Should Cats Be Shaved?
Besides improving the cat’s appearance, shaving a cat can have several health benefits. But which clipper blade is best for shaving cats? If you have a cat, you may be well aware of its propensity to brush itself constantly.
Cats usually like licking themselves, and because cats’ tongues have hook-like “papillae,” they tend to ingest a lot of their hair. When your cat has a lot of loose hair, they are more likely to develop hairballs in their stomach or shed frequently. Read our article and find out Why is my Cat SHEDDING so Much.
Which Clipper Blade is Best for Shaving Cats?
Now that you’ve decided to shave your cat, it’s time to choose the correct cat shaver. Standard A5 and 5 in 1 adjustable blade are cats’ most popular shaving blades. A5 blades are also known as standard blades. Standard blades are available in 11 lengths, ranging from under 0.04 inches (1mm) (size 50) to over 0.4 inches (1cm) (a size 3 blade).
It’s vital to remember that cat hair has a different texture than human hair. So, always use a cat-friendly blade on cats. For a variety of reasons, the Andis UltraEdge is an excellent clipper. It consists of carbonized steel, which makes it durable and rust-resistant. The chrome coating on the blade lets it cut through even the thickest cat hair, making it ideal for cats with mats.
All major razors, including the Oster A5, Wahl KM Series, and AG clippers, have a detachable blade. It would be best to lubricate the blade before and after each usage for the best results. Many professional groomers use this kind of blade. Another fantastic alternative for shaving your cat is the Turn Raise Cat Clippers for cats.
Shaving your cat will be more fun with these rechargeable electrical clippers. They do not have a cord, making it simpler to reach some of your cat’s more difficult-to-reach body parts. It’s also quiet, an aspect that helps a terrified cat feel more at ease. Most of these clippers take three hours to charge and then run for two hours.
These clippers also have a safety blade design that keeps the blade from harming your cat’s skin and from clinging to their fur. The Turn Raise clippers include a ceramic blade that never rusts and stays sharp. These clippers are also waterproof, so you can quickly clean and wash them once you’re through.
Another set of clippers commonly used by professional cat and dog groomers is the IWEEL Cat clippers. This clipper is also cordless, which makes it highly convenient to use. The IWEEL clippers feature a two-speed design, which means you can choose between two distinct speeds when shaving your cat.
You can cut any type of hair with these clippers, from thick to straight and everything in between. The clipper blades are highly sharp and stainless steel. They’re also ceramic-coated to help them be durable. These clippers are also water-resistant but not waterproof, making them easy to clean.
When to Use Clippers for Cats
Shaving a cat with clippers isn’t mandatory, but it’s sometimes the only option for their improved health and well-being. Whether you need to clip a cat for beauty, clear fur around the nipples for an upcoming litter to feed more easily, or shave before surgery, cat clippers come in handy.
The information in this article does not apply to specific clipper brands but rather to all clippers.
Individual brands and models may have different recommended uses, and product specs may have changed after this article was published. Use this information as a guide, but before deciding, always check the product page for specific information about the product you’re buying.
Always use a full-size clipper for badly knotted or matted coats, general cuts, and for all cat and dog breeds and hair types – especially dense, double, or more challenging coats like the Persian – groomers commonly. You can easily get dog and cat hair clippers in the market.
Trimmers are less effective than clippers. You’ll need clippers with standard blades to shave all dog breeds, including giving them the famous ‘lion cut.’ Trimmers and clippers are both cordless. However, clippers come in single-, two-, and five-speed variants.
Most clippers have a standard 10 blade, also known as an A5 blade. They are ideal for a coat under 0.08 inches (2mm). On the other hand, a size 30 blade is ideal for severely matted cats.
If the clipper is an A5 model, it is compatible with all brands of standard blades of all lengths. It can match with size 50 under 0.04 inches (under 1mm) to sizes 3 over 0.39 inches (over 1cm). Also, it is compatible with all universal comb attachments 0.12 inches to 1.18 inches (3mm to 3cm). Lastly, an A5 model clipper can groom both dogs and cats with different hair lengths.
