Is it possible to cut cats? Features of caring for cats of different breeds


Furry pet lovers often wonder: is it possible to groom cats? The answer is clear - yes, it is possible, sometimes even necessary! Grooming cats and cats is becoming increasingly popular. The reasons are dictated by the need to provide complete care for your pet’s fur coat. And if you get creative, the animal takes on an interesting image.

Is it true that cats can be cut?

For cats that live in the private sector and spend a lot of time outdoors, careful care is essential. After a walk, your pet may return not only with dirty hair, but also with hair matted into lumps. In this case, scissors will come to your aid. And if your pet has long, thick hair, then to avoid such troubles it makes sense to get a beautiful haircut with the onset of the warm season. If your cat is domestic, and you have enough time, effort and patience to take care of your pet’s fur every day and keep it clean and tidy, you can avoid going to the “cat” hairdresser - groomer. Even if there is no need to cut your pet’s hair, it is advisable to use a fuminator or slicker; they comb out the dead undercoat without touching the living one.

Varieties

Cat grooming can be classified into two types: hygienic and exhibition. The first type of care is aimed at ensuring and maintaining the cleanliness and health of the cat, giving the pet a well-groomed appearance. The care complex includes 7 different procedures:

  • combing your pet's fur;
  • swimming in warm water;
  • wool cutting;
  • cleaning ears;
  • trimming long nails;
  • eye wash;
  • brushing your teeth

Exhibition grooming differs from regular grooming in that it is designed to bring a domestic cat to a certain standard established for a given breed. It is carried out by a professional groomer, paying more attention to the animal’s fur. This type of grooming is necessary mainly for cats that take part in exhibitions.

In this case, the master performs the haircut in such a way that the cat receives a minimum of unpleasant sensations.

Why do you need a haircut?

Owners of furry pets have different opinions on this issue. Some are categorically against such a procedure, because they sincerely believe that the haircut disfigures the cat. And others not only take their pet to the hairdresser, but also maintain a regular schedule. There are several main reasons explaining why cats need a haircut: - Due to the increased body temperature of cats compared to humans, they can easily tolerate hot summer weather, but if the temperature outside exceeds 35-40 degrees, cats begin to feel unwell. If you decide to cut your pet’s hair to make its life easier, follow certain rules, or better yet, consult a specialist. He will calculate the required length of fur that needs to be left for the pet so that he does not become vulnerable to direct sunlight or catch a cold from a draft and air conditioning. — The appearance of bald patches on a pet’s body often frightens owners and leads to unplanned haircuts. But when the hair grows back, the bald patches remain. In this case, hairdressing services are not able to solve the problem, contact your veterinarian to find the cause and begin timely treatment. — During shedding, caring for a cat takes a lot of time and effort, and cleaning an apartment where fur constantly flies around is not fun. There is an opinion that if you cut an animal's hair, the problem will be resolved. This is a mistake - after growing overgrown, the cat will begin to shed again. If shedding time is delayed, contact your veterinarian. The specialist will find the reason, perhaps it is high humidity in the room, stress in the pet, or improper feeding. — Not all owners find a common language with their pet; cats simply do not allow themselves to be brushed. Thus, tangles form on the animal’s body, which tighten the skin, cause itching, and cause discomfort. A nest for fleas, fungi and various infections is formed under the mat. If your cat has thick, long hair, pay special attention to its care. — Another reason is the cohabitation of a cat and a person with upper respiratory tract diseases and allergies. Grooming cats will help allergy sufferers and asthmatics avoid a trigger (a factor that causes suffocation and exacerbation of the disease). — It happens that the pet is sick or too old. If an animal cannot properly care for its fur, a haircut will also help. - Pets need to be cut to be simply beautiful! This is especially true before exhibitions. A groomer will help you with a model haircut. It can be original, emphasizing the individuality of the pet.

To cut or not to cut your pet?

During a grooming, a cat gets stressed, which can lead to unpleasant consequences. However, the determining factor is the climate in which you live and where the pet spends most of its time - outdoors or indoors. When it's very hot outside and you want to help your four-legged friend, a haircut won't be a bad idea. Despite the obvious benefits (especially for long-haired cats), clipping has some disadvantages. A trimmed animal adapts less well to temperature changes. Cats walking outside can overheat in the sun, since their skin will not be protected by fur, and the pet can catch a cold. Therefore, you should not get carried away with this procedure. It is necessary to organize proper coat care, in this way you can avoid the formation of tangles and, as a result, the occurrence of skin diseases.

