Furminator for cats: reviews from veterinarians and buyers

Pets bring a lot of joy to the home. But this is only possible if the pet is well-fed, well-groomed and healthy. A loving owner takes all these points into account, but sometimes it is very difficult to keep the animal’s fur in perfect order. In addition, shedding causes a lot of problems for humans and the pet itself.

People and four-legged creatures are susceptible to allergic reactions. A furminator for cats will help you help your pet, save furniture from scraps of fur and get rid of hairs flying around the house. Reviews show that the invention of specialists in the field of accessories for animals helps to successfully solve the problem.

What it is

Breeders, together with scientists from American laboratories, invented a device that allows you to efficiently comb out excess hair from animals. This product is not just a regular comb, but one equipped with trimmer functions. The Furminator resembles small automatic rakes that work like a hair clipper.

Fine teeth that do not have sharp edges help comb out the fur. This way the device does not scratch the skin. The special dissected shape of the teeth, which are not located very close to each other, also helps to avoid damaging the cat’s delicate integument.

The Furminator for cats, reviews from breeders confirm this, efficiently combs out only the inanimate undercoat, which is lost by the animal under natural circumstances. In this case, the main coat is not affected or damaged, but only the combing process occurs, which stimulates the growth of new hairs.

When creating the device, a special patented technology is used. Therefore, the product is suitable for both short-haired and long-haired cats. At the same time, the breed is also not always important, but there are several types of Furminators on sale.

What cat breeds are not suitable for the Furminator?

This comb cannot be used for some cat breeds, as they do not have undercoat. These include:

• La Permian rocks;
• Devon rex;
• Turkish Angoras;
• Peterbald and the Don Sphynx ;
• Singapore cats;
• Oriental;
• Burmese cats;
• Cornish Rex and Tiffany.

Cornish Rex, the use of a furminator is prohibited for this breed

Types of devices

Cat scratcher (Furminator), has reviews from ordinary cat lovers and professional breeders. It is the latter who recommend choosing a device depending on the type of animal’s fur. Pet stores can offer two types - classic and deluxe. The quality of both products is excellent, but there are some differences:

1. Classic example. The fur that remains on the teeth is removed by hand.
2. Deluxe. It is equipped with more ergonomic handles, and the material of the product itself may be different. But the main advantage is the button that allows you to remove hair automatically.

When choosing, you should also pay attention to the width of the cloves and their location to each other:

• For kittens and small cats, a product with a comb width of 3.2 cm is required.
• For medium-sized cats whose weight does not exceed 5 kg, a product with a width of 4.5 cm is suitable.
• The most common and popular furminator is a device whose width is 6.8 cm. It is used not only for combing adult cats, but also for dogs whose weight does not exceed 20 kg.

Is it possible to comb a Maine Coon with a Furminator?

This topic worries many who want to buy a Maine Coon) And not only in terms of combing and amount of fur) But first things first.

You are well aware that the Maine Coon is an animal of the semi-long-haired group of domestic cats. The difference from long wool is not only in length, but also in structure. The structure of the Maine Coon's coat is ideally a well-defined silky long coat with a rich undercoat. A pronounced collar may be present. In fact, Maine Coon fur is very different! There are animals with excellent coat structure - they are very easy to care for, their undercoat is easily removed due to the long hair and the absence of excess hair. There are animals with a very pronounced undercoat: it is incredibly beautiful, but requires more care and a little more frequent combing. And there are “fluffy” animals - their awns are weakly expressed, their undercoat is quite short compared to others.

I was once asked about short-haired coons: perhaps this is it))))) Such hair is easy to care for, but its structure is far from ideal, and the animal looks frankly bald, as a rule, does not have a collar, but may have large brushes. However, the short undercoat of such animals is much lighter, therefore, its “volatility” is also increased, while the undercoat of coons with “normal” hair does not fly much, and can only be found on the floor.

Next, you should pay attention to how the Maine Coon's coat develops. Development can also be varied. Kittens are born with normal fur, but within a week you can see what the structure of their fur will be like as adults. In any case, with a high degree of probability. As they grow, the animals become pubescent, a rich undercoat and a luxurious tail grow (animals with normal hair, while short-haired animals will never have a luxurious tail). This continues until the junior molt, which, depending on seasonality, occurs at 8-10 months from birth.

Junior shedding is the worst. Firstly, this is the animal's first shedding, and he has to get used to being brushed two to three times a week. Secondly, there is more hair during the junior molt than during all subsequent moults. And thirdly, after the junior molt, some metamorphoses occur in the animal. I will dwell on them in more detail.

