Grooming a domestic cat on your own is a very difficult and responsible task. For a handsome furry cat, such an event, conducted illiterately and unprofessionally, can turn into real stress. If you still decide to do the haircut yourself, without the help of a professional hairdresser and at home, then you should first familiarize yourself with the recommendations of professionals so as not to harm your pet.
How often to cut, including depending on the breed
The frequency of haircuts depends on the rate of hair growth, the age of the cat, and its health. It is recommended to cut your hair 2-3 times a year, not more often.
| Cause | Explanation |
| Hygiene | Long-haired cats get dirty very quickly, their fur rolls into lumps, and when licking, the likelihood of swallowing it is high, which can lead to problems with the digestive tract. |
| Shedding | Reducing the amount of wool on furniture. |
| Skin diseases (infections, parasites, hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, dermatitis) | With short hair, a cat is easier to handle. |
| Exclusive view | Only for the purpose of participating in exhibitions. |
For Persians, a haircut is an ideal option, especially in the summer, as they quickly grow overgrown, and they also do not like heat.
What breeds of cats are prohibited from being cut?
- Shorthair (British, Scottish Fold). There is no particular point, only when absolutely necessary. Please note that there are long-haired types of these cats, namely British Longhair and Highland Fold, they need to be cut.
- With tipping or color-point color. After a haircut, the pet's color changes (becomes darker).
- Semi-long-haired breeds (Siberian and Norwegian forest cats, Maine Coon) do not need a haircut; you can only limit yourself to bathing and thorough combing. Their fur serves as an excellent protector from overheating and freezing. Also read how to properly bathe a cat and how to brush it on the Mister Cat portal.
In addition, you should not generally trim hyperactive pets, which are difficult to pacify and require the use of sedatives, which have a negative effect later.
Instrument care
Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, professional line scissors do not require special care.
However, general rules for maintaining metal tools should be followed.
- Scissors should be stored horizontally. The ideal place for storage would be a special case, lined inside with suede or soft fabric.
- Before starting work, you need to check the tension of the sheath if the screw is adjustable.
- After use, scissors (but not cutting blades) should be wiped with a piece of soft cloth using a small amount of oil (special).
- Shearing scissors should only be used for cutting wool, and not for cutting flowers, paper or other materials.
Silent Scaredy Cut scissors do not require special care. They were originally designed for home use, so maintenance is kept to a minimum. Stuck hairs can be brushed off with a brush or rinsed under running water, then wipe the instrument dry.
Some manufacturing companies stipulate that the blades of their products do not become dull for a long time. But if the question of sharpening still arises, you need to contact a specialist. You should not try to sharpen the tool with improvised means, as this may render the scissors unusable.
How often do you need cat ear care, and what lotions, drops and other products are used at home?
How to cut a cat's hair: types of haircuts
| Type of haircut | Description |
| Exhibition (Harlequin, Continental, Modern)
| Emphasizes the extravagance of the animal. |
| The Dragon | On the back and tail, scraps of fur are left in the form of small triangles that form a mohawk (the shape can be different). The head and limbs are not cut. |
| French lion | Used both for hygiene purposes and as a model. Great for summer. They cut off everything on the body, leaving the head intact, a small tassel at the tip of the tail, and the part below the knees on the paws. |
| Puss in Boots | They expose the entire body, bypassing the head, tail and paws. |
Choosing Cat Grooming Tools
The haircut can be carried out using scissors (medium size, sharp with rounded ends) or a clipper, preferably silent, so as not to frighten the pet. The latter method is more effective and safer - there is practically no possibility of injuring the animal, and the result is guaranteed: a uniform haircut with the ability to choose the desired length of fur.
Auxiliary tools:
- soft comb;
- textile;
- hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine (needed if you injure an animal);
- toys and treats;
- table (or other surface).
It is better to immobilize the cat during the procedure. For example, wear a special collar. It is better for the second person to hold the cat and calm it while the first haircut is performed.
If the animal is very aggressive, it is better to visit a veterinary clinic. In some cases, anesthesia may be needed. It is worth doing it only if there is no other option. For example, a cat is covered in tangles and it’s hard for him.
Grooming Tools
Recently, a lot of tools have appeared for grooming cats and dogs, both professional and household. These can be standard clippers, trimmers, and various types of scissors. Many such tools do not require skills, so the owner can cut his pet’s hair for hygienic purposes without resorting to the services of a pet stylist.
The clipper can remove hair to a certain length, but it cannot remove hair from hard-to-reach areas. In such cases, even groomers (zoostalists) use scissors.
Some manufacturers ( Zolux, Ferplast) produce scissors specifically for grooming cats , but most models are universal for the hair of dogs, cats and small animals.
Scissors differ in their purpose (for general cutting, for cutting in hard-to-reach places, for removing tangles), the length of the scissors and blades, the shape of the blades and the type of fastening.
