Many people wonder about cutting cat hair, especially if their cat has long hair, and especially in the summer time when it’s hot out. It’s generally not necessary to cut your cat’s hair, though. Your cat’s hair can actually help keep her cool. It protects her skin from the sun. Cats don’t sweat, so they need that protection. It keeps her from getting sunburned, as well.
We do not recommend using anything sharp near the skin of your cat. A cat’s hair is like tissue paper. Many owners have actually cut their cats skin without knowing it, particularly when grooming mats.
Cat Hair Matting Home Remedy
If your cat’s fur gets matted and you can’t untangle it, or she gets something stuck in it, you might have to do a little trim. If you need to use scissors, use blunt scissors (so you don’t accidentally cut her if she doesn’t cooperate and hold still for you) and cut the affected fur away. Regular grooming should prevent matting from becoming a regular problem. One home remedy for matting is to rub a good amount of corn starch (bakery kind is fine from supermarket)) on the mat. Keep the corn starch on the area for fifteen minutes. Then comb it out.
A helpful aide is the Oster Home Grooming Kit which comes with an instructional DVD. It should not be used for first time grooming, but good for maintaining the groomed look after you had a professional cut your cat’s hair.
Cat Hair Clippers
Some long-haired cats have problems with their bottoms. They may get feces caught in their fur. If this is the case, you may want to cut the hair on your cat’s bottom. You shouldn’t have to worry about her getting sunburned there, and you don’t need to cut a large area. You’ll use electric clippers for this job, not scissors. Read on to find out how to do it, but if you can use a professional groomer since cats in general do not like sitting still for grooming.
If you are going to be cutting cat hair, use electric clippers that are especially designed for use on pets. Turn them on and let your cat get used to the sound. Let her sniff them. You can also buy scissors made specifically for cat trimming such as Millers Forge pet trimming shears or a cordless electric trimmer for head and face such as the Wahl Stylique® Designer/Liner Pet Trimmer.
How to Cut Cat Hair
Sit with your cat in the crook of your arm and use your arm to pin her to your side. Hopefully she’ll stay put, and you’ll be less likely to get scratched this way. Realize, though, that your cat may not want a hair cut and may be less than cooperative.
Use the cat hair clipper to cut your cat’s hair, moving them in the direction that the hair grows. This is important, as you’ll be less likely to nick your cat’s skin this way.
If for some reason you are cutting cat hair on a large portion of your cat’s body, you may find it helpful to stop partway through to give both of you a break, then resume again a short time later.
Of course, you can always take your cat to a professional groomer for a hair cut, if one is necessary. Ask your vet to recommend a qualified cat groomer in your area.
You might also want to consider the appearance of your cat’s coat. One approach would be to try a natural dietary supplement made for this purpose.
Cutting cat hair shouldn’t be necessary if you are combing and grooming your cat regularly. A cat’s skin is very delicate so using anything sharp to cut hair can be dangerous. Consider using blunt scissors or a professional groomer, if cat hair matting becomes an issue.
By cat-health-guide.org
One thing pets are good at is shedding their hairs. Here’s another article from vetinfo.com that will help prevent the shedding of cat hair.
Cat shedding is an unpleasant aspect of owning a feline. All cats shed hair, even if there are certain breeds that have longer hair or shed more. To prevent excessive accumulation of cat hair in your house, there are a few grooming techniques that you can use. Using these grooming techniques can also prevent cat hair matting and maintain your pet’s healthy condition.
Increase Grooming Frequency
The grooming frequency should be increased if you are bothered by the amount of hair in your home. If you groom your cat once per week, you should try grooming him twice or 3 times per week.
Cats perform a regular cleaning, which will reduce the number of hairs he will shed, but if your cat is sick or he is obese, he will not be able to perform the grooming himself.
When grooming your cat, make sure you cover all areas of the body and collect the dead hairs in a single area, making sure to dump the get rid of the hair afterwards.
A bath may also eliminate a lot of loose hair, so that the cat won’t shed in your home. Consult your vet to see how often you can bathe him. The cat will shed less if he is clean and his skin is healthier.
Use Only Suitable Supplies
Your cat may need supplies that are suitable for his coat and hair length.
The brushes, comb and gloves you use when you groom your cat shouldn’t irritate the cat’s skin, as this can result in dry skin and excessive shedding.