After the junior shedding, Maine Coons can be naturally shabby up to the age of two! For example, in one of our lines the animal still has a good silky awn, but the undercoat is, to put it mildly, very poor)) In another - on the contrary, the awn never grows back, short fluff remains, and the animal also looks a little strange))) There is, of course , animals that do not undress, but it is completely impossible to predict this. However, no matter what happens to the fur, at the age of two, that is, at the third molt, it dresses in adult wool, and then nothing changes.

Some people try to differentiate between “winter” and “summer” wool by saying “in the spring it turns into winter wool!” What's happening?" In reality, there is no summer or winter hair: coons grow the same hair every time they molt. And only then, if the summer is hot, and the owners do not have air conditioning, and even the action takes place in a city apartment, the animal may shed some of its fur after a while - this is the body’s natural thermoregulation. The same thing can happen to animals in apartments in winter, if it is very hot, which in itself is not at all uncommon for our country.

Let's talk about brushing during shedding.

Maine Coon shedding usually lasts five to seven weeks. At different times, the intensity of hair loss may vary. It also depends on the timely removal of old undercoat and hair. The frequency of removal is preferably two to three times a week. Be sure to thoroughly comb the panties, armpits and tummy, this is where the hair is removed less easily than all other parts of the body naturally, and it is also longer and richer. The tail should also be combed, but matting of dead hair on the tail is rather rare. The same goes for the collar.

I highly recommend brushing the animal, starting from the age of five months, at least once a week. It’s not just a matter of getting used to brushing on the part of the kitten (it’s not uncommon for coons to adore this procedure), but also on the part of the owner.

Tools for a pet owner: a comb with a long tooth (not too often!), as well as a comb with an alternating tooth. Everything is a must for dogs! There is simply no suitable caliber for cats) You can use combs with a rotating tooth, but this is not necessary, since the coat of a coon is not prone to tangling during combing.

NO FURMINATORS. I don’t know what kind of pervert created this strange instrument and called it that! I also don’t understand why all cat owners have some strange obsession with this ugly tool. Girls, a Furminator is nothing more than a trimmer that has been used for hundreds of years for some breeds of dogs that do not shed their hair naturally. This is a blade that cuts everything it touches, not removes dead hair! Using this disgrace, you cut out not only the old undercoat close to its base, but also the regrown normal coat. The result will be a half-haired coon and impaired hair growth.

It’s simple: if you are not satisfied with the presence of wool, buy a Sphynx! Also a kind of beauty. True, it smells like fat. despite daily washing)

For animals that are especially rich in undercoat, you can use a round brush with a metal tooth to comb the pants and collar, always with a filled tip of the tooth, which prevents accidental scratching of the skin. Again, NO PUKHODERS! There is no need to tear anything, this is not a Persian! The Coon's undercoat is not prone to tangling with the recommended (or even less) brushing frequency. The undercoat hair is smoother than that of long-haired breeds.

PART 3. ABOUT WASHING AND MATTLES

Oh, how long ago I wanted to write this note. ))) In the photo - my favorite comb, with which absolutely anything is possible!)

Today I want to talk about shedding and tangles. Let me remind you that the coon typically sheds twice a year for about a month: during this time, it is necessary to comb the entire animal at least twice a week, paying special attention to the panties and long hair on the belly and sides, where the long undercoat is prone to matting. If you notice dandruff while combing, this is a sign of excessive activity of the normal microflora fungus, which causes those very notorious tangles! The issue can be solved very simply - with an antifungal agent. We take regular human fluconazole 150 mg (necessarily made in Russia - its bioavailability is lower)) and give the animal a whole capsule after eating. We'll repeat it in a week. You can do it up to five times. The first week, if there is a lot of dandruff and tangles, you can give it twice. Fluconazole is the least toxic to the liver among the known antifungal drugs and works great on cats and dogs.

During moulting, especially woolly animals, such as many Norris children, can have a lot of hair. Considering my (and yours!) love for high-whites and bicolors, white wool is very noticeable in the apartment, and few people can afford frequent cleaning - there simply isn’t enough time for this. This problem can be solved by washing.

We wait until the fur begins to separate actively and wash the animal. I use Anju degreasing shampoo, you can use it as an antibacterial shampoo, for example. For an apartment with heating, a degreasing agent is preferable, while for houses where the climate is cooler, an antibacterial agent is sufficient. Without being particularly brutal)), lightly moisten the animal’s fur and apply shampoo concentrate to the entire surface of the fur. No need to foam. Leave for 2-3 minutes and wash off. Repeat the second time with weak foaming. We wash off with special care.