Straight scissors
With sliding cut
Direct
Often used for general haircuts. Thanks to the small patterns applied to the blades, the cuts are clearer and the operation of the scissors is silent. The size of the scissors is selected taking into account the size of the cat.
Curved cat scissors
Curved
They can also have small notches on the blades. This type of scissors is used for cutting hair on the face, tail, paws and for “shaping” the ears.
They are made from different types of steel, using plastic or silicone to coat the inside of the rings. They can be with or without an adjustable screw.
You need to understand that curved scissors are not a replacement for straight ones, they complement each other. That is why professional groomers use both options.
Scissors with adjustable screw
With adjustable screw
Convenient to use due to the ability to increase or decrease the tension of the sheath. They can be either straight or curved.
They also have a finger rest and plastic inserts on the inner surface of the rings. In addition, as a rule, a micro notch is applied to the blades so that the wool does not slip.
It is necessary to monitor the clamping force, otherwise you may end up with a grip on the wool rather than a cut. It is better to first practice with different degrees of tightening of the adjustment screw, so as not to cause pain from pulled hair.
Thinning scissors
Thinning
This type of scissors is designed to thin out the coat without disturbing the texture of the coat. Serrations can be on only one blade (single-sided thinning) or on both blades (double-sided thinning). Thanks to these teeth, the cuts are smooth.
With the help of such scissors you can not only remove the “heaviness” of the wool, but also visually add volume.
Another special feature of thinning scissors is that they always have blunt or rounded tips so as not to damage the pet’s skin.
Special for removing tangles
These are short-length scissors with more rounded tips. The shape of such scissors can be either straight or curved (Zolux, from 700 rubles).
Silent scissors
Silent
Scaredy Cut is an ideal option for a general hygienic cat grooming without visiting a groomer and without stress for your pet. Scissors are a tool with two types of flat blades and several types of plastic combs.
The upper blade of such knives is flat, the lower blade is serrated or without teeth. The set offers 7 sizes of combs for wool of different lengths.
Preparing for a haircut
The preparatory steps are as follows:
- Examine the cat. If there are skin lesions, it is recommended to reschedule the haircut. However, you don’t have to do this; then the wounded area needs to be carefully trimmed so that the wound is visible.
- Wash your pet.
- Decide on a tool. It should be well pointed.
- Choose the right time. The best thing is a period of rest, since while the cat is awake, it can injure both itself and the person.
Mr. Cat recommends: step-by-step instructions for grooming a cat
- Prepare all necessary tools and disinfect them.
- Trim the nails with a nail clipper or using regular nail scissors. Take the animal's paw, press on the pad and trim the claw. Read the article about how to choose a nail clipper for a cat, what they are like and how much they cost.
- Immobilize your pet by placing it on its side and holding its paws.
- In case of aggressive behavior, wear a special plastic collar.
- Immediately cut the fur from the sides, then from the back and belly. Take special care in the nipple area.
- The skin should be taut to avoid injury. It is better to remove tangles with scissors, preferably before cutting or as you find them.
- You can cut both against hair growth and along.
- At the end of the work, the cat should be wiped with a damp cloth.
Causes and consequences of using inappropriate equipment
Working as a hairdresser, a close acquaintance with such a specialist, or a desire to try out a purchase – various factors lead to the decision to cut a cat’s hair with a clipper for a person. Human equipment is not designed for wool. Low-power (about 10 W) models will slip. If the device takes cat hair, problems arise in the form of:
- pain in the pet;
- his discomfort due to loud noise;
- overheating of equipment due to increased load.
It is better to cut the animal with special devices. In comparison with hairdressing equipment, they are characterized by:
- compactness;
- frequent equipping with batteries for wireless operation;
- comparatively cheap relative to power - a Chinese 35 W machine can be bought for about 900-1000 rubles.
If human equipment is the only way to cut a cat’s hair with a clipper, you need to find out the power and noise level of the device. It is better to use machines with parameters from 20 W and about 60 dB. If a choice is possible, each device is tested on fur, observing the efficiency of operation and the reaction of the animal.
The machine should not slip and start making a strained buzz, the cat should show more anxiety than when using veterinary hairdressing tools.
Timing your haircut
Cats may be in heat. The desire for attention from the owner makes the female more accommodating. This solution is not suitable for cats due to increased aggressiveness during the search for a partner. If you do not rely on sexual phases, haircuts should be carried out when the pet is calm and resting after playing.
To treat your pet you need:
- Prepare the client. It is worth introducing your cat to the tools in advance so that she gets used to the sound of the machine.
- Find a partner. It is better to involve a person whom the animal knows and loves. Grooming a cat is stressful for your pet, and you shouldn’t aggravate it with contact with a stranger. Many hide or show aggression.
- Choose a location. It is better to work on tiles or linoleum. If there are no such surfaces, you can lay easy-to-clean material on your pet’s favorite resting place. A smooth fabric like rayon won't deter your cat, but will help clean up fur.