Using a grooming glove can quickly eliminate dead hairs and will massage the cat’s skin, improving the blood flow, resulting in less shedding.
You may also use a shedding blade if the cat has matted fur or a lot of dirt in his coat. Use this tool prior to brushing.
Get natural shampoos, as shampoos that contain too many chemicals may make your cat shed more.
The Direction of Brushing
When brushing your cat, you may brush starting with the tail and progressing to the head. In this manner, you will remove more loose hairs and there will be fewer loose hairs remaining on the cat, so he won’t shed these in your home.
The brushing and grooming should be performed outdoors, as this will make sure that the dead hairs won’t land on your carpets and furniture.
Improve the Cat’s Diet
Many cats may shed due to a poor diet, which makes the skin dry. You should get informed on the cat’s nutritional needs and make sure you provide the proteins, fats and fibers he needs.
Don’t forget about some essential nutrients that will improve the skin and coat’s quality:
•Vitamin E
•Vitamin A
•Omega 3 and 9 fatty acids
In some cases, your cat may be affected by a medical condition causing excessive shedding. Visit the vet regularly and perform routine tests to make sure your pet is in good health.
By VetInfo.com
Here is a nice article by Ann Hohenhaus a DVM with webmd.com.
As a veterinarian, I know that keeping your pet well groomed helps to keep them healthy.
In between visits to the groomer, pet owners should brush their long-haired cat or dog; otherwise mats appear. Ignore the mats and they start to hold moisture and grime against your pet’s delicate skin which can result in a skin infection under the mat. Pets’ nails must be trimmed on a regular basis, otherwise an overgrown nail can tear into the paw pad, causing pain and infection.
Recently, several of my clients have expressed concern over several tragic stories in the news about dogs being injured while at the groomer. While I have no personal knowledge of these particular cases, I do have some suggestions for pet owners to help ensure a safe and beautifully groomed pet:
1. Do your homework
Ask friends and colleagues who grooms their pets. Visit the grooming salon. Is it clean or does it have a bad odor? Do the dogs look beautiful and their owners look happy as they are leaving? One person I talked to choose a salon with a glass viewing panel which allows owners to unobtrusively watch grooming as it happens. Not all groomers are willing to have you watch. Not because they are hiding something, but because your little darling behaves better on the grooming table when you are not there to distract him.
2. Talk to your groomer
Has it been a long time since the last pedicure or doggy up-do? Warn the groomer your dog may be out of practice on the grooming table or her nails maybe need limited trimming since the nail quick lengthens when the nails are untrimmed and a full trimming may cause bleeding. Does your dog have warts or little skin tags? Point them out to your groomer in advance to prevent them from being nicked by the clippers. Maybe your dog is anxious at the groomer. If so, be prepared to cut the session short. In some cases, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help your pet cope better.
3. Listen to your veterinarian
Is your dog a “fraidy cat?” Some veterinarians offer grooming as a service to their clients. For the frightened dog, this facilitates sedation and a quick comb-out. Sedation is safest in the veterinarian’s office, where the medical staff can monitor the pet while it is being groomed.
Some medical conditions impact grooming. Does your pet have diabetes? If so ask your veterinarian how to advise the groomer to be prepared in case a hypoglycemic attack occurs during the salon session. Hairy small breed dogs are those commonly in need of professional grooming and are also breeds commonly affected by a collapsing trachea. These dogs should not be placed in a heated dog dryer. The same is true for dogs and cats with squashed faces like Bulldogs and Persians.
4. Maintain a regular grooming schedule
Professional grooming can transform your underdog to a wonder-dog, but without some maintenance work at home, your dog will quickly become shabby. Daily brushing will keep long-coated dogs and cats from matting, but short-coated pets benefit from the use of a deshedding tool like the FURminator®. These professional quality tools help remove hair, which decreases the accumulation on your sofa and helps prevent nasty, soggy cat hairballs on your floor or bed. Frequent deshedding helps decrease cat hair matting and in turn helps those with allergies to pets. If you have a new puppy or kitten, start early, teaching them good grooming habits by trimming their nails one paw at a time and brushing them daily.
By webmd.com
Use a mat comb if a regular rake or brush doesn’t remove cat mats. Learn how to use a mat comb from a veterinarian in this free pet care video.
