Does your cat shed excessively? Did you find a matted street cat that needs help by shaving their coat but are unsure how to do so safely? In this article, we discuss the step-by-step process of properly shaving a cat. You can also refer to this video for a visual guide.
Reasons to Shave Your Cat
Shaving your cat’s fur is not an easy task. After all, cats tend to squirm a lot and usually don’t enjoy being groomed in this way. So, why do some owners shave their cat’s fur?
Sometimes, cats develop severe matting,1 which may require them to be shaved. If you have an indoor short-haired cat, you probably don’t need to worry about matting, but outdoor cats and long-haired cats are more likely to develop mats in their fur. Occasionally, you can work through the mats with your fingers, but this isn’t always possible.
Another valid reason for shaving a cat is to give them a sanitary groom, or hygienic trim. This is a procedure intended to shave only the hair around the genital areas with the intention of preventing organic waste products from soiling and accumulating in your cat’s fur. The intention of this shave is to prevent contamination of the environment and even potential infections.
If you’re thinking about shaving your cat’s fur, you may want to first consider taking your pet to a professional groomer. Felines have sensitive skin that can be easily cut during the shaving process, so some owners opt for having a professional take care of their kitty’s fur. However, finding a cat groomer isn’t always easy. If there aren’t any nearby, it may be necessary for you to do it yourself, or you may just want the financial benefit of a DIY grooming job.
Supplies for Shaving Your Cat
You don’t need much to shave your cat at home, but there are a few essentials that you should make sure to secure before you attempt to trim your kitty. First, you need to purchase the appropriate clippers for your feline. You can purchase a cat clipper or trimmer from your local pet store or online stores like Chewy or Amazon. Look for trimmers specifically made for animals, and use a #10 blade. It’s also a good idea to have a brush on hand to make sure your cat’s fur is clean before you get started.
Next, you need to make sure you secure your cat so they can’t run off in the middle of being trimmed. You can get a friend to help you hold your pet while you trim, or you can use a leash to strap your cat to the table that you are using. You may also want to purchase rubber gloves to prevent scratching in the event that your cat tries to get away from you.
The 6 Tips for Shaving a Cat Properly
1. Brush your cat’s coat
Use your brush to groom your cat’s fur before you get started to make sure the coat is clean before you start shaving. You can also use a brush or comb to help work through any knots before you start, which will make it easier for you to get through the fur with the clipper.
2. Consider what style you will use
When grooming your cat, you can choose from multiple different hairstyles; make sure you know what style you’re aiming for before you begin. One popular cut for grooming cats that also helps reduce shedding and hairballs is the lion cut.
3. Ensure that your cat is calm
You do not want to groom a cat that’s squirming, as there is a much bigger risk that you will accidentally nick their skin with your clippers. If your cat can’t seem to calm down, you can try a natural pheromone spray.
4. Shave your cat’s fur by pulling the skin taut and avoid hurting them
Make sure the cat is straight so the skin is tight, as there is a greater chance that you will snag the trimmer on your cat’s skin or fur if the cat is bended or moving.
5. Give your cat a break when needed
As you know, cats can get restless. Your clipper can also get hot, which can be uncomfortable on your pet’s sensitive skin. Take a break if it seems like your cat is starting to get squirmy.
6. Avoid sensitive areas
Be extra careful when shaving the belly, groin, or skin folds of the armpit or between the legs to avoid hurting your cat.
Conclusion
It is usually not recommended to shave a cat unless their hair is matted beyond recovery, they got covered in oil, or they need a sanitary trim. It can take some time to get the hang of shaving your cat, but learning how to do it yourself can save you money on a groomer and the hassle of having to deal with cat hair all over your home.
- You might also be interested in: Cat Breeds That Shed the Least
Featured Image Credit By: Studio Peace, Shutterstock