Drying involves drying with a towel or microfiber - whatever is at hand. Animals usually shake themselves off. Next, you need to use the same comb to comb out all the old undercoat until it is damp. Next, we release the animal into the wild. You can lick yourself! If the animal wants to play, play) but often they are more busy licking. After about half an hour, we comb it again, paying special attention to the panties and tummy. The animal dries completely within about 3-4 hours. If you notice dandruff while combing, use fluconazole. This is exactly the same way I prepare animals for exhibitions! I never blow-dry.

If the animal is very matted (for example, from stress from the absence of the owners at home during the holidays), it would be best not to cut the mats (this requires skill and this activity may be unsafe), but to cut the animal with a clipper in a salon. Do not leave your animal for grooming without your presence to avoid unnecessary stress. Do not cut your hair under anesthesia under any circumstances! Start a short (3-5 days) course of Bach sedative drops in advance; if necessary, give Corvalol in the salon (3-5 drops on the tongue, without diluting - it is absorbed from the oral cavity directly through the walls of blood vessels, acting very quickly). If the animal is nervous or sensitive, under no circumstances should you cut it: this could result in a heart attack(

Article source: https://meowkiss.com/mozhno-li-vychesyvat-mejn-kuna-furminatorom/

How the process works

A very useful purchase for caring for long-haired cats is the Furminator. Reviews show that the process does not cause the animal any discomfort, and some pets even really like it.

The process goes like this:

1. To prevent long hair from getting in the way, you can lift it up using special clips.
2. The device begins to move from the abdomen, towards the spine.
3. Move carefully.
4. After this, the clamps are removed and the back is treated.
5. Lastly, you can comb the tail. However, not all cats allow him to be touched.

Furminator for cats, reviews note this, it is enough to use once a month. With short-haired creatures there are fewer problems and the process takes less time. The main thing is to follow the hair growth and not press too hard on the skin. Apply up to 7 times a year, as needed.

How does a furminator work?

Combing cats using a furminator is carried out due to the adjusted distance between the teeth of a comb sharpened in a special way. The operating principle of the furminator is to gently lift and remove unwanted hair without cutting or pulling out.

The tool does not damage the cat's outer coat (the outer coat slips through the teeth of the device, remaining intact), but it removes dead, lifeless hairs and undercoat.

It is believed that the miracle comb removes about 90% of a cat’s unwanted hair, and also reduces the duration of seasonal shedding by half (by the way, in some individuals, without careful combing, the hair can shed not even for weeks, but for months).

In addition, the use of a cat accessory promotes the uniform distribution of fatty lubricant, which protects the pet from cold and overheating, dust and parasites.

Warning

Comb for cats (Furminator), reviews are extremely positive. But, like any device for animals, it has special warnings. Before use, you must read the instructions, which, in particular, say:

1. Do not use the product if your pet has skin lesions, wounds, ulcers or scratches. To begin with, dermatological problems are solved, and the hair is removed with a regular comb.
2. If there are tangled hairs or clumps, do not begin combing. It is necessary to use a wide comb, and it is recommended to cut off the lumps.
3. It is recommended to bathe the animal with a special shampoo that prevents hair from tangling. But the procedure is not mandatory. However, dirt from the fur must be removed.
4. Even if the cat’s skin is in satisfactory condition, the Furminator cannot be driven with force, much less against the fur. In order not to harm the pet and not cause a lasting aversion to the procedure, it is carried out especially carefully in the area of ​​the tail and abdomen.

A comb for cats (Furminator) has a lot of reviews from ordinary animal lovers. But they all note that before and during the procedure it is important to communicate affectionately with the cat. Calm handling and a treat afterwards will lead to a normal cat’s perception of grooming.

Furminator user reviews

Natalia, 27 years old

• I recently bought a furminator for my cats. The device cost me almost 2000 rubles. Of course, I was a little sorry for the money when purchasing, but as soon as I started using a professional comb, I realized that it was really worth the money! No comb can cope better with the task of combing out dying hairs. The shedding problem has now been resolved, which I am very happy about. And most importantly, when using the tool, it does not cause any harm to the skin and guard hairs of cats. In addition, the process of combing now does not frighten my pets and they do not try to run away from me as quickly as possible, scratching all over my hands. With prolonged combing, you can rid the cat of the undercoat, which is invaluable in the sultry heat. I give the furminator for cats a solid positive review!

Angelina, 45 years old

• There are always many animals living in my house. At the moment there are 2 dogs and 2 cats living next to me. It is difficult to describe what happened to the carpet and sofas during shedding. Although I had a special brush with which I carefully combed my pets. My husband did not like this situation at all and he raised the question of allowing the animals to live in the yard. A real salvation in this situation was the furminator, an advertisement for which I accidentally saw on the Internet. I brush my pets every other day and now it’s hard to find even a hair at home. Clothes, sofas and carpets are absolutely clean and my animals have now stopped disturbing my family! Furminator has helped our family a lot, definitely like it!

