Shave a Cat

Has your cat somehow managed to develop tangled lumps of fur? Are you nowhere near a professional that could help you? Follow this guide to safely shave your pet.

Steps

 * 1) Do this only if you HAVE to! Otherwise, it is safest and easiest to take your cat to professionals!
 * 2)  Put on protective gloves. Without this, you will be unarmed against the furry, unshaven creature (who probably will not be looking forward to the shaving process).
 * 3)  Have someone help you secure your pet. It is a dangerous process if the animal is flailing as you try to shave its fur.
 * 4)  Use an electric razor and begin to shear the cat. Shear only the pieces that must be sheared, and shear them only near the edges. If you are lucky the fur that is tangled will peel off your pet like carpet once you start to trim at it.
 * 5)  Refrain from shearing too close to the skin or you may pinch or cut your pet.
 * 6)  Note: you are not shaving a cat bald, simply shear the hair, making it shorter.
 * 7) However, if you do wish to shave the poor animal completely bald, then you may need to use a tranquilizer, for you and your cats safety.

Tips

 * It is best to do this in a series of around three or four days to allow your cat time to calm down.
 * It is also easier on you: instead of an hour of struggling to fix your cat's fur, you end up with four fifteen minute sessions.
 * After shaving your cat's fur begin to brush it daily. It may not like it, but it will help you avoid having to shave your pet again in the future.

Warnings

 * It is best not to do this procedure yourself but rather have a professional such as your vet or a groomer do this for you.
 * Do not taunt or provoke the cat in any way.
 * Stay away from your cat's face, neck, and ears. If your cat's neck has any tangle, ask a vet to remove them safely. You could kill your cat if you accidentally cut your cat's neck.
 * Do not attempt to sedate your cat without a vet's supervision.

Things You'll Need

 * A pair of clippers meant for ANIMALS, using a human trimmer can cut your pet. Andis makes a great 2-speed clipper.
 * A 10 blade, these can be purchased at your local pet shop.
 * A safe, quiet place - a bathroom works well for this, but be sure you remove things from the counter and rugs from the floor, if you think shedded cat hair is bad, try removing globs of shaved hair from a bathrug!
 * Protective gloves
 * Clothes you can throw into the wash as soon as you're done, disposable works too! Anything resistant to cat fur is great, you will be covered with it when you're finished.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Remove Cat Hairball Stains from Carpet
 * How to Bathe Your Cat With a Damp Towel
 * How to Shampoo a Kitten for Fleas
 * How to Trim Your Cat's Nails