- Comb your pet. Excess hair and dirt are removed. The pile is unraveled and the animal, who loves the procedure, is further relaxed.
- . You need to pet your pet and let him get used to the presence of two people. When you hear the purring, you can start cutting.
- Guide the machine. It's better to work on wool. Moving against the pile increases the risk of scratching or pulling out several hairs, causing pain to your pet. You should not trim your paws in the area of the pads. Treatment of the genitals is acceptable, but must be done carefully. So, it is better to use a 1 cm nozzle.
In the process, one person operates the machine, the other holds the pet and, if necessary, stretches the skin. The choice of haircut depends on the wishes of the owner. So, he can limit himself to treating the belly and the area under the tail - partial removal of lint here helps in caring for long-haired and plump individuals.
To prepare for summer, grooming a cat with a human clipper can be done with a smaller (1 cm) attachment. The animal sheds less, but does not lose its natural protection from temperature changes and injuries. Cutting your hair too short can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation. The latter occurs both due to contact with the machine and during licking.
Care after the haircut procedure
It is advisable to bathe the cat to remove excess lint and fat. Animal shampoo is used for this. If you have a pet, you can limit yourself to wiping with a damp towel. When using clippers for people, it is worth inspecting the treated areas for scratches and irritation. Cats can widen wounds by scratching and cause infection.
If you have short hair, you should use veterinary sunscreen. They are especially relevant for animals that spend a lot of time outside and on open balconies. The products protect against sunburn and prevent the development of skin cancer - in particular, squamous cell carcinoma.
Cats' fur grows back slowly. If the pet is not, one haircut is enough for six months. The machine can be used to process other animals or people. Veterinary equipment is also suitable for humans. Such devices are preferable due to their compactness, battery life and lower noise levels.
You should not cut your cat's hair with a human clipper. The device will get stuck in the fur, scaring the pet with a strained hum and pulling out the fur. There is also a risk of the unit stripping - the motor will not withstand excessive load. Professional hairdressing equipment can deal with lint, but it is better to buy veterinary equipment. It is more compact and quieter.
It is advisable to groom a cat together - the pet is first prepared for the procedure and calmed down. After the procedure, it is advisable to wash it or wipe it with a damp towel. With a short haircut, it is worth limiting the animal’s contact with direct sunlight.
Do you groom your pet? Write in the comments.
Grooming cats is often not a whim of their owners. In most cases, cat grooming is about caring for the health of the animal. But sometimes kitty owners want to improve their appearance in this way. Why not?
If you want to look at crazy cat haircuts, we recommend checking out this article
A haircut is necessary if the matted fur tightens the cat's skin, causing it pain and discomfort. As a result, the cat may become nervous and not allow itself to be petted.
After the haircut
As we have already said, after grooming the cat should be wiped with a damp cloth, and it is also worth combing it. As a rule, cats easily get used to their trimmed appearance. But some problems may arise:
- The cat may get injured when scratching or playing the first time after the haircut.
- May begin to lick itself more often and exhibit slight irritation.
- In rare cases, the behavior may change and aggression may appear: the cat damages furniture, defecates in inappropriate places, or attacks.
If the cat’s behavior does not return to normal on its own, then you need to contact a veterinarian.
Is it necessary to cut a handsome man's hair?
Cats' fur is not only decoration, but also the main source of heat transfer. Having lost its fur, the cat will freeze even in summer. A fatty lubricant is formed under the fur, which protects the skin from drying out. Some pets experience discomfort after a haircut and even often become depressed. Therefore, you should resort to grooming in case of emergency.
The main indication for a haircut is the presence of tangles. Their formation can provoke such unpleasant situations:
- The matted fur pulls on your pet's skin. This leads to pain and nervousness.
- On the skin where there are tangles, blood flow and heat exchange are disrupted, inflammation begins, accompanied by itching and peeling.
- When licking, the fur enters the gastrointestinal tract. Having huddled together, she disrupts his work.
- The animal may try to gnaw out the mat on its own and cause serious wounds to itself.
If the Scottish Fold cat is old, he will not be able to take good care of his coat. Therefore, tangles appear much more often, therefore, they need to be trimmed. Hair often gets matted in the armpits, under the hind legs, on the neck, behind the ears and on the tail. If the lumps are insignificant, then they can be combed out or carefully cut off without resorting to cutting the entire body.
Often the reason for a change in image is the seasonal change of coat.
There are a number of other reasons for grooming a Scottish cat:
- skin diseases;
- application of medications;
- molting;
- the owner has an allergic reaction to cat hair.
Precautions when cutting
When choosing a hair clipper at home, preference should be given to models that operate on mains power. You should not purchase them with a small blade to avoid injury; the minimum length is 0.5 mm.
It is important for the owner not to worry during the haircut, otherwise his anxiety will be passed on to his pet.
Avoid overheating the machine.
For long-haired cats, using scissors is ineffective.
To ensure normal thermoregulation of the animal, it is recommended to cut the hair not too short.
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.