Cat Grooming: Removing Mats — by ehow.com
This article is from a government report from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on the Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School out of Brooklyn Center. Read on:
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If you believe that your strengths and interests include a true
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effectively deal with people, then the Cutting Edge Pet Grooming
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Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School offers students a professional
pet grooming salon atmosphere as a classroom with many
hands-on instruction hours; demonstrations in first aid, CPR, pet
health, and breed specific lab hours. Cutting Edge students will
benefit from a small student to instructor ratio with plenty of
one-to-one instruction and a personal environment with quality
instructors, conducive to an excellent education in professional pet
grooming.
The Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School started in 1993 and is
licensed with the Minnesota Higher Education Service Office. The
original site was in Crystal, Minnesota and has been relocated to a
brand new facility in Brooklyn Center in 2001. Graduates of The
Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School will find a high demand for skilled
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If you are an animal lover who is interested in learning more about a
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the grooming course.
By cuttingedgepetgroomingschool.com
Using a cat brush can promote healthy skin and hair growth. However, sometimes a cat refuses to allow himself to be brushed and may even lick the brushing locations immediately after the brush is removed. Brushing a cat can prevent cat hair matting of the fur and promote the natural oils of the skin to flow giving the coat a shine. It also gives a cat owner an opportunity to inspect the skin and fur up close for any parasites, lumps or open wounds.
Cats naturally groom themselves, licking the coat and licking their paws first and then rubbing the paw against the coat they cannot reach. The process is disrupted with a cat having de-claw surgery since the claws have been removed and he is unable to “rake” the fur clean.
Step #1: Getting The Cat Used To Brushing
Some cats will try to play with the brush as they are being brushed or they will nip at the brush in annoyance. By starting a brushing routine when they are kittens will get them used to the routine of brushing and they have learned to enjoy brushing. Introduce the brush to the cat by allowing the cat to sniff it and perhaps paw it.
Cat hair or fur protects the cat’s skin from foreign objects, insects and temperature and enhances the sense of touch. There are four types of hair. The thin awn hairs within the coat, protects and insulates the body. The secondary hairs of the undercoat control temperature. Guard hairs are longer and coarser and insulate and act as a sense of touch. Whiskers act as sensors on the cat’s face.
Since there are different types of hair, there are different types of brushes. Use a comb style brush first to rid the fur of insects and dirt that may have accumulated in the fur. This will also allow you to inspect the skin for any abnormalities.
Step #2: Removing Loose Hair And Dander
Use a brush next to capture the loose hair and dander. Brushing promotes the flow of natural oils in the skin to permeate the coat to bring out its shine and to promote healthier skin. It also reduces the incidence of hairballs since the hairs loosened by the cat’s grooming are deposited into the brush rather than into the cat’s stomach. This will keep shedding to a minimum as well. Brushing also reduces the amount of dander (airborne particles) by “capturing” them in the brush rather than allowing dander to be thrown into the air for people to breathe in and possibly causing an allergic reaction.
Step #3: Get Down To The Skin
Use a slicker brush to “grab” the dense coat loose hair and to stimulate the natural oils process. Cats have two types of hair, which are made of protein: a fine coat lies closer to the skin for insulation from the cold and for waterproofing and a longer outer coat, which is indicative of his breed. Two or three hairs grow from the same hair follicle, giving density to the coat, a characteristic unique to cats. Shedding is a healthy way the coat rids itself of loose or dead hair, which regrows. Longhair cats need more extensive grooming to prevent their hair from getting mated, which can then attract bacteria, parasites and dirt. Brushing will keep the coat healthy and prevent cat dermatitis.
Since sunlight and artificial lights affect shedding, indoor cats shed throughout the year while outdoor cats shed in the spring and fall. Shedding is caused by the new hairs pushing the old hairs out of the hair follicle. If a cat sheds too much or too often, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
By VetInfo.com
This article comes from i-love-cats.com a few years back for those with long-hair cats. Read on:
Do you have a long-haired cat as your pet? There are many people that love these cats but have to constantly contend with cat hair matting issues. There’s no doubt that to groom your long-hair cat on a daily basis is indeed a good idea.
Having a cat with long hair is definitely a challenge for any pet owner. Not only does your cat have long hair but the textures of the fur can be different also.
That is why it is imperative that you learn some important cat grooming tips to help you. This will make the grooming experience more enjoyable for you and your cat. Here are the most important tips you need to know.
1. Groom your cat on a daily basis because this will help to keep your pet’s coat tangle free. Not only will they feel better of course they will look better as well.
