How to trim a cat's fur with a clipper and scissors yourself

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.

Device power type

The choice of machine is not limited by the difference in operating principles; the type of power supply is also important. There are networked, battery-powered models and combined-type devices that are powered by an outlet or batteries.

Battery models are very mobile and relatively independent from the network. The power source is a built-in or removable battery, or regular batteries. The disadvantage of a wireless device is that the time of continuous use is limited by the battery capacity, on average from 1 to 1.5 hours.

Hair clipper ZIVER-209 (battery-mains)

The power of such a device is reduced when the charge level is less than 30%.

It is logical that such a device is capable of trimming a large animal only if it has several replaceable batteries. It is possible to carry out a haircut in several stages, but this is not very convenient.

Mains power provides constant power, which reduces the overall cutting time compared to battery-powered clippers. The devices are characterized by stable, but noisier operation.

Andis AGC-2 Speed ​​– professional animal clipper

Combined devices are universal and are in great demand, despite their relatively high cost.

WAHL machine (USA) with Super Groom combined food

The process of cutting a cat with scissors

To groom a cat at home, it is important to have someone help hold it for the first time. The cat is placed on its side and its limbs are supported. You can use a plastic collar for safety.

Before the procedure, it is important to disinfect the instrument with alcohol so as not to infect the animal in case of injury.

Using scissors, you should immediately cut off tangles and any areas of matted fur. Then proceed directly to the haircut:

1. The head is treated. Usually the head is not cut bald, leaving a fluffy hairstyle, but it is better to immediately trim off the excess overgrown strands and hair. It is important not to touch the whiskers, but it is better to remove the “whiskers” - it will be easier for the pet to eat and keep clean.
2. Remove excess volume from the body, neck and behind the ears, paws and tail.
3. Pay special attention to the intimate area; it is important not to damage these areas with scissors.

After finishing, you should wash the cat and dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer, removing excess hair.

Creative grooming

If everything is clear with traditional types of grooming (pet, professional), then creative grooming deserves more attention.

This is a real art, which not every specialist masters, since, in addition to professional qualities, he must have considerable imagination and artistic talent.

Creative grooming, of course, sometimes goes beyond all limits. But here the master clearly tried to make the dog positive

The most popular ideas are cutting patterns and pictures on the pet's body, creating tattoos, pedicures, dyeing wool, piercings and decorative jewelry.

The prices for these services are quite high, but it is definitely worth it.

Cutting patterns occurs as follows:

• First, a pattern or picture is thought out. A true professional can complete almost any idea - from a popular foot to an entire painting.
• Next, special paints are applied to the skin.
• Trimming. Large pictures require a lot of time and effort.

Tattoos on the body of an animal look no less creative, although they are much easier to do. Transfers are simply applied to the prepared skin of the pet.

They are worn for about 3-4 weeks and are completely harmless to the dog’s health.

Golden “socks” on the paws, decoration on the neck and patterns in the form of leaves – what’s not to say about the autumn mood?

Dog pedicures are far from new in pet salons. For this purpose, special grooming cosmetics are used.

For example, the varnishes used to cover a dog’s claws do not contain solvents and are therefore safe for health.

And what? Bright colors are in fashion now

Piercing is a new procedure, but has questionable reviews.

After all, it would seem that ear piercing is harmless and is suitable for almost all breeds, but the animal can injure itself if the jewelry gets caught in a corner or some object.

The cheapest option is to use various decorations. The most common examples are bows, braids, and hairpins on Biewer Yorkies.

How to cut a cat's hair with a clipper

The cat clipper should be turned on in advance so that the pet gets used to its sound and is not afraid. In the same way, the cat is cut with a clipper, starting from the sides. The back and stomach are treated, especially carefully trimming the nipple area.

The clipper can cut hair according to its height and against it, using a nozzle of at least 3 mm. If there are lumps and tangles, they should be removed in advance, as the device will not cope with them.

The skin needs to be stretched - this will avoid cuts from the blade. Carefully trim around the intimate area.

At the very end of the work, it is better to cut off the wool with scissors, since contact of the machine with the skin can cause wounds and microscopic scratches. After grooming, the cat must be bathed with shampoo to remove any remaining hair and dirt. Dry with a hairdryer and towel.

Proper nutrition

The appearance and well-being of a cat largely depend on nutrition. If the diet is unbalanced, then this usually affects the quality of the coat: it becomes dry, loses its shine and elasticity, and hair begins to split and fall out. To avoid this, choose a complete ready-made food for your cat - it already contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Long-haired cats may also need a product to help remove hair from the gastrointestinal tract. A veterinarian will help you decide on the choice of diet and supplements, taking into account the cat’s breed, age, activity, and health status.

