, for example, on the stomach to the armpits of the front legs and around the anus.
Smooth
If the coat is smooth, the cat may not need a full haircut. To do this, restrictive nozzles are used to remove tangles. You can also do a hygienic haircut, leaving a few millimeters of hair all over the body.
What toothpaste and brush are required for cats, their price and how often should you brush your teeth?
Tough
Wire-haired cats have three types of hairs. The fur of such pets is different in that it is not only hard to the touch, but also dense. In this case, an amateur haircut “puss in boots”, “lion’s mane”, that is, the whole body except the head, is suitable.
Atypical
If the coat is atypical and there are bald patches, then it is necessary to find out their cause. In the absence of skin diseases, a specialist should decide how best to trim the animal.
How to overcome the resistance of the obstinate?
The grooming procedure must be carried out with an assistant who will fix the animal. Before the procedure, it is advisable to give the cat a sedative such as “Cat Bayun” or Feliway for several days, or, in extreme cases, valerian if the cat does not show aggression after taking it.
Japanese veterinarians offer an interesting method of fixation: a clamp is attached to the animal’s withers; an ordinary stationery clamp will do; as a result, the cat instinctively relaxes and loses the ability to resist.
To protect against bites from particularly aggressive animals, you need to wear an “Elizabethan collar.”
Well, if you are unable to accomplish your plans in any way, the only way out is to resort to the help of a professional groomer, who will trim the stubborn dog under the influence of a sedative.
What diseases can be detected
A haircut can help identify various diseases that the pet owner didn’t even know about. Skin diseases (lichen, eczema and others), an abundance of parasites are often discovered after the grooming procedure. It helps to get rid of many problems; in addition, short hair is better washed with medicated shampoos.
The appearance of bald patches, peeling of the skin, redness, high body temperature are symptoms that grooming specialists pay attention to. The most common diseases include problems associated with hair and skin. If your pet intensively combs, licks, or bites its fur, it is worth shortening it and examining the skin.
Bald spots and rashes can be caused by ticks, lice, and fleas. Ringworm, mycosis, is dangerous not only for cats, but also for humans. A haircut allows you to recognize the disease in time and begin treatment. Cats are also susceptible to cancer, the symptoms of which may include dull fur, spots on the skin, and swelling.
Some nuances that may arise after a haircut
After the process is completed, the cat needs to be combed. This will remove any cut hairs remaining on it. Then buy cat shampoo in warm water.
It is recommended not to bathe a nervous or excited animal, but to wipe it with a damp towel. This way the pet’s psyche will be less traumatized. For cats that are not afraid of the noise of a hair dryer, it is recommended to dry their fur. The air should be warm. There is no need to turn on hot air so as not to provoke additional stress.
Combing the animal Owners are often interested in what will happen if they cut their cat’s hair, especially for the first time. Fans of cat hairstyles should know that after cutting the coat, not only the structure of the coat often changes, but even the color. Pets with colorpoint and tipping should not be cut due to darkening of the fur in the belly and back.
a) Color point color variation; b) Solid blue color with a distinct silver tint (the ends of the hair have silver tipping)
Regular trimming can cause the coat to not grow back to its normal length. After hairdressing procedures, the new fur coat may become thinner and quickly become tangled.
The consequences of cutting your own hair are often skin injuries. The risk of developing inflammatory processes increases.
When grooming in a clinic or salon, the animal is often given light anesthesia or sedatives. However, regular use of sedatives and anesthesia adversely affects the health of the pet.
Expert advice
Before you cut your cat's hair, you need to decide whether it's worth doing at all. This is the first advice that a grooming master gives. If your pet's hairs have become tangled, it makes sense to perform this procedure. It is also indicated for allergies, vomiting hair, and severe shedding. Elderly, aggressive and sick cats should not be clipped due to the likelihood of stress and the risk of cuts.
The specialist reminds:
- You cannot use a clipper intended for humans for haircuts;
- It is forbidden to use a regular razor;
- if the procedure takes place at home, you need to find an assistant;
- choose a place for a haircut;
- comb your pet;
- decide how you will cut your hair.
