We trim the cat correctly at home, if it doesn’t work: use a clipper

Grooming a cat yourself is a responsible undertaking and should be approached with extreme caution. Grooming only makes sense if the cat is long-haired and in the summer, when it is hot. Or if a lot of mats have accumulated. Semi-longhaired, and especially shorthaired, cats do not need to be trimmed. This is unnecessary stress for them. We also do not recommend cutting an animal’s hair for “decorative” purposes, turning it into a lion or dragon simply for the sake of beauty.

Negative consequences and contraindications

After trimming and shaving, minor problems may arise. For example, skin damage during games. Other consequences:

1. When an animal is bothered by growing hairs, it begins to itch or does it out of habit.
2. The animal licks itself more often, which can lead to slight skin irritation.
3. Some cats become depressed, they hide, and begin to take revenge on their owners.
4. The structure of the pile changes. Its quality deteriorates, the hairs become thinner, become tangled, and new tangles form faster. This sometimes becomes a reason for disqualification, as the coat no longer meets the breed standard.
5. Color may change.
6. The elasticity and firmness of the skin decreases.
7. When the whiskers are injured, the cat loses orientation, coordination is impaired, and moves uncertainly.
8. Cuts provoke the development of inflammation.
9. Sometimes hair growth stops in the shaved area. Then, after restoration of the cover, areas of baldness remain.
10. Shaving a cat bald disrupts thermoregulation, which causes the development of dermatological diseases, frequent colds, sunburn, and increases the risk of skin injuries.
11. An incorrectly done haircut can provoke a cat's desire to bite off its own tail.

Behavior changes less frequently and aggression appears. The cat may suddenly begin to attack, tear up furniture, or walk past the litter box. Usually this is a short-term phenomenon, otherwise the pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian. Some cats are prohibited from being groomed:

1. With color-point, tipping color . Otherwise, after cutting, the color of the pile will become darker.
2. Shorthair (especially Scottish Fold, British). The exception is varieties of these breeds with long pile.
3. Semi-longhaired (Mae Coon, Norwegian Forest, Siberian). Pile saves animals from heat and cold.

Hyperactive cats are not groomed. Otherwise, the procedure is carried out under anesthesia, after sedatives, and it can be difficult to moderate their ardor. Do not shave the inside of the ears or paw pads. It is prohibited to administer anesthesia to animals with chronic diseases. Even healthy people can have heart failure after it.

Is it possible to cut a cat's hair with a clipper?

Any pet loves when its owner spares no time to carry out various care procedures. This becomes especially true for cats with long and thick hair. If you do not pay attention to this problem in time, then the animal’s fur can become matted and it becomes very difficult to untangle it. Each owner of a furry friend is looking for his own way to help correct the situation. For example, some suggest using clippers to keep cats' fur in good order.

If your cat has a calm character and is not afraid of the upcoming haircut, then you can use a beauty machine, not forgetting some tips.

Why cut a cat's hair?

The need for a haircut is determined by the owner. You can do without it, but you need to regularly take care of your body, comb it, preventing the formation of tangles. More often they affect Persian cats, whose hair structure is soft and its length reaches up to 10 cm.

Tangles that are close to the skin are very dangerous. This provokes inflammation of the integument, sometimes insects and parasites lay eggs under them. Therefore, long-haired cats need to be trimmed more often. Indications for hygienic trimming and shaving are:

1. The neglected state of the cat's hair is matted, covered with tangles, and difficult to comb. This prevents the access of air, which provokes the development of inflammation and skin tightness. The animal begins to gnaw out the tangles and swallows them. Bald spots and covering injuries form on the body.
2. Heat - to avoid overheating.
3. When the cover gets dirty quickly, it rolls up in clumps. They cause inconvenience and cause pain when the hair is pulled.
4. To make caring for a sick or old cat easier.
5. The pile is stained with indelible materials (paint and varnish, polyurethane foam, adhesive solutions, fuel oil). When dirty lumps of lint enter the stomach during licking, this can cause gastrointestinal problems and poisoning.
6. In long-haired animals, the hairs in the perineum and under the tail are cut to prevent excrement from sticking.
7. Prolonged shedding.
8. Family members have severe allergies.

Indications for medicinal purposes:

• severe damage by parasites - lice, fleas;
• preoperative preparation;
• dermatitis;
• infectious skin pathologies;
• high activity of the paraanal and sebaceous glands;
• the need to treat the skin with medications.

Decorative hairstyles and shaving are done for a photo shoot. To do this, choose fashionable haircuts. More often they are done before exhibitions and competitions.