2. Always start grooming with a soft brush and work your way from their head to their tail only brushing in the direction that their fur is laying. Be very gentle when brushing their belly and tail.
3. After brushing with a soft brush it is a good idea to use a wide toothed comb to groom them. This will help to loosen any knots or get out matted hair.
4. Some breeds of long-haired cats also need to have their eyes kept clean. Some cats have fluid that will not drain through their tear ducts properly and this will cause what is known as weeping. Always check their eyes and clean them if needed.
5. When your pet is showing signs that they have had enough grooming then stop. Don’t try and force them to finish it. Instead you want to stop for now and try later when you and your pet are more relaxed.
6. To prevent fleas it is a good idea to finish the grooming by using a narrow toothed comb to brush your cat.
7. When first starting grooming sessions it is a good idea to start with short sessions. This will let your cat keep them from getting bored and let your cat get used to being groomed.
These are the most important tips that you need to know to groom long hair cats. In order to keep them healthy and looking good always remember that your cat needs to be groomed on a regular basis. These cat grooming tips will make it more enjoyable for both you and your pet.
By Anna Oftedal
I hope this information from cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com will help you in your search to find the right pet grooming supply for your cat.
The right cat grooming supplies will help prevent cat hair matting and keep your kitty in top shape. So how do you find the best cat grooming tools? There are different pet grooming tools to choose from, so searching for the right ones may take some time. To help you in your search, we’ve put together a list of pet grooming supplies that will help you take care of your kitty. He will surely look his best!
Cats are well-known for their cleanliness and grooming habits. They wash themselves constantly. They can be very fastidious!
There are times, however, when cats need our help. For example, your cat might have seriously matted hair, or he may have a substance sticking to his fur. One option is to take your cat to a professional groomer. The other option is to do the grooming yourself. If you prefer to do the grooming yourself, please read on.
Here are some tips to help you select the right cat grooming supply for you and your cat.
Combs and Brushes
Among the best tools that will help your cat maintain a healthy and shiny coat are combs and brushes. Brushing your cat on a regular basis will reduce hairball build-up and will keep kitty’s coat in top condition. Brushing prevents matting and other hair problems. Furthermore, brushing sessions are excellent bonding opportunities.
So how do you go about selecting the right brush and/or comb for your cat? It all depends on the needs of your cat. For example, cats with long hair will need a different type of brush and/or comb than the one that a cat with shorter hair would need.
By the way, combs are great for flea control, removing matted fur, and general grooming. Brushes are great for removing dead skin and loose hairs. In addition, they give cats a good massage.
Tips to Consider When Selecting the Right Comb
– The best choice is a stainless steel comb.
– Consider the size of the comb’s teeth. Some combs have very fine teeth while others have thicker teeth. The ideal comb is one that has a section with fine teeth and another section with coarse, thick teeth.
– Ensure that the teeth are not too sharp. They could hurt your cat.
– The right comb should be easy to use and handle
Factors to Consider When Selecting Cat Brushes
– Consider the type of the brush: There are wire brushes, rubber brushes, and plastic brushes. There are even palm brushes.
– Make sure that the bristles are not too sharp.
– Consider the needs of your cat: Wire brushes are better for long-haired cats as they will help prevent matting and knotting. Soft brushes are better for cats with short hair.
– A good idea is to have several brushes around the house. This way you don’t have to lose precious time looking for a brush during the grooming session.
Bathing Supplies
Sometimes cats need a grooming session that goes beyond a good brush. Maybe they get too dirty, their hair gets matted, or they get a tough-to-remove substance on their coats. If you want to take care of this situation yourself (instead of taking your cat to a professional pet groomer), then you will need the following cat grooming supplies:
– Shampoo: There are different cat shampoos out there. You’ll find flea and tick control shampoos, shampoos especially made for kittens, and even organic shampoos. You can also buy a set of cat shampoo and conditioner.
– Waterless Shampoo: This is a perfect alternative for cats who don’t like water (that would be most of them, I know). You can find spray-type shampoos as well as powder shampoos.
– Grooming washcloths: Don’t have time to bathe you cat? Consider using grooming wipes.
– Grooming towels: These are great to dry kitty after a nice bath.
Nail Trimming
Cats are not too fond of having their nails trimmed. They would rather sharpen their nails by scratching every piece of furniture we own. Training your cat to use a scratching post is a great alternative that can certainly help save your furniture.
