Cats are a beautiful pet, their soft and beautiful fur makes them even more attractive, and almost everyone loves them. However, sometimes you need to shave the beautiful coat of your cat for several reasons. For this purpose, you need to know how to shave a cat if you want to do it yourself. In this way, you can also save money which will otherwise spend on grooming salons.
If you want to shave your cat painlessly, there are some essential things that you need to keep in mind. For this reason, this article is going to focus on all these details. You will get information about the supplies that you need to shave your cat. You will also know how to cut your cat fur and some useful tips so that you can do this in a better way.
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Supplies That You Need To Shave Your Cat
Among the supplies needed for shaving a cat, clippers are the most important. However, it depends on your cat and also on the type of cut you want to give your cat. If you plan to go for a lion cut, then the number 10 clipper is good to choose from. But, if you are aiming for de-matting your cat, then 40 number clipper is best suited.
Some cats do not respond well to shaving; therefore, they also have some gloves for you. These will protect you from the scratches and injuries that will otherwise hurt a lot. Also, keep a towel to clean the floor after shaving your cat.
How To Shave A Cat? (9 Steps)
The best thing is to take your cat to a grooming salon so that you don’t take the risk of hurting yourself or your cat. If you want to do it yourself, then keep some things in your mind. It is possible that your cat may not respond well to shaving. Therefore, you need to be patient and also show love and care to your cat.
However, also be careful while doing it and do not make your cat scared. Below are the steps you need to follow to shave your cat.
1. Choosing a Place:
The first step is to select a location where you can easily shave your cat. Make sure to choose a room that has no carpet in it. Otherwise, there will be a large amount of hair on the mat. These will be difficult to take out even with a vacuum cleaner. Also, make sure to do this on the table, counter, or any other elevated place.
2. Making your cat ready:
Before starting to shave your cat, firstly prepare it for this process. For this purpose, you can give it some treats while laying it on the table comfortably. Also, run your hand along with the coat for some time. This will help you to calm your cat. And also, you can check if there are some greasy areas or any clumps on the coat.
4. Trimming your cat’s nails:
This is an optional step, but it’s recommended and safe. Your cat may defend itself with nails and claws while you are shaving it. Therefore, if you trim the nails before beginning this process, it will be safe for you.
5. Brushing your cat:
If you brush your cat’s coat, it will be easier for you to shave. Brushing helps to remove clumps and to eliminate tangles. Brush on tummy, mane, and the back. A pin brush will be helpful for matted clumps. However, you can also use blunt-ended scissors if they are difficult to remove.
6. Testing Sound of Clipper:
After trimming nails, it is essential first to test the sound of the clipper on your cat. Some cats get fearful of the sound of the clipper. Therefore you can use an alternative tool of shaving your cat. There is also another option of giving your cat a mild sedative. However, for this, you need to ask your vet to recommend some mild sedative.
7. Firmly Hold the Skin down:
Cats have very flexible and supple skin, which can easily be slipped from your hand. So there is a chance that your cat may get a pinch or cur, which will be painful for it. Therefore it is essential that you firmly hold the skin down to avoid any cut.
8. Starting from the Top:
It is always a good idea to begin shaving your cat from the top of body parts. Slowly shave it towards downward and to the base of tail but never try to shave the tail. You need to stop shaving at this point.
9. Holding your cat Properly:
You must hold your cat correctly. You don’t want to scare your cat, right? So hold the cat in a gently but also in a secure way to avoid cuts. Start shaving your cat from the back of the neck and slowly move down towards the base of the tail.
4 Useful Tips To Shave A Cat
Below are some of the tips you need to keep in mind to shave your cat in a better way. So have a look at these.
1. Matted Fur:
Moving the matted fur gently from side to other will be helpful while shaving your cat. There are several angles or maybe just a single one to reach the skin in a better way. It depends on the closeness between the skin and the mat.
Gently move the mat and shave it slowly when it is free. You may take the help of someone to pull the skin of your cat to make it flat. In this way, you will do it effectively, and your cat will also not get any cut.
2. Avoid shaving the Tail:
Cats can get agitated and frustrated if they feel that they cannot move their tail. Also, the hairs on the tail of the cat take a very long time to grow properly. Therefore, it is a good idea to always leave the hairs on the tail. However, if it’s the demand of procedure or the tail is matted, shave it carefully. Also, do not try to control it a lot; otherwise, your cat will become frustrated.