Groomers have differing opinions about semi-longhaired cats. Their pile has a two-layer structure with an air gap. If it is disrupted, thermoregulation is disrupted. However, some veterinarians believe that these cats need to be shaved periodically to keep the coat renewed.

Important rules to know

Before starting the procedure, read the rules for its implementation.

• The paws, tail and head are never cut to zero. There are receptors there that allow the pet to navigate in space.
• The longer the machine runs, the hotter it gets. The cat may get burned.
• Do approaches for 10-15 minutes and take breaks, giving your pet time to rest.
• Leave at least 3 mm of fur on the skin, and preferably 1-2 cm.
• Do not press the blade close to the animal's body, as this may injure it.
• Be sure to lubricate the blade so it glides through the fur rather than tearing it.
• 2-3 days before the procedure, bathe your pet (read how to wash a cat in a separate article). However, if there are mats on your body that cannot be removed, postpone bathing.

How often can you cut your hair?

The frequency of cosmetic procedures depends on the age of the animal, its health, and the rate of hair regrowth. It is recommended to trim your cat 2-3 times annually. Unscheduled ones are done as needed - before exhibitions, competitions. However, an exception is sometimes made for longhaired dogs. Especially with poor hygiene. Then they trim and shave as needed or every three months.

Some cats have a hard time withstanding heat (for example, Persians). Therefore, it is recommended to cut them in spring and summer. Such rocks quickly become overgrown, so they are trimmed 2-3 times annually. Less often – cats with medium pile. For them, it is enough to trim the animal once every 12 months. In addition, a well-groomed pet is easier to treat for parasites and skin diseases.

Cat grooming - what do animals need, hygienic and model grooming, cost in salons

Is trimming a pet cat's hair a whim of the owner, a fashion trend or a necessity? Trimming excess hair is a forced and obligatory procedure for cats of long-haired breeds. As for cats with medium-length fur, the decision rests with the owner of the animal. Grooming cats at a salon or at home is a condition that will provide your pet with a beautiful hairstyle and well-groomed appearance. To make a short-haired cat look attractive and stylish, it is better to entrust the hairstyle to professionals.

Haircutting tools

To perform the hairstyle, you need to have special tools on hand. Scissors take sharp, medium, with rounded tips. For shaving you will need a machine - manual or powered. The second option is more preferable. It is advisable to choose a silent one so that the animal does not get scared. When shaving with manual models, the hairstyle turns out uneven.

A machine is a more effective tool than scissors. It eliminates injuries, helps to make a uniform haircut, and select an attachment based on the length of the hair. For example, 2 cm trimmers are used to shave the ears, muzzle, and area under the tail. Only powerful clippers with wide blades are suitable for animals with thick hair.

To do this, take nozzles No. 2-5. It is not recommended to use clippers with small blades - they can injure the skin. Their length should be from 0.5 mm. The recommended power of the machine when processing Angora and Persian cats is 45 W, short-haired is 20 W.

Additionally you will need:

• a massage comb and a second one with soft, sparse teeth;
• a piece of fabric;
• "Chlorhexedine" or hydrogen peroxide to treat possible skin damage;
• any flat surface (for example, a table);
• treats, toys;
• nail clipper

Since the cat must lie still during the procedure, a special collar is put on it or the desired part of the body is fixed.

How to trim cat hair

Grooming is very popular today. Salons are popping up, often specializing in the feline family. They are serviced by mobile technicians at home. Let's consider options for performing this procedure and find out how to trim a cat yourself, using a different set of tools, techniques and techniques.

Depending on the breed of cat, the thickness and amount of fur varies greatly. In accordance with this factor, choose the most suitable cutting tool:

• scissors, preferably with curved tips, for safety;
• hair clipper - preferably for animals, but you can also use a regular clipper for people.

General haircut rules

Two people cut their pet's hair. The second person holds and calms. When your pet has an aggressive nature, it is recommended to perform a salon procedure, as there is a possibility that anesthesia will be required. It is also necessary for heavily overgrown dogs whose fur is covered with tangles.

When the cat is not being prepared for surgery, 2-5 mm of hair is left when shaving to maintain normal thermoregulation. When cutting hair, precautions must be taken. When using a machine, it is recommended to take a powered one. When trimming a pet, the owner must be calm, otherwise his nervousness will be transferred to the animal.

It is recommended to shave first according to the growth of the pile, then against it. Do not allow the machine to overheat. Scissors must be sharp. But for long-haired breeds they will be ineffective. You should not cut your animal's hair very short to maintain thermoregulation.

If the cat is injured

If it was not possible to avoid injury from scissors or clippers when grooming a cat, immediate measures must be taken to eliminate the consequences:

• wipe the cut area with a disinfectant;
• apply healing ointment with a bandage or plaster; it is better to use a bandage so that the pad does not fall off when moving.