Remember that the animal’s diet should not include food from your table. If you want to cook for your pet yourself, study in advance the daily intake of calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, micro- and macroelements that the cat should receive, and pay attention to prohibited foods. Among them are fish, poultry and meat bones, sweets, herbs, avocados, smoked meats, etc. For smooth coat and healthy skin, it is important to choose foods rich in B vitamins (beef liver, meat, dairy products, etc.), vitamin A ( egg yolks, sea fish liver, etc.), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (salmon, eggs, etc.).

Caring for a pet often includes grooming it. Moreover, this applies not only to owners of flocks of sheep or dogs, but also to cats: some breeds simply need to remove excess hair. In this regard, the question arises: how to do this? You can turn to the services of a professional, or you can buy a cat clipper and perform this procedure yourself. The second method has certain advantages.

Secrets of grooming at home

The owner of the cat can cut it himself, or at any time contact a specialized salon for a professional grooming of the animal. However, this opportunity is often not possible due to the lack of a salon in the city. Grooming includes not only cat grooming, but also comprehensive care in general, which includes the following procedures:

• trim claws;
• comb out tangles from wool, untangle matted areas;
• ear cleaning;
• eye wash;
• trimming hair between the toes, on the paws;
• removal of tartar and formations, cleaning of the oral cavity;
• cleaning of the excretory glands and other services.

The word “grooming” itself comes from hippology – the science of horses. A groom was a professional groom who looked after horses. Today this is the name given to specialists who care for any animal.

Additional tools

For a high-quality and efficient grooming of cats, you will need not only a tool for trimming hair (clipper or scissors), but also several additional things:

1. comb-comb for preliminary and subsequent separation of strands;
2. special attachments for the clipper - if the hair is long, the attachments must be at least 3 mm long, it is better to take veterinary ones;
3. simple hairdressing scissors (regular or thinning);
4. a product for disinfecting fur and skin - sudden movements of your pet are possible, which often leads to cuts and injuries. To prevent infections and inflammations, it is important to immediately treat the damaged area;
5. a special high table or ironing board on which it will be convenient and safe to work on the cat’s hair;
6. hydrogen peroxide, cotton wool to disinfect possible cuts;
7. animal food.

It is worth feeding the cat in advance so that it calms down a little, and also giving treats during the grooming procedure.

During the work, it is important to create a soft, calm, harmonious environment - after all, you are dealing with cutting tools. Cats need to feel calm. Movements with the machine should be smooth and calm.

A good solution is to attract a partner who will hold and pet the cat. It is also important not to tease the cat if it is angry, not to involve it in games or irritate it with distractions.

Aggressive cat

What to do if the cat behaves aggressively, does not allow itself to be cut, twitches and is nervous? There are several options:

• choose another date for a haircut, when the “restless” days or fear of the tool have passed;
• give the cat a sedative if it is not given - inhibition of the nervous system and general relaxation after taking the medicine will simplify the solution to the problem and reduce aggression.

An experienced professional grooms cats using his own methods of handling animals, so in extreme cases there is always the option of calling a specialist.

Haircut in several passes, with breaks

Sometimes it is necessary to do the haircut in several stages if it is not possible to reduce the length of the coat at one time. You can take the cat during the day to continue grooming, this way it will even more quickly adapt to the unusual actions of its owners and allow itself to be trimmed faster.

This option is optimal in the case of a very active and curious kitten who does not like to sit still for a long time and needs to be calmed.

If you still haven’t found an effective way to trim your cat’s hair at home, you can simply leave it with its existing coat. Then you will have to constantly collect lost hair and fight fleas.

Combing the fur

It is recommended to accustom your cat to brushing from childhood. Experienced owners recommend that at first they choose the time for the procedure shortly before meals, so that the kitten will form pleasant associations with combing. In the future, when the cat is no longer afraid of the brush and other equipment, cat grooming can be done at any time (the only condition is that the pet is calm, otherwise he will try to turn the hygiene procedure into a fun game with the owner and the brush).

Having prepared all the necessary accessories, you can start combing the cat:

The frequency of brushing depends on the length of the coat. For long-haired cats, the procedure is performed daily, for short-haired cats – once or twice a week.

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.

What you need for a haircut

To change the appearance of an animal or get rid of possible health problems, you need to prepare tools. The main working tools can be scissors or a machine. In addition, you will need: a comb with non-sharp teeth, bedding where you can collect the wool, hydrogen peroxide in case of injuries to the animal’s skin, and nail clippers.