3. Take some Breaks during this process:
Patience is the key in this process. You do not need to hurry and finish it all in one attempt. It is essential that your cat feels calm while you are shaving it. Therefore, you first need to calm yourself. If you feel like your cat is agitated, stop shaving and give your cat some rest.
Also, shave slowly; otherwise, your cat may get a cut. This process needs several tries to shave completely. This will also help relax your cat, and it will understand that there is nothing that can harm it.
4. Checking the Temperature of Clipper:
In the case of the full-body shave of your cat, it is essential to frequently check the clipper’s temperature. Sometimes, the head of the clipper becomes too hot, burning the cat’s skin if it comes in contact. Therefore, check the temperature of clippers again and again.
How To Shave A Cat Bum?
To remove the poop first, have some warm water near you. Wash your cat with it and use a shampoo recommended by the vet. Wash your cat with it until the poop has been removed. After that, take scissors and cut the hairs which are present around this area. Make sure you are not using blunt-ended scissors.
You will also need many old towels to wrap your cat in them for keeping it least damp. After that, you can let it go so that it can clean itself.
How To Shave A Cat That Hates It?
It is not a good idea to shave your cat at home if it hates this process. It is better to take your cat to a grooming salon if shaving is necessary. In this way, you will not have to face any trauma, and it will be done painlessly. Moreover, you can also take your cat to a vet that may recommend something to sedate your cat. The vet will recommend it if it’s medically ok and give it before the shaving process.
8 Steps To Shave A Cat Lion Cut
To give your cat a lion cut, you need to follow steps that are mentioned below.
1. Shaving the back:
A 10 blade clipper will be useful to use for this purpose. Start shaving on back near the tail’s base area and shave towards the direction of the head.
2. Shaving Chest:
After shaving the cat’s back, now move towards its belly. At first, you need to shave with the growth of hair. It will help to remove most of the hairs and will help you to have a better look. Then, reverse the direction of the clipper and shave in an upward direction. It will help to get a beautiful and smooth finish.
3. Deciding the type of tail:
In lion cut, there are two types of tail cuts that you can choose according to your choice. These are “full tail” and “pom-pom tail.”
4. Full Tail:
To have a full tail, move the clipper downward to the tail’s base to make a line. Turn around the clippers and shave in the upward direction. It will give a clean and smooth finish to blend with the back of your cat. Then shave the underneath of the tail and keep the line even.
5. Pom-Pom Tail:
Take the tail of your feline fellow in one hand and hold up to 2 to 3 inches. And shave downward to the pom with the other hand. Make a pom line with the help of a clipper blade, and it will be similar to the line made for a full tail. After that, turn around the clipper and shave in the upward direction towards the bod. Shave the tail from every side than to give an even and smooth finish.
6. Shaving Armpits and front legs:
Extend the legs of your feline fellow fully to stretch the skin. This will help to prevent any cuts or nicks. Shave the elbow up and over to one inch approximately. Shave up towards the front and to all sides using the bare line underarm. With the help of clippers, shave along the growth to create a line. It will give a smooth and elegant finish.
7. Shaving the Rear Legs:
First, you need to extend the legs and then shave towards downward direction to remove the hairs. It will help to give visibility and then shave in the upward direction. After that, shave to the ankle joint of your cat.
8. Grooming Neckline:
Shave the back by pulling the skin back and taut. Make it look like your cat is wearing a collar. Make a natural collar line and work on the front and backside of the neck.
Can You Shave A Cat With Human Clippers?
Cats have super fine hair; therefore, it is not a very good idea to use human clippers for shaving cats. Human clippers gather a lot of fine furs, which will seize up and make the skin clogged. Moreover, human hair clippers often get hot too soon, which will burn your cat’s skin.
Is It cruel To Shave A cat?
It is better not to shave your cat until it is essential, because shaving is dangerous, as cats have fragile skin. It can also lead them to different health issues. Also, cats are very prone to sunburns when they are shaved, and sunburns are very painful for cats. Even sometimes, it can also result in skin cancer. Therefore, it is better not to shave your cat until it is essential for your cat’s health.
Conclusion
Now you have an idea of how to shave a cat if you want to do it yourself. But it is better not to shave your cat until it is essential for your cat’s health. Shaving can lead your cat to different health problems. Therefore, it is better to avoid shaving your cat. However, if it’s essential, then there are some things that you need to keep in mind.
Also, use the right clippers for your cat and don’t use human clippers. Take breaks during the shaving process so that your cat will feel relaxed. Gently hold your cat and make sure that you do not scare your cat. Do not try to shave your cat at home if it hates shaving. Otherwise, there is a chance that you may hurt your cat.
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