Situations in the wild when cats deliberately deprive their relatives of their whiskers

As it became clear, whiskers are an important sensory organ; naturally, whiskers are well aware of this, so in nature there are situations when cats deliberately pull out the whiskers of their relatives. First of all, we are talking about a fight, then rivals may try to deprive each other of their mustaches precisely because they are so important. Their loss automatically means the cat is weak and becomes more vulnerable. In disputes over territory in the wild, this situation is not uncommon.

Science also knows of cases where a mother cat chewed off the whiskers of her children. This was due to the fact that she did not want the babies to leave the makeshift “nest” prematurely. A kitten whose ability to navigate due to deformation of its whiskers was weakened more often remained near its mother, because It’s warm around her and, most importantly, safe. New vibrissae grew within six months. And all this time the kitten was forced to stay near the parent. Despite the fact that the mother cat had good intentions in such situations, such behavior still has more of a negative impact than a positive one.

It is forbidden to trim the whiskers of cats (or cats), this action is akin to depriving a person of one of his senses. Whiskers play an important role in a cat's life and their loss can lead to sad consequences, the severity of which varies from being in a bad mood to losing orientation in space.

Everything you need for a haircut

Of course, to cut a cat's hair, it is better to turn to specialists, but you can do a simple haircut yourself at home. The fur of different cat breeds varies in length, stiffness and density, and each pet will require a different approach. You will need:

  • Table (you can use an ironing board);
  • Scissors;
  • Comb;
  • Hair clipper (preferably with veterinary attachment No. 3);
  • Hydrogen peroxide or iodine (in case of accidental injury to the pet's skin).

Before you start grooming your cat, be sure to trim its nails.

Required Tools

A hygienic grooming of a furry pet can be done using only scissors as the main tool. Naturally, they should have rounded ends, be well sharpened and not very large in size.

But it is preferable, of course, to use a trimmer (a special hair clipper). It is completely safe and you won’t be able to inadvertently injure your pet, and it does the job much faster and easier. The only problem that can become an obstacle is the noise the machine makes. Your pet may get scared of the device and simply run away. There are regular trimmers and ones for hard-to-reach places.

Additionally you will need:

  1. Comb with rounded teeth to avoid scratching the animal.
  2. Hydrogen peroxide and cotton wool in case you accidentally injure your pet.
  3. Bedding, for example, an old towel, which will have to be thrown away after the event.
  4. A table or couch is any horizontal surface where you can comfortably place your cat.
  5. A distracting object that the pet can engage in during the procedure, for example, a toy, a dental bone.

Which machine to choose for grooming a cat

Retail chains offer a very wide range of devices for grooming pets, from very expensive and functional to budget ones. The disadvantage of inexpensive models is, first of all, their unstable and indelicate operation - such models can cut fur poorly or pull out hair. Another disadvantage of budget models is that they overheat during use, and you can simply burn your pet. Inexpensive trimmers have a short service life.

As mentioned above, there are regular trimmers and ones for hard-to-reach places. The latest models are distinguished by their small size and shorter blades (no more than 2 cm). A similar device can be used to treat areas of anatomical curves, ears, muzzle, and areas under the tail. But this is more of an auxiliary tool; it is impossible to give a full haircut with it. Conventional trimmers are used for these purposes.

For representatives of especially fluffy breeds with a thick undercoat (Persians, exotics, etc.), choose devices with a power of at least 45 W, they will not overheat and can cope with thick hair.

Pay attention to the blades: they should be wide and sharp. The speed and delicacy of work depends on the sharpness of the blades

For cats with not very thick and long hair, you can use clippers with a power of 20 W or more.

A very useful option for the trimmer is the ability to automatically adjust the cutting surfaces

When choosing a device in a store, pay attention to this; not all models have this function. With a minimum length of cutting surfaces of 0.5 cm, the length of the pet's hair after cutting will be equal to 0.5 cm

It is dangerous to use devices with very small blades yourself at home - you can injure the skin of the animal.

Mains-powered electric trimmers are preferable to those that rely on batteries or a battery. They guarantee stable and long-term operation of the device. If you frequently have to pause and turn off the device while cutting, the battery or batteries may drain very quickly. An even more convenient option is models that have both a battery and a network connection.

The noise level produced by the device is also important. The quieter and more pleasant the device is, the more the cat will like it.

Make sure that the machine is comfortable to hold in your hands. It should be moderately light and moderately heavy.

It is difficult to ensure smooth movement with a device that is too light, and a device that is too heavy will quickly tire your hand. Therefore, try to find a “golden mean”.

Pay attention to the shape of the handle; it should fit comfortably in your hand and not slip out.