Cat hairstyle trends: which haircut to choose?

If you just need to shorten the coat, this is a simple task. But there is a choice of different curly haircuts, which are chosen taking into account the type of coat, thickness, and breed of the animal. This is a very important factor for winning at the exhibition, because it provides the original appearance of the pet and reflects its individuality.

The following hairstyle options are relevant today:

• “lion”: the entire back and the upper side of the legs are cut, the tail at the base. At the same time, the head is left untouched, as is the neck - a kind of “mane” is formed, as is the tassel at the tip of the tail. The tail can be shaped like a pom-pom, Christmas tree, or panicle. You can achieve the squirrel tail effect. The “socks” on the feet are made short or in the form of “gloves”.
• “puma”: performed similarly to “lion”, but the shirtfront is left in the chest area, which looks beautiful;
• “dragon”: cut the sides and belly until smooth, leave the fur along the ridge and tail, give it the shape of a fluffy comb with incisors;
• “Puss in Boots”: repeating the image of a fairy-tale hero, the hair on the back is cut short, the paws are cut off from above, so that there are neat and identical “boots” below.

There are other models of hairstyles, but they are more complex to perform; it is better to entrust them to groomers. This is the so-called “continental” haircut, “modern”, “harlequin”.

We hope that this guide will help you successfully and tastefully decorate your favorite cat's fur. By following all the above recommendations, you will know exactly how to successfully trim a cat with a clipper at home and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for your pet.

Recommended Models

When choosing a good device, you should listen to the opinions of professionals who not only understand technology, but also apply it in practice. If you analyze reviews of various models, you can identify several of the most successful cat clippers.

Brofa 206B2

The best among inexpensive models, it has collected many positive reviews. Corded two-speed clipper with replaceable blades is suitable for cutting medium-length wool. In general, the device copes with its task, but requires regular sharpening of the blades. The machine comes with a blade lubricant.

Moser 1245 45W

A powerful, professional device from the most popular manufacturer. The 45 W motor is suitable for grooming Persian cats, British cats or other breeds with thick hair. The two-speed model requires maintenance - after each haircut, the blades must be lubricated with special oil. Otherwise, the device is very reliable, convenient and easy to use. Moser 1245 is equipped with a special brush for cleaning cutting elements. You can also purchase replacement attachments for cutting wool of different lengths.

The two-speed air-cooled machine can be used for a long time. A big plus was the average weight of 435 grams and a rich set of equipment: the device comes with special tweezers, a brush for cleaning blades, and one replaceable blade. If desired, you can separately purchase various replacement attachments for the device.

Most often, owners take their dogs for grooming. Most of those who keep cats do not consider it necessary to cut them, although, for the sake of the original appearance of the animal and beauty, in their understanding, some owners of four-legged pets believe that this procedure will make the cat an absolutely irresistible beauty.

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:

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.

Calm the animal. 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 your pet does not like water treatments, 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.

They are recommended for sphinxes and pets with light skin (fur). Sunscreen products that meet human protection levels of SPF 15 or SPF 30 and cropped individuals are suitable.

Cats' fur grows back slowly. If the pet is not being prepared for exhibitions, 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 just need to clean the blades before use and lubricate the parts according to the instructions. If your pet is infested with fleas (other parasites), it is best not to use clippers on other pets.

Washing equipment is contraindicated, and disinfection with alcohol does not kill all parasites. Other antiseptics may damage the mechanism.

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.

Is it possible to cut a cat’s hair yourself: step-by-step instructions

Many of us have pets. Most often these are cats and dogs. But few people think about how to properly care for them. The most important thing in caring for cats is paying attention to their fur. This is why some breeds need to be clipped.

We must take into account the fact that most cats live in fairly confined spaces and do not go outside. All this leads to disruption of the natural process of shedding hair, because... In apartments, seasonal climate change is in principle impossible. As a result of such conditions, cats begin to suffer from so-called sporadic year-round shedding, and owners from hair scattered throughout the house.

This is especially true for animals with long hair, which brings even more inconvenience.

There is only one conclusion - cats and kittens need a haircut! This is absolutely not following fashion trends, but basic rules of care and concern for our domesticated animals. Haircuts will help keep your pets healthy and keep your home in order. The latter is also, you see, important.

Why can't you cut your cat's hair?

The main danger of haircuts is the high probability of changes in the structure of the hairs. The newly grown coat may become thinner and its quality may deteriorate, leading to the rapid formation of tangles. The changes also affect the cat’s skin – its elasticity and firmness may decrease.

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