In case of deep and lacerated wounds, surgical intervention is required - it is better to take the cat to the veterinarian or call a doctor at home. Eye damage is especially dangerous; in this situation, consult a doctor immediately.

Haircut instructions

First, the table is treated with an antiseptic and the instruments are disinfected. Then the claws are trimmed. The cat is secured so that it lies still. When he tries to escape, they put a plastic collar on him. First, use a clipper (nozzles No. 3-5) to cut the hairs on the sides, then treat the back and stomach. They act very carefully near the nipples, in the perineum.

For the armpits, change the nozzle to No. 2. Shave the paws starting from the top, going down as far as necessary. The hair on the tail is cut so that 1/3 of the hair remains, at least a tassel. To avoid damage to the skin, it is slightly stretched.

The tangles are cut off with scissors before the hairstyle. If missed during the preparatory examination, then as soon as it is found. The coat can be cut with or against hair growth. When the procedure is completed, the cat is wiped with a damp cloth or doused with warm water and washed with shampoo. Then dry with a towel or hairdryer.

Options for common haircuts

The French Lion hairstyle is very popular . This hairstyle suits any cat, but cats with thick, long hair look especially impressive. It is ideal for the summer heat. The cat is cut like a lion, leaving only the mane, a tuft on the tail, and hair on the paws below the knees. Other types are also popular.

Fashionable haircut options

Dragon has become one of the most popular fashionable haircuts . The coat is trimmed with narrow or wide triangles, forming a mohawk. Paws and head are not cut. Dragon models are different. It’s difficult to do a fashionable haircut on your own; it’s better to take your cat to a specialist or invite a groomer to your home.

Partial haircut options

These include haircuts that are close to the natural cover or with partial shaving. For example, Continental, Harlequin, Modern . Such haircuts emphasize the extravagance of the cat.

How to cut a cat's hair: types of haircuts

Professional grooming

When it is not possible to trim or shave a cat on your own, or when it is being prepared for exhibitions, competitions, or photo shoots, it is recommended to contact specialized salons or professional groomers. They have experience and special tools, which eliminates damage to the vibrissae and skin trauma.

In salons, a haircut takes from 40 minutes to an hour - it depends on the complexity. To prevent the cat from being nervous about a trip or an unfamiliar place, you can call a specialist home. Anesthesia is rarely used; it disrupts the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The cost of a haircut varies from 700 to 1000 rubles.

Salon prices offer a full range of services - from ear cleaning to final styling. A professional groomer has a larger selection of tools - several types of combs, furminators, shaving machines, and different attachments. The photo shows how difficult it is to do haircuts. Without experience, you can even cripple an animal on your own.

If necessary, the cat is given an injection of a sedative. After the haircut, they will tell you how to properly care for it and when it is necessary to do it again. Only professionals can do a model haircut before a competition; at home, the risk of ruining it greatly increases, and you can injure the animal.

Is it possible to shave a cat's head? This cannot be done unless necessary, since wool saves the animal from the sun, heat, hypothermia, and accidental damage. It is strictly forbidden to shave your head. There are many sensitive vibrissae that cannot be injured. Cats are shaved bald when their fur is stained with substances that are difficult to wash off (cement, mortar, polyurethane foam), before surgery, or when the body is severely damaged by parasites.

How long does a cat's hair grow after shaving? This depends on various factors - the age of the animal, current diseases, nutrition. The fur usually grows back in 6 months. But in case of chronic diseases, deficiency of useful microelements, the cover takes several years to recover.

Grooming cats should be done carefully, carefully, so as not to injure the animal. The pet gets used to its new appearance in a few days. If you have any doubts about your abilities, it is better to contact a professional groomer.

Brushing and bathing the cat after grooming

After the haircut is finished, you need to comb the cat to remove the cut hairs and bathe it with shampoo for cats.

If the animal is too overexcited, it is better to simply wipe it with a damp towel so as not to traumatize the cat’s psyche. If your cat is not afraid of a hairdryer, you can dry the fur using it. But under no circumstances use hot air, this will cause unnecessary stress. Only warm air can be used.

How to reduce unpleasant consequences to a minimum?

To alleviate the stressful state, you need to try to gradually reconcile the animal with the procedures performed. The main method is psychological:

rid the cat of contact with unpleasant objects - nail clippers, scissors, hair clippers; distract with treats, new toys, favorite activities; during and after the manipulations, constantly talk and stroke; Do not laugh or focus on the appearance of the trimmed cat.