Be sure to check the device before purchasing, especially for overheating and foreign odors.

How to properly cut a cat's hair

When cutting hair, it is advisable to find an assistant. He will hold the animal lying on its side, control the front legs with one hand and the hind legs with the other. It is necessary to fix the pet on the table surface quite firmly - the cat will escape out of fear, and the sound of the running machine will provoke it to escape. Try to use silent machines. It is necessary to cut cats according to a certain algorithm: start cutting from the sides, back and belly, move to the armpits, then the back. Then come the paws; if you wish, you can leave the “socks”. It is not necessary to cut the tail, but if you decide to tidy it up, leave a tassel at the end. If you decide to cut your cat's hair against the grain, use scissors and a special clipper, setting the cutting depth to 3 to 4 mm, which will prevent injury to the animal's skin. Do not forget to stretch the animal's skin in the area where the machine passes. Cutting against the grain is different in that a larger volume of hair is removed in one pass, but this method is mentally traumatic for the animal. After finishing the haircut, wipe the cat with wet wipes, or better yet, give it a bath to remove any remaining fur. Now all the fears are over, and she is ready to return to her normal life. This process is not simple, it has many nuances, and not all animals tolerate haircuts calmly. If you do not have enough skills to groom your pet on your own, it is better to contact a groomer: go to a special salon or call them to your home.

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.

Recommendations for haircut and care

— The growing fur of a cat changes structure and color after cutting. — It’s not worth trimming the belly and back of cats with color point and tipping - the growing fur is several tones darker. — It is possible that the growing fur may not reach its original length. — It is strictly forbidden to trim the hair in the ears. Also, do not touch the hair on your head or whiskers with scissors! — It is recommended to trim especially active pets using sedatives. Do not do this yourself, contact a specialized salon.

Short-haired pets can be brushed once a week and bathed as you wish. Long-haired cats need to be washed at least once every 2 months and their coat thoroughly brushed daily. Experts recommend cutting the hair of cats with a length of more than 3 cm. It is better to consult with specialists about the possibility or necessity of cutting short-haired cats.

Grooming cats is a useful procedure that helps us and our pets. Cut your hair yourself or get help from a professional – it’s up to you. The most important thing is that your decision is thoughtful and brings benefit and comfort to our pets.

The question of whether cats can be cut is asked by many pet lovers. Experts answer it positively - yes, it is possible, and sometimes even necessary! The reasons may be different: heat, sticky hairballs, inability to provide adequate care for your pet’s fluffy coat.

Is it really possible to cut your pets' hair?

Cats that live in the private sector and are often outdoors require especially careful care. They walk in different places, including among various herbaceous plants. As you know, a large number of different parasites live in grass. To protect your pet from possible problems associated with them, you need to check its fur and skin every day. Of course, if the cat is completely domestic, and the owner has time to constantly care for its fur, then, in principle, there is no need for a haircut.

Many owners of purebred animals perform this procedure in order to ensure a well-groomed and tidy appearance for their pet. In addition, this greatly simplifies its care.

Why do cats need haircuts?

The answers to this question are completely different for everyone. Some believe that short-haired cats lose their visual appeal, while others do this procedure for their pet all the time.

When asked whether cats can be cut and for what purpose, the following reasons are most often given:

  • Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, so they can tolerate heat more easily. But it can be very difficult for them too if it’s + 40⁰C outside. You can make your pet's condition a little easier with a haircut. But don’t forget that God gave the cat fur for a reason. Without it, the animal becomes more vulnerable to direct sunlight on its skin, the risk of colds from air conditioning or drafts is high, and sensitivity to the slightest changes in the environment increases. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to cut cats in the summer should be studied separately in order to eliminate the occurrence of problems associated with this procedure.
  • Many people believe that grooming a cat will help get rid of any skin diseases. For example, when a cat develops a receding hairline, they trim it instead of taking it to the veterinarian. Such actions will not solve the problem, but will only postpone it for a while. As the fur grows back, it will appear again. Therefore, in such situations, you need to show the porridge to a specialist who can find out the cause and begin treatment in time.

  • The shedding period often requires cat owners to devote a lot of time to cleaning up fur. Sometimes the shedding drags on for a long time. And many owners believe that if they cut their cat’s hair, everything will end quickly. Actually this is not true. When the fur grows again, the pet will shed again. You always need to look deeper for the cause of a particular situation. Prolonged shedding is usually the result of high humidity, improper feeding, stress, etc. You should contact a veterinarian for help.
  • Many glamorous ladies can easily answer the question of why a cat needs a haircut. They want to see their pets as well-groomed as they are. Therefore, you can often find a cat with a decorative haircut, which the owner did for the beauty of her baby. To do this, they visit special salons with her, where they know well how to cut cats and know how to do it professionally. It is unlikely that you will be able to create such a hairstyle for your pet on your own.