During the procedure, it is important to ensure that the device does not heat up too much. It's better to take breaks. It is recommended to use a special lubricant for the blades, which facilitates the process. To cut the hair correctly, the skin is gently pulled. The movements of the device should be in the direction of hair growth.
Hold the machine so as to avoid contact with the skin. There is no need to put pressure on the device, nor do you need to bring it close to the skin - the ideal distance is two to three millimeters. Do not cut wool in dangerous places: in the area of tendons, pads, ligaments. It is not recommended to touch the fur on the front legs, muzzle, or above the eyes.
How often to carry out hairdressing procedures
The regularity of haircuts is determined by the intensity of hair growth. As a rule, fur grows back from 3 to 6 months. The rate of fur growth is affected by the breed of the animal, its age, and state of health.
It is recommended to cut the average cat no more than 2-3 times a year. If the procedure involves removing tangles, then it is carried out as they form. Model haircuts can be done more often, but you should take into account the condition of the coat, the season of the year and the health of the pet. Hygienic and therapeutic haircuts are usually carried out as needed.
Before being puzzled by the question of how to cut a cat’s hair himself, the owner should stock up on the necessary equipment and tools. For home grooming, you will need a high, stable table on which you can comfortably place the animal. A wide ironing board will also work for these purposes.
As a hairdressing tool, you need scissors with non-sharp edges and a clipper. Owners who are mastering home grooming are often interested in how cats are cut in the salon and at home. There are many cat trimmers available on the market. There is a tool designed specifically for cutting long-haired breeds. It is distinguished by sharpening of the blades and does not injure the delicate skin of the animal.
If your pet is terrified of electric clippers, it is better to use scissors or a manual clipper. Care should be taken when working, as the risk of injury from such a tool is high.
To comb the fur while cutting, you will need a comb. For this purpose, it is better to purchase a rare comb. All instruments must be individual. Before the procedure, it is advisable to treat the cutting surface with any disinfectant solution.
It is impossible to carry out high-quality independent grooming of your pet without an assistant.
It is better to have a restless cat groomed at a veterinary clinic, where she will be given sedatives if necessary. You cannot use any sedative medications at home.
Before trimming your cat's fur, you should stock up on disinfectant solutions, for example, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, to treat possible cuts.
Veterinarians recommend grooming no more than 2 times a year. We should not forget that wool is an animal’s natural protective cover; in cold weather, it can freeze. After a haircut, the fur completely grows back in six months, so it is best to cut the cat before the onset of summer, when excess hair causes discomfort to the animal.
We should not forget that after a haircut, the color of the cat may change slightly. Long-haired cat breeds are especially susceptible to changes. The shade can change by several tones, it can become either lighter or darker. In some cases, a haircut can also affect hair growth; it can slow down or, on the contrary, speed up.
If you strictly follow the simple steps described in the instructions for cutting hair at home, then cuts and injuries can be avoided. An animal that has undergone a haircut calmly will remember that this procedure is not dangerous to health, and next time it will behave quietly.
If the owner accidentally wounds his cat, the skin around the wound should be lubricated with an antiseptic. If the bleeding does not stop, you need to briefly press a dry swab onto the wound. The animal cannot be traumatized by loud voices and screams; the owner himself must calm the animal in a gentle, quiet voice and stroke it.
Grooming pets at home is a troublesome task. If the owner of the animal is preparing a cat for an exhibition or show, it is, of course, better to make an appointment with a cat specialist. You can be present during the procedure, the master will clearly explain and clearly show what needs to be done and in what order. In the workshops, light anesthesia is used so that the cat does not resist. Such drugs negatively affect the health of the animal.
The cutting procedure should be carried out depending on the rate of hair growth. On average, the coat grows in 3-6 months. Therefore, you need to cut your cat’s hair no more than two or three times a year.
When grooming is done more often:
- A model haircut can be carried out more than 2-3 times a year, but it is necessary to take into account the season, the health of the pet and the condition of the coat.
- Hygienic and therapeutic haircuts, including haircuts for mats, are carried out as needed.
