I’ve been shaving my two Persian cats at home recently, and I’ve found the process to be much easier over time. Here’s my method and some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way that have simplified the process.
I strongly recommend using a ceramic safety blade shaver when shaving your cat at home. This type of shaver significantly reduces the risk of cutting your furry friend. I always use a cat shaver with this feature, especially since my cats are not fans of being shaved.
**Tips for Shaving a Cat That Hates It: Tricks I’ve Learned Shaving Mine at Home**
1. **Breaking the Task into Smaller Sessions**: Don’t attempt to shave the entire cat in one go. I try to do as much as I can within a day, but it’s perfectly fine if I only manage to shave a quarter of my cat. I can always try again later that day or the next. Shaving my cats more frequently but in shorter sessions has been much easier on them.
2. **Shaving with the Grain**: Always shave a cat who hates it from head to toe, following the grain of the hair instead of against it. This reduces stress as it’s easier for them to handle the sensation of the shaver moving with the direction of their hair.
3. **Speed and Efficiency**: When shaving your cat, always move quickly and efficiently. Speed is crucial, but not at the risk of injuring your cat. Aim to cover as much surface area as possible and clean up the rest when your cat is calmer.
4. **Avoiding Guards**: Ideally, don’t use a guard as they often catch on a cat’s hair. One of my cats has straighter hair, so guards aren’t a big issue for him. But for the other cat with curlier, frizzier hair, giving up on the guard made the shaving process much easier.
5. **Giving Plenty of Breaks**: Sometimes I give my cats breaks by pausing shaving and petting them while still naping them with one hand. Other times, I give them full breaks to stretch, sneeze, and walk around before continuing with the shaving.
One effective strategy for shaving your cat is to catch them during a nap right before you begin. Cats are often more relaxed and less resistant when they’re already resting, which can make the shaving process smoother. It’s important to move them to the floor for shaving, avoiding the mess that can occur during the process.
Always reward your cat after shaving. Offer them their favorite things, such as cuddles, play, verbal praise, kibble rewards, or brushing. By associating shaving with positive rewards, over time, your cat will become more accustomed to the process. Even if it means starting with just a small line each day for the first month, consistency and positive reinforcement will lead to easier shaving sessions.
I personally believe that shaving my cats at home is better than having it done outside. It’s less stressful for them, and they seem much happier and more comfortable after being shaved. They groom more and are more active, which I believe is because they feel freer. I will definitely continue this practice.
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on shaving cats that dislike the process. Do you have any tips or tricks for managing cats that can’t stand being shaved? I’d love to hear any ideas, even if you don’t have a long-haired cat or have never shaved one. Your insights could be valuable regardless of your experience. Have you ever shaved a cat? Did they get used to it over time? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
