How to Shave Cat Hair Against the Growth

Although shaving a cat is not a regular occurrence, there are times when it is necessary. For instance, if your cat requires surgery, shaving the surgical area is necessary to prevent getting hair into the wound. A second reason for shaving a cat is when the cat's hair becomes matted to the point where you can no longer brush it out. Shaving against the growth will help you increase the speed in which you can shave the cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the shortest clipping guard to the electric clippers. Do not shave the cat without having a plastic guard on.

    • 2

      Get your cat used to being around the clippers. Start with the slippers in the off position. After they seem comfortable with the clippers, turn the clippers on and allow the cat to become comfortable with the noise.

    • 3

      Instruct a second person to hold the cat in their arms. If the cat tends to bite and claw, have the second person wear long sleeves and gloves. Have the second person hold the cat in a manner that disables their feet. It helps if the cat likes the helper.

    • 4

      Turn on the clipper and run it across the skin going from the rear of the cat to the head. This will allow you to cut against the growth. Work quickly, but do not move the clipper faster than it can cut the hair. This will cause the clipper to pull the hair and irritate the cat.