Rationale for use

When a pet sheds, both the person and the animal itself experience many problems. If you use a furminator for cats, reviews confirm this, you can get rid of 90% of the “dead” undercoat. If the animal has long and thick hair, then in the summer you can use the device twice a month.

Breeders note that the advantages of use are immediately noticeable:

• there is less wool on the carpets;
• in people and animals, signs of allergies decrease - redness in the eye area, sneezing and nasal congestion;
• The cat begins to lick itself less and, accordingly, swallows less hair.

Veterinarians note that excess hair in the stomach leads to stomach diseases. In addition, the entire digestive tract suffers. This is why experts advise using a furminator for cats. Reviews show that in this case the problem is not so global, the animal takes on a healthier appearance.

Many breeders notice that the product significantly improves the quality of the animal’s fur itself. It becomes silkier, gains shine and is less susceptible to tangles.

Important Details

Before using the product for the first time, it is important to keep a few precautions in mind. The principle of operation is described in detail in the instructions, but some details are worth paying attention to:

1. You cannot use the product if there are tangles on the wool, much less comb them out. Such actions can cause pain to the cat and it will resist the procedure in the future.
2. The blade should be cleaned every time after use. In the Deluxe modification, this procedure occurs when you press the corresponding button. If you have a classic sample on hand, then cleaning is done manually. It is convenient to use a brush for this.
3. If you have no experience in use, then it is better to carry out the first procedure with a professional groomer. The specialist will show in detail the principle of operation, talk about the nuances and warn about possible problems.

In case of a detailed consultation, you can see the full picture in action.

In order to purchase the best option, it is worth studying the characteristics of the most popular brands. By comparing the pros and cons, you can choose the best one for each specific cat.

FURminator

This is a fairly well-known manufacturer. It produces pet care accessories. Among the assortment of brushes, you can choose a product suitable for a short-haired pet and for a cat with fairly thick and long hair. When choosing a comb, you need to take a closer look at the technical part that distinguishes each furminator for cats, and reviews.

Scottish breed or long-haired pet - all this influences the choice of product. The FURminator brand offers a fairly diverse range of models. For each breed you can choose the most suitable one. Of course, the device costs a little more, but the purchase is worth the money spent on it.

How to choose an original device

Due to the fact that the device is not cheap and quite popular, there are unscrupulous companies that produce low-quality fakes. Therefore, when choosing a furminator, you should buy it only in specialized pet stores or websites. At the same time, pay attention to some nuances:

1. You should not consider devices that initially have a suspiciously low price. Cheap analogues may not differ at all from the original in appearance, but may not perform their functions or cause discomfort to the pet.
2. A low price may indicate the use of low-quality components and metal components. In this case, the comb turns out to be completely inconvenient and can cause pain to the cat.
3. It is important to purchase from a large specialized chain of pet stores. In such companies, product quality control is at a very high level. The more unpresentable the store, the greater the chances of purchasing a fake.
4. When purchasing, you should pay attention not only to the product itself, but also to the packaging.

Without fail, all furminators have special markings on the blade, on both sides. The brand and serial number are indicated. The blade must be made of high quality steel, which has a matte shine and is completely free from chips and other damage.

The best furminators for dogs

In appearance, models for cats and dogs are practically the same. The only difference is the larger working area. Furminators are not recommended for grooming animals with curly hair, or if they have a soft undercoat or no undercoat at all. It is recommended to refrain from using the device if your pet develops a skin disease.

FURminator for long-haired dogs of large breeds 10 cm

Rating: 4.9

The original Furminator for grooming animal hair is produced by an American brand, but it is assembled in China. The device is intended for dogs weighing from 25 to 40 kg with a long coat of more than 5 cm. The blade is made of durable stainless steel, its length is 10 cm. The handle is made of rubber, so it will not slip out of your hands during the combing procedure. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the model effectively removes dead undercoat without pulling out the guard hair or scratching the skin. Dogs do not feel pain or other discomfort. The presence of an ejector ensures instant cleaning of the brush.

Users note the high efficiency and ease of use of the furminator. You don’t need to make any special efforts to get a positive result. Up to 90% of dead hairs are easily removed in a few sessions. The owners have no complaints about the quality of the blade. Many note that even after 5 years of active use it did not have to be changed. Despite the high price, the model is considered one of the best; all respondents recommend buying it.