Corded Clippers for Cats
The Andis AGC Brushless clipper is a corded clipper full-size, full-power, and has two speeds. Because of the brushless motor, it’s much lighter and quieter than a typical clipper, but it provides the extra torque needed for knotted or matted coats.
This clipper is an A5 model. Therefore, it’s best when you want the most functional blade and accessory options. The AGC Super 2 Speed is suitable for cats, dogs, and horses, and it easily cuts matted cat fur. Also, it can accommodate all standard blades from all manufacturers and universal comb attachments from all brands.
You don’t necessarily require to use a cat blade. Any blade can make clipping easier and give smoother results.
The Wahl KM5 has a more typical brushed motor. It is another popular full-size, full-power, 2-speed corded clipper option for cats (not brushless).
Cordless Pet Hair Clippers for Cats
You can opt for cordless animal clippers for cats. The Andis Pulse ZR II, Wahl KM Cordless, Heiniger Saphir, and Heiniger Opal are all A5 versions with full-size, full-power cordless clippers.
When to Use Trimmers for Felines
If your feline’s hair has matted to the point where you can’t brush it out, you can opt to shave or cut it. Unless your feline’s hair is so tangled and matted that combing it out is impossible, you should attempt to avoid shaving your feline totally.
When your cat’s fur comes off, it exposes the cat to insect bites and sunburns and also makes it difficult to maintain their body temperature. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, it may find it difficult to stay warm without its fur. Long-haired cats need 4 to 6 months to regrow their coat, so always consider whether cutting their hair short instead of entirely trimming them can help.
Clipping a cat is not the same as clipping any other animal. Because felines have loose skin that is more delicate than other species, trimming their fur requires caution. If you don’t take care to move carefully when shaving close to the skin, you can cut your cat’s skin.
Precautions to Take Before Clipping a Cat
A cat’s skin is thinner and looser than that of a dog. This makes cats more vulnerable to getting cut by a blade, especially if their coat is matted. So, you require extra caution during their shaving process. To avoid nicking loose skin under the armpits, stretch your legs and maintain the coat taut while clipping to avoid bumping into folds or rolls of flesh.
If you don’t have an experienced expert to instruct you, we recommend you to watch informative videos on ‘how to clip a cat.’ To avoid being scratched, clip the cat’s claws first. Try a nail grinder if you don’t feel comfortable using a nail clipper.
Knots that have turned into felted mats may need to be removed by shaving (rather than brushing). In this case, you use a short blade on your clipper (such as a 10 or 30 blade) to remove the knot right up against the skin carefully.
For targeted knot removal, you can also use scissors. Although a short, blunt-end, we recommend safety tip scissors to decrease the danger of harm.
If you want to shave the coat, start by going under the knots. Remove whatever tangles and knots you can before clipping, as knots will be eliminated by the clipper instead. For longer-coated cats, brushing with a line brushing technique is the best.
Start with a pin brush, not a bristle brush. Depending on how terrible the knot is, use the proper tool (such as a slicker brush or detangler comb). A slicker is commonly used to ‘pat’ out a knot a little at a time from the end to the root.
Knowing how to groom a cat will also help you avoid stress and damage (for you and them). Begin with a comb with broader tooth spacing and work your way down to combs with finer tooth spacing.
This move expedites knot removal and reduces stress for the cat by reducing skin pulling. For tangles that pin brushes and wider tooth combs miss, use finer teeth tools like a detangler or flea comb.
The Best Clipper and Trimmer Models for Cats
Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper, Professional Animal/Dog Grooming, AGC2 Best for All coats and breeds: Best overall
Amazon Choice Award in Dog Grooming Clippers by Andis Ultra Edge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper.
Specifications
- Material: Polymer
- Brand: Andis
- Colors: Blue, burgundy, green, orange, purple
- Cord: 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) heavy-duty cord
- Item weight: 2.05 pounds (0.93 kilograms)
- Other features: Cool and quiet, works with 120V, detachable blade design, two-speed motor, 3,400, 4,400 strokes per minute.
- Recommended uses for the product: For sports, grooming, and professional cuts.
What We Like About This Clipper:
High-quality detachable blades: Detachable blades make it easier to clean the device and reduce the risk of a mess in your home. Furthermore, these blades produce a smooth and easy cut, making the procedure more bearable for both your dog and you.