Is it possible to cut cats' hair in summer?

First of all, it depends on the climate. Perhaps this does not need to be done, and sometimes it happens the other way around. Every pet owner wants to somehow help him endure certain conditions with comfort. Either cut it so that the cat does not feel hot, or dress it in clothes in winter, protecting it from the cold. Animals' bodies are designed in such a way that they can easily withstand all weather conditions. Therefore, it is not recommended to cut them unless absolutely necessary. There are some dangerous aspects of carrying out such a procedure in the summer. It could be sunstroke if short-haired cats walk in the sun for a long time. The animal's skin is not used to receiving such an amount of sun, because it is constantly protected by fur. A haircut can cause your pet not only stress, but also some kind of disease. If the cat lives in an apartment and does not go outside, then why not trim it in the summer so that it is not so hot.

What is needed for a haircut

If you don’t have confidence in your abilities, it’s better to trust the experts and get your cat’s hair cut at a veterinary clinic. But a simple haircut can be done independently. You should always remember that the hair of all cats is different, so the question of whether cats can be cut and how best to do it is decided in each case individually. What matters here is the length of the coat, its hardness, etc. In any case, for cutting you will need:

  • Table or ironing board.
  • Scissors.
  • Hair clipper.
  • Iodine or hydrogen peroxide.

Before starting this procedure, the cat needs to trim its claws.

Manual typewriter

There is an alternative to electric clippers - a manual clipper. This tool resembles scissors or pruning shears and is operated by pressing the handles. A manual clipper is suitable for shy cats because it does not make any sounds. You can cut your pet's hair unnoticed by disguising the actions with caresses or even in a dream. The machine is easy to clean and cannot be broken. Another advantage of a manual typewriter is its low price.

But there are also disadvantages - the duration of a haircut increases significantly, and without certain skills, not everyone will be able to cut a cat’s hair neatly and evenly right away. A manual clipper is suitable for hygienic haircuts at home, but not for cutting before an exhibition or surgery.

How to cut a cat's hair

You will definitely need an assistant in this matter. He will hold the cat in a side-lying position, holding her front paws in one hand and her hind paws in the other. The animal must be pressed very firmly against the table surface, as it will try to escape, especially when the machine is turned on. There is a certain order in how cats are groomed. First, the hair is removed from the sides, back and abdomen, then carefully passed with a machine in the armpits and back of the body. You don’t have to cut the tail at all or leave a small tassel at the end. Then the cat will resemble a lion. The paws are usually trimmed to the elbow, leaving the toes. After wrapping the cat in a blanket, trim the mane beautifully using scissors.

At the end of the entire procedure, you can bathe your pet or wipe it with wet wipes to remove any remaining hairs from its skin. The animal will immediately feel much better.

Grooming at home

If you don't want to go to the salon, call a specialist at home. He will do everything quickly and at a reasonable price. If you take part in exhibitions with your pet, the cats are groomed by professionals.

Benefits of grooming at home:

  • Familiar home environment. In addition, traveling to and from the salon is stressful for some cats.
  • Convenience - you don’t need to go to the salon, choose a time and wait for your turn.
  • Rapidity. A hairdresser will need much less time to groom a cat than the owner.
  • Availability of necessary tools. Special scissors, brushes and clippers will allow the master to easily deal with long hair.
  • Safety. The groomer will not damage the cat's delicate skin, as he has safe tools and knows how to trim correctly.
  • No anesthesia. Anesthesia is contraindicated for cats: it will be difficult for the animal to recover from it, and for old pets it can be fatal.
  • Prices are lower than in the salon.

Features of caring for different breeds

Any cat needs coat care, which includes regular brushing to remove tangles, cleansing with dry shampoo or bathing the pet in water. Carefully remove dirt from eyes, ears, and trim claws. Short-haired breeds are the easiest to care for - you only need to brush them once a week with a massage brush, and bathe them only when necessary.

Long-haired cats require more careful grooming. It is recommended to wash them at least once every 2 months, and it is best to comb them daily. Then the wool does not roll into tangles, and dead hairs are easily removed with a brush.

The coat also determines which cats can be cut and which cannot. Professionals believe that this procedure will not harm all cats whose fur length is more than 3–4 cm. Therefore, cutting is possible for breeds such as Persian, Burmese, Siberian, Angora, etc. Is it possible to cut short-haired cats? This issue is resolved individually.

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