{"id":13188,"date":"2022-12-22T14:36:13","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T14:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=13188"},"modified":"2023-02-10T15:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T15:44:43","slug":"how-to-shave-a-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-to-shave-a-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Shave a Cat (And When It\u2019s OK to Do It)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re a cat owner, you know that they leave their fur everywhere! But <\/span>can you shave a cat<\/span> and is it harmful to felines?<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaving a cat is a <\/span>serious step<\/b><\/span> and should only be done in particular circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we will consider those circumstances, talk about <\/span>how to shave a cat<\/span>, and discuss if you can do it at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

When <\/span>Is It OK to Shave a Cat\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with some situations that might demand shaving a part of your cat\u2019s fur. Here are some of the most common problems cats and cat owners have, which can be resolved with shaving:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Matted fur<\/b><\/span>: Fur gets matted when wet, dirty, or tangled. Cats with long hair are especially prone to this issue. The best way to prevent this is by brushing your cat at least once a week and keeping them dry and clean\u2014this way, you can avoid getting clippers anywhere near your cat\u2019s sensitive skin.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Skin disease<\/b><\/span>:<\/span> Some cats will lick themselves excessively, which can lead to <\/span>skin diseases<\/span> such as acne or ringworm.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Infections<\/b><\/span>: Shedding a cat’s coat can help those with skin infections. In order to effectively treat the infection, it\u2019s vital to expose the skin to air. Additionally, it gives easier access for any medication to be applied and absorbed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Clearly, shaving your cat is sometimes inevitable. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be <\/span>your cat’s personal pet groomer<\/b><\/a>, you can help them solve some of these skin and fur issues with a few careful flicks of electric clippers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Shave a Cat<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Now that we know <\/span>it is OK to shave a cat<\/span> in specific circumstances, keep in mind that regular <\/span>trimming<\/span> and brushing are preferable and can proactively stop any infections and skin issues that might require shaving.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If that fails and you have to pick up clippers, we\u2019ve got you covered\u2014here are the basic steps to take:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Gather All the Right Tools<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Avoid razors at all costs! It could leave your cat bleeding or with patches of fur still clinging to its skin. Instead, look for <\/span>electric clippers<\/span> with blades that are close together so they’ll be able to cut through even the thickest coats.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These usually come in a set with a charger and <\/span>lubricant<\/span>; the blades will last longer when you remember to oil them every time you use them. Next, you\u2019ll need a metal comb for the knots and a <\/span>bristle<\/span>\/<\/span>rubber brush<\/span> for the loose hair. <\/span>Towels<\/span> and <\/span>rubber gloves<\/span> for a better hold of the cat\u2014if you have a friend willing to help, that\u2019s a bonus.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Last but not least\u2014provide treats to reward good behavior!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pick a Good Location<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Since there will be hair everywhere, this is a must. Any wooden or tile floor will do\u2014just make sure you don’t do it on your favorite carpet. Bonus points if you can find a place to put your cat that suits your height, aka anything that can be used as a <\/span>grooming table<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Brush the Cat\u2019s Fur<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Brushing your cat’s hair removes filth, distributes <\/span>natural oils<\/span> across its coat, prevents tangles, and keeps its skin clean and free of irritants.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Comb its hair from head to tail using a <\/span>metal comb<\/span>. Begin with its back and legs, then go on to its chest and stomach area. Then, remove any dead or loose hair using a bristle or rubber brush.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pro tip<\/b><\/span>: For best results, brush its fur upwards, split the tail down the center, and brush it to either side.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Calm Your Cat<\/span><\/h3>\n

    This is where the <\/span>calming treats<\/b> come in handy because <\/span>anxiety<\/span> has no place while someone is holding electric clippers. Any sudden movement by the cat might cause injury. Some people use pheromone spray for this purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pull the Cat’s Skin Taut When You Shave It<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Feline skin is incredibly flexible and bendable. This means it may easily clump beneath the <\/span>clippers<\/span>, and that’s no good for anyone involved. Hold the skin firmly down to avoid injuries and draw it taut while you shave. This will also avoid shaving too close\u2014leaving at least one inch of the fur is recommended so that the cat can still protect itself from the heat and cold somehow.<\/span><\/p>\n

    And that’s it! By following these steps, you can shave your cat quickly and efficiently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Never shave past the paws and lower legs since such areas have delicate skin, <\/span>ligaments<\/span>, and <\/span>tendons<\/span> that are easily damaged. Lastly, don’t forget to take breaks if your cat gets too unsettled and <\/span>avoid shaving the <\/b>whiskers<\/b> under any circumstances<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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    RELATED<\/span><\/span>: <\/span>Purrfect Cat Care: A Pawsome Guide<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Different Types of Shaves<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Now that we know what we need for <\/span>shaving <\/span>a<\/span> cat at home<\/span>, it’s time to learn more about the grooming style you’re going for. There are three common ways\/areas you might need to shave and each one serves a different purpose:<\/span><\/p>\n