Powerful two-speed motor: The two-speed motor has a stroke rate of 3,400 and 4,400 per minute. On the one hand, there are sufficient strokes for effective training. On the other hand, the lower level is more appropriate for frightened dogs. Also, the product runs relatively quiet, as several users have confirmed in internet reviews.
This dog clipper is ideal for thick coats or curly fur due to the motor’s power and the effectiveness of the blades. It also has a high-quality cord. The 14-inch (35.56 centimeters) heavy-duty cord is long and strong, allowing you to reach any part of your cat easily. This is especially crucial if your cat has a big body and needs to walk around during grooming.
Locking switch functionality: This feature ensures that the product does not come to an abrupt halt.
Incredible housing: The housing is incredibly sturdy and shatter-resistant. If you acquire this product, you may rest assured that you will use it for many years. This design may be a bit small for some users. Nonetheless, its quality is more important than its design.
It has only one blade: The package consists of one blade. You can purchase other blade sizes individually. Also, the product is compatible with all Andis CeramicEdge and UltraEdge Blades.
Value for your money: This is not the cheapest clipper available. However, its premium features, high quality, and one-year warranty make buying this product an excellent investment.
Drawbacks of this Product
Steel blades quickly heat up: You may wish to take a break during the grooming session to avoid possible injury. A blade change or other cooling sprays could be a solution. You can also use a ceramic blade (this material has a much poorer thermal conductivity, so it heats up more slowly).
What Separates This Clipper From The Competition?
The two-speed settings provide the versatility that both professional groomers and home users seek. You can also cut nearly any coat with this tool because of its high SPM and ultra-sharp blades. Andis UltraEdge is, without a doubt, one of their best products. While it isn’t cheap, it is less expensive than other high-end clippers.
Wahl Professional Animal Arco Pet, Dog, Cat, and Horse Cordless Clipper Kit: Best for Trimming & Light Body Clipping
Amazon’s choice award in Hair Clippers by Wahl Professionals
Specifications
Material: Plastic and metal
Colors: Champagne, green apple, hot pink, teal, purple
Cord: Cord and cordless option
Best for Small and medium-sized dogs
Other features: Adjustable blades (9,10,15,30, and 40 sizes), 80-minute cordless run time, Cool lightweight design
What We Like About This Clipper:
Carries out multiple cut lengths: The blade sizes offered are 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40, thanks to the adjustable design. This is advantageous because you will not need to purchase blades of various sizes. Additional plastic connection guide combs are included in the package, making the grooming process even easier.
Cordless design: One of the clipper’s most appealing features is that you can operate it without a cord. This might be a significant benefit and convenience for you because it enables comfortable and precise cutting of difficult-to-reach spots, including the face, ears, and paws.
Boasts of an excellent charge time and run-time ratio: The rechargeable battery (two are in the package) provides 80 minutes of run-time and takes 75 minutes to charge. At full charge, this can last up to 160 minutes.
Advantageous exterior design: The slim, lightweight design looks beautiful and fits pleasantly in your palm without generating tiredness. The one-year warranty and several accessories included in the package are additional benefits of the device.
It comes as a package: The package consists of the following items: a cordless clipper, a 5-in-1 blade set, two rechargeable batteries, a storage case, a charging stand with charger, attachment guide combs, blade oil, and a cleaning brush. As you can see, this package has almost everything you’ll need to start grooming professionally.
Some of This Clipper’s Drawbacks
Not for large breeds: The manufacturer specifies that this product is only for small breeds of cats. If you have a large breed of a cat, you should go for a more robust product.
Not long-lasting: There are no issues with the product’s design. However, its housing is far less durable than a luxury Andis or Wahl model. Wahl ARCO may not be the ideal choice if this is a must-have feature for you.
What Separates This Clipper From The Competition?
If you have a small or medium-sized cat or dog, the Wahl Animal Arco is an excellent choice. It fits well in anyone’s palm, thanks to its slim form. Also, its motor power is sufficient to make clean fur cuts.