If there are no results from psychological assistance, you should visit a veterinarian and get the necessary medications. The list of possible medications is presented:

• Pheromones - aerosols of synthetic origin. After spraying the substance, animals experience an emotional uplift and a feeling of security and safety.
• Antidepressants - prescribed by a veterinarian when a pet falls into a state of deep depression. Therapy is carried out with Valium, Diazepam.

In addition to medications, the doctor may recommend wearing a special collar soaked in pheromones and a complex of essential oils. It allows the animal to quickly get out of a stressful state and stop constantly licking itself.

Cats do not always react aggressively to hairdresser's manipulations. Indifference to procedures is observed in sterilized animals. Their psyche is more resistant to external stimuli, their behavior is characterized by calmness and pronounced laziness.

Experts point out that changing the appearance of furry pets cannot occur only at the whim of the owner; the procedure requires good reasons. The desire to create a fashionable “hairstyle” can cause a long-term quarrel between the animal and the owner, cause hidden anger in the pet and provoke a long cold war

In what cases can you not do without a haircut?

Most owners have their own opinion about the indications for grooming a cat:

• getting rid of fur on furniture and carpets during seasonal shedding;
• allergies in the owner and family members (a shorn animal has less fluff, which causes an allergic reaction);
• prevention of overheating (in the summer, cats are hot due to their thick fur coat);
• solving problems with hair (it is easier to remove fleas, ticks, burrs).

Owning a representative of a long-haired breed while suffering from allergies, helping a pet in the heat, solving the problem of seasonal shedding - experts treat such wishes with irony. These are the whims of the owners, and not a real need. Professionals allow haircuts only in two cases:

• To get rid of large tangles. Matted fur causes pain and itching, and involuntary scratching of problem areas. When there is a massive accumulation of them, the cat is cut to relieve discomfort and prevent the development of dermatological diseases.
• As part of preoperative preparation. Before surgical interventions, the animal is not only cut short, but also shaved.

A cat’s beautiful hairstyle pleases its owners, not the cat itself. An incorrectly trimmed tail can even cause your pet to try to chew it off.

Adviсe

Before deciding to groom your cat, you need to take into account the recommendations of experienced professionals. Thus, professional groomers advise, if possible, not to touch the tail, which is the most vulnerable part of the animal’s body.

Even minor damage to it causes enormous suffering to the pet and can negatively affect the cat’s overall well-being. You should also pay attention to the stomach, especially the lower, most tender part.

The next point that experts advise you to pay attention to is the psychological preparation of your pet. This procedure may require some time and patience from the cat owner.

So, long before the planned haircut, you need to start accustoming the animal to the table. This should be done very carefully and consistently.

To begin with, simply place the cat on the work surface, stroke its sides and back and, if possible, try to lay the pet on its side without stopping stroking. After the animal stops behaving warily on the table and responds happily to caresses, they carefully begin combing, each time increasing the time of the procedure.

If you are consistent and do not forget to regularly brush your cat on the table, then over time she will get used to the procedures and will perceive both the table and the comb quite calmly. The next important step will be to accustom your pet to the sound of a running machine. Ideally, it is better to purchase a silent device, but if this is not possible, then you can try to accustom the cat to the noise of a running electric motor. To do this, a few days before the haircut, you should turn on the clipper for a short time, while holding the pet in your arms and stroking it.

In general, grooming a cat should be perceived as an extremely last resort when the animal’s fur is hopelessly neglected and it is not possible to comb out the tangles. As for haircuts for decorative purposes, in this case it is necessary to be guided by the cat’s reaction to the procedure, while assessing the possible consequences. When performing complex show hairstyles, it is recommended to give the cat a rest and trim it in 2-3 stages.

It should also be remembered that a trimmed mustache, as well as hair inside the ears and on the head, significantly reduces the sensitivity of the smell receptors. There is no need to groom overly aggressive or overly active pets yourself. It is better to take such animals to an experienced groomer, where sedatives may be required. Thus, each owner must decide for himself whether to cut his pet’s hair or not. To do this, you need to soberly assess the benefit/harm ratio and focus primarily on the well-being and mental balance of your pet.

To learn why cats need to be groomed, watch the following video.

Reviews

Reviews of cat grooming in salons vary.

• Some people stopped grooming cats after several unsuccessful attempts.
• After all, this is a lot of stress for a pet.
• Especially when a stranger in an unfamiliar room touches you.
• You can inject them with a muscle relaxant. But it is prohibited for sick and old cats. Yes, and it has many downsides.

Many people groom their cats at home themselves. They buy a special tool and use it to cut hair.

If a cat goes to exhibitions and photo shoots, then he can’t go anywhere without a professional haircut. The owners find experienced groomers who can find an approach to the pet. It's hard to find experienced professional makeup artists.