Cutting your cat's hair It can be a task that requires care and patience. Cats, especially those with long fur, can benefit from a good trim in several circumstances. While their fur helps protect them from both the cold and the heat, in some cases it is advisable to trim their hair to prevent the formation of knots or to improve their hygiene.
Why cut a cat's hair?
The main reason for cutting a cat's hair is to prevent the formation of knots or tangles, which can be annoying for the animal and make hygiene difficult. In addition, in the warmer months, a trim can contribute to the cat feeling more fresh and comfortable. However, it is important to note that it is not always necessary and, in many cases, the fur acts as a natural insulator of both the cold as the heat .
In long-haired or semi-long-haired cats, such as Persians , it is more common for hair to tangle or form hair balls , which makes it difficult to clean. In such cases, a good trim can help keep the coat in good condition and prevent health problems related to hairballs. In addition, in some cases, trimming the hair around the anal sphincter and genitals in females can prevent infections, especially in females that are going to have puppies.
When is it advisable to cut a cat's hair?
Cutting a cat's hair is mainly recommended in the following situations:
- When the cat's hair is very tangled or has knots that are difficult to remove by brushing.
- If the cat has a skin condition that requires the coat to be shorter.
- For females that are about to give birth, it is advisable to trim the hair around the nipple and vulva to prevent infections during delivery.
- During the warmer months, though it is important not to cut the hair too short, as the coat also protects against the heat as Salt .
Before proceeding to cut the hair, make sure that the cat is as healthy as possible. relajado possible. If the cat is nervous or stressed, it is best to avoid cutting and go to a professional. It is also advisable to get cats used to this routine from a young age so that they do not see it as a negative experience.
Tools needed to cut your cat's hair.
To give your cat a good haircut at home you will need some basic tools that will help you do it safely and efficiently:
- Well-sharpened scissors: Preferably of different sizes to use on different areas of the cat's body.
- Comb or brush: To detangle hair before and after cutting it.
- Electric hair trimmer or clipper: Useful for hard to reach areas or where there are tougher knots.
- Towels: To dry the cat in case you need to bathe it before the cut.
Make sure you have all your equipment ready before you start. Also, when using the trimmer, turn it on before you bring it close to the cat to gauge its reaction. If you see that it is getting scared, stop the process.
Steps to cut a cat's hair
If you decide to trim your cat's hair at home, it's important to follow a few steps to ensure you do it safely and without causing harm to your cat. discomfort .
- Pre-bath: First, it is recommended give the cat a bath before you start. This way, your pet's coat will be clean and easier to comb and cut. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before continuing.
- Hairstyle and scissors: Once clean, comb your cat gently to remove tangles. Use scissors to cut off any longer strands or those where hairballs form. Particular care should be taken around the ears and anal sphincter.
- Using the trimmer: After trimming the tricky areas with scissors, use the trimmer for general body areas. It is recommended to always start at the base of the head and work your way towards the tail, in the direction of hair growth.
- Final brushing: Once you've finished trimming the fur, brush the cat to remove any loose hair. This will also help make him more comfortable.
Precautions when cutting a cat's hair
Although cutting hair can be beneficial in some cases, it is important to keep in mind several Precautions :
- Don't cut it too much: Avoid leaving your cat's hair too short, as the fur serves as protection against both the cold and the heat and the sun's rays.
- Do not use the trimmer on your head: The head is a very sensitive area in cats. If you need to make any cuts in this area, it is best to use scissors with rounded tips.
- Observe their behavior: If you notice that your cat is uncomfortable or overly stressed, it is best to stop and seek professional help.
Trimming your cat's hair can be a simple and inexpensive task if you follow these tips and ensure that your cat's well-being is a priority at all times.