Wahl Professional Animal BravMini+ Pet Trimmer for Cats, Dogs, and Horses #41590-0437, Red: Best for All dog breeds, cat, horse, & livestock
Specifications
Color: Red
Recommended Uses For Product: Sports, trimming, professional
Item Weight: 4.8 pounds (2.18 kilograms)
Brand: Wahl Professional Animal
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.5 inches x 1.25 inches x 1.25 inches (13.97 centimeters x 3.175 centimeters x 3.175 centimeters)
Other features:
- Cordless
- 100-minute run time
- LED charge control indicator
- Lightweight 4.5 ounces (127.57 grams)
- Detachable fine cut blade
About the Product
Wahl’s BravMini+ Cordless Pet Trimmer has a fine cut blade with a cut length of 1/32 inch (0.08 centimeters), making it ideal for trimming faces, ears, and paws on dogs, cats, and other pets, as well as muzzles and ears on horses and animals.
It works effectively for all-over animal trimming and provides 100 minutes of cordless operation. Also, it charges fully in two hours. The BravMini+ is exceptionally quiet and light, gliding through animal coats fast and efficiently with minimal vibration, making it ideal for noise-sensitive animals.
It has a powerful stroke rate of 5,350 per minute, 5.5 inches (13.97 centimeters) long, and 4.5 ounces (127.6 grams) in weight.
This trimmer is great for noise-sensitive animals because it is lightweight, quiet, and powerful. It also has a 100-minute cordless run-time.
Blade for Wahl Professional Trimmer:
The Wahl Professional Animal blades feature high-quality stainless steel to deliver a quick and effective trim for touch-ups and trims. All blades are sharp to ensure that they will cut fur the first time they are in use. This snap-on/off trimmer blade adjusts from 1/32 inch (0.079 centimeters) to 1/4 inch (0.635 centimeters) in thickness.
The blade of this trimmer is also compatible with the Wahl ChroMini and BravMini+. Wahl recommends only using Wahl brand blade oil to ensure maximum longevity and performance. You can also opt for a compact tiny trimmer version of the famous Bravura Clipper, which charges in only two hours and provides 100 minutes of cordless run-time at full performance speed.
The Wahl BravMini+ is a little but powerful device. The sleek and ergonomic form feels great in your hand and is great for overall trimming.
Wahl Professional Animal MiniArco Corded/Cordless Pet, Dog, Cat, and Horse Trimmer Kit (#8787-450A): Best for trimming
Amazon’s Choice Award in Dog Grooming Clippers by Wahl Professional Animal MiniArco
Specification
Recommended Uses For Product: Trimming, professional cutting
Color: Champagne
Item Weight: 0.31 Pounds (0.14 kilograms)
Brand: Wahl Professional Animal
About the product
Trim faces, ears, and paws on dogs, cats, and other pets, and muzzles and ears on horses with Wahl’s MiniArco rechargeable trimmer. It has a fine-cut blade and provides 45 minutes of cordless operation.
The single-speed clipper has a stroke rate of 6,000 per minute. The corded and cordless capabilities let you use your cordless trimmer for continuousy. The MiniArco rechargeable trimmer, a fine cut blade, two attachment guide combs, a cleaning brush, and blade oil are all included in this kit.
Made for use in electrical outlets in the United States only. So, it is not suitable for overseas usage. This trimmer has a one-year warranty.
This clipper is 4 ounces (113.4 grams) in weight. With a roughly 2-hour run duration, the MiniArco is a popular trimmer with professionals and parents alike.
The rechargeable battery of this trimmer gives you plenty of time to groom your dogs’, cats’, and rabbits’ paws, ears, faces, sanitary areas, hot spots, and more. Blades are easy to put on and take off, so trimming can continue uninterrupted.
Its five-oiling process ensures that your Wahl cat clippers run for a long time and cut well. A few drops of oil on each side and across the top will go a long to ensure that this trimmer functions efficiently.
Key Takeaways
The Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Dog & Cat Clipper is the best overall, according to our reviews of the finest cat grooming clippers. It’s whisper silent and has two speed settings, built-in vents, and cooling fans to keep it cool.
The lengthy cable makes it easy to handle the clipper while in use, and the detachable blades make cleaning a breeze. These qualities make it stand out among the many pet clippers for cats available out there.