Advantages

1. quality of execution;
2. removable blade;
3. safety for the animal;
4. ergonomic handle;
5. ease of cleaning.

Flaws

1. high price;
2. heavy.

Hello PET 42344L

Rating: 4.8

The curved trimmer comb from a manufacturer in Taiwan is equipped with a 44-tooth steel blade on a plastic holder. The rubber handle with a protector on the inside and outside ensures a reliable hold in the hand when grooming. The product helps remove dead undercoat, prevents the appearance of tangles, and reduces the shedding period by 90%. At the same time, the device does not damage the guard hairs and skin. The coat acquires a healthy shine. Suitable for long- and short-haired pets.

According to users, animals do not experience discomfort during the combing procedure, and there are no complaints about the safety of the furminator. A protective cap for the blade will help keep the teeth clean and protect them from mechanical damage. A minor disadvantage of the model is the need for manual cleaning, since it does not have an ejector. The quality of workmanship and efficiency of the device was approved by 100% of respondents.

Advantages

1. light weight – 100 g;
2. average price;
3. suitable for cats and dogs;
4. ease of use;
5. Protective cap for blade included.

Flaws

1. lack of ejector.

FoOlee One XL 13 cm

Rating: 4.7

This furminator was developed by a French company for the care of giant breed dogs with long or short hair. The model is produced in 10 colors. It is more curved in shape compared to the previous nominee. The inside of the handle is rubberized and equipped with a protector, which prevents it from slipping out when performing grooming. The stainless steel blade is equipped with a large number of tightly fitting teeth, the quality of which prevents injury to the pet’s skin.

The manufacturer claims that in 2–3 sessions the device helps remove up to 92% of dead hairs, so shedding is less noticeable, and the risk of intestinal blockage in a dog when swallowing hairballs is reduced. There are no negative reviews about the product; users have no complaints about the quality of its execution.

Advantages

1. effective for any coat length;
2. compact size;
3. blade durability;
4. ergonomic handle;
5. Ease of use.

Flaws

1. high price;
2. manual blade cleaning.

Deshedder (furminator) self-cleaning with Petsy button (yellow) L

Rating: 4.6

One of the most budget-friendly options for a furminator for dogs. In appearance it resembles the FURminator model described above. The plastic blade holder is also available in yellow and the handle is black. In shape it completely repeats the original, the protector is located on each of the 4 sides. The main difference is the absence of the brand name on the holder. The device is designed for grooming cats and dogs with a coat length of more than 5 cm. Like the original, the design of the device includes a button that automatically cleans the teeth from hair.

Pet owners confirm that in 2–4 procedures the number of dead hairs on the animal is reduced by 90%. Thanks to the safety blade, the pet's skin is not injured, so he does not experience discomfort. Most users report high effectiveness when used on dogs with long and medium hair. There were no significant defects in the product.

Advantages

1. low price;
2. automatic blade cleaning;
3. ease of use;
4. ergonomic handle.

Flaws

1. some users complain about poor efficiency;
2. heavy.

Experts' opinion

To deal with a cat's thick undercoat, a regular comb is not enough. Especially if the pet has a luxurious and shiny coat, it needs to be taken care of so that it always has an attractive appearance. In addition, hair that is everywhere: on furniture, clothes and on the floor is annoying. It is the furminator that can solve the problem and remove shedding hair.

The product is easy to use. It does not harm the cat. On the contrary, regular brushing of dead hair makes the coat healthier, improves skin condition and relieves problems with the gastrointestinal tract. After all, only a professional furminator can help with excess hair. Reviews from veterinarians clearly show that the device is useful and effective.

However, it should be borne in mind that some cat breeds that have a weak undercoat, or no undercoat at all, do not require such drastic combing:

• sphinx;
• laperm;
• Scandinavian;
• Turkish Angora;
• Burmese;
• Devon Rex;
• oriental.

Furminator is completely contraindicated for cats like the Sphynx. In any case, if in doubt, it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of using a furminator

pros	Minuses
Brushing with a device is a painless procedure for a cat.	Use is prohibited for cats without undercoat and Rex breeds.
You can remove hair from sensitive areas of the animal (paws, belly).	Do not apply if the wool is wet.
Reducing the formation of tangles.	The device does not remove tangles.
Careful removal of fluff and dead hair helps keep your home clean.	This is quite an expensive thing.
The structure of the coat improves, which makes caring for your pet easier.
As a result of brushing, the pet's body is massaged and blood circulation improves.
The activity of the sebaceous glands is activated, the condition of the coat improves, and its shine increases. This is especially important for cats participating in exhibitions.
The cat does not swallow a significant amount of hair when licking.
A good device pays for itself quickly and has a long service life.