Trim your cat’s nails regularly, even if he or she doesn’t like it. You can find a wide selection of nail clippers online. You can even find sets of nail clippers, styptic powder, and carrying case.
More Cat Grooming Supplies
Here are some additional grooming supplies you might need:
– Grooming gloves: These gloves are great tools to help you remove your cat’s excess hair. This is also an alternative for cats who don’t like regular brushes.
– Hair removal tools: It’s tough to remove cat hair. Lint removers and brushes can be of great help.
– Shed control: You can find several products especially designed to prevent and/or reduce shedding.
Gift Ideas
Prepare a pet gift basket including the cat grooming supplies described in this post. Also, include a book about cat care. By the way, this is an excellent gift idea for new cat owners.
And don’t forget to include treats for both cats and their human companions.
This letter written to the cat-health-guide.org website by John Rice from San Antonio, Texas, ask this question:
Our older long-haired female cat started having matting of the hair along each side from front sides back to the tail.
I back brush every day but the matting is close to the skin and is very tight. Some of the hair has pulled away from the skin, but is all rolled up.
I even tried to cut some of the matting away with scissors but the results aren’t the greatest.
What else can I do?
John C. Rice
Vet Suggestion Matting Cat Hair Problem in Older Long Haired Cat
Dear John,
Cat hair matting in the area that you describe is a common issue for older cats. Often the underlying problem is spinal arthritis, which makes twisting to keep themselves well-groomed in this area painful, but anything that makes a cat unwilling to groom can do it.
It would probably be best to take your cat to a groomer who can safely shave the cat hair mats away without cutting her skin. Once the matts are gone, regularly brushing your cat should prevent them from returning.
If your cat does have arthritis, nutritional supplements like Dasuquin or a herbal preparation such as muscle and joint support can sometimes help.
If they don’t do the trick or your cat is acting like she doesn’t feel well in any other way, talk to your veterinarian.
Regards,
Jennifer Coates, DVM
Most people know that a healthy full coat is a sign of good health in animals. Cat hair loss can then be a cause for concern. What should you be looking for if you are facing cat hair loss?
There are several possibilities in hair loss issues. The first is to check for parasites. Mites, fleas and ticks can cause scratching and hair loss in cats. Mange is another possibility to consider. If parasites aren’t a problem the next thing to look at is diet.
A natural diet with meat as the primary ingredient is less likely to have issues with food allergies. Poor diet and food allergies can cause hair loss due to itching and irritated skin. A good quality diet that – no pun intended – feeds the cat’s natural requirements is the best solution if this is a possibility. Low end foods with high grain content can increase the chances of problems. Your cats hair loss might come from things you can’t see.
You’ve tried a few alterations and have determined although the health is improved there’s still cat hair loss. There’s four other possibilities all which will take testing by a veterinarian to determine or rule out for sure.
• Cushing’s disease has not only hair loss but increased thirst, appetite as well as the cat being lethargic. Perhaps the skin is easily irritated or petting seems to hurt her. The hair is usually missing from the same areas on both sides.
• Addison’s disease is an adrenal gland issue that can also cause lethargic behavior as well as hair loss and skin issues. The good news is that this is not common in cats but the bad news is when it is found it’s often brought on by cancer or a pituitary imbalance. There is little to do but keep the cat as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
• Hypothyroidism is a hormone imbalance that causes a cat to groom excessively. They might be obsessive about licking and biting themselves due to the skin itching and the hair might fall out in patches. They might overeat and gain weight. If this is obvious along with vomiting it means a trip to the vet as this can indicate a kidney disease.
Hyperthyroidism takes it the other way with weight loss lack of grooming themselves, increased thirst and greatly increased appetite. This can be controlled with medication.
• Another possible reason for hair loss is an autoimmune disorder that causes loss especially on the head, neck and body with no itching noticed.
• Allergies to food are sometimes considered but not allergies in the air or bedding.
• The symptoms of licking feet, inflamed ears, redness, itching, “hot spots” can be the same. Occasionally it can be a symptom of a drug reaction. Stressed cats can also have hair loss including some during pregnancies.
Hair loss in cats is sometimes difficult to pin down a reason for. Talk to your veterinarian to weed out the most serious causes first if you are seeing cat hair loss in an individual cat.
By breeding-cats.com
