Comb, slicker, brush for cats: how to choose the right one

Almost every owner of British cat breeds thinks about how to comb their pet, how to do it correctly, and what kind of comb is needed to perform the procedure. An animal's coat is the main indicator of internal and external health. How balanced is your pet’s diet, what micro- and macroelements are missing? One glance at the fur and general appearance of the animal is enough. That is why, for the cat’s health and to maintain a smooth and shiny coat, it should be combed periodically.

What are they required for and what are they?

A cat comb (comb) is a base with teeth attached to it. It can be with or without a handle. The tool is needed not only for removing dead hair and undercoat. It is also used for other purposes. For example, for combing tangles that are not yet too matted or giving the coat a presentable appearance.

In addition to removing dead hairs, massage combs also heal your pet’s skin through massaging movements.

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Recommendations for selection

You need to choose a comb very carefully. The procedure itself can become an extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for the animal. It is important to find tools that will not cause your pet pain, but will still do their job effectively and efficiently. A consultant at a pet store will help you choose functional models. In order for the seller to guide you through the products he has, you must explain to him what breed you need a cat comb for.

It is better to choose massage products made from natural bristles or with metal teeth. Artificial materials will become electrified and give your pet a static shock.
Make sure of the quality of the metal - in order not to spoil the wool, purchase tools made of steel.
Choose accessories with appropriate tooth lengths: a comb for short-haired cats can be small, while long-haired cats need combs and brushes with multi-level teeth.
On massage models, be sure to check the flexibility and stiffness of the bristles. Too soft will not bring any benefit, and too hard will injure your pet.
Make sure the structure is strong: test it a little and try to pull out the bristles.
Be sure to smell the new accessory. Fluffy pets are very picky about smells, and if you take out a odorous Chinese instrument, the animal will run away from the procedure.
Don’t rush to immediately buy products that have different types of bristles on the sides - first try single-function models.
Make sure that the teeth on the combs and brushes are rounded - this way the combing process is guaranteed not to injure delicate skin.
While caring for your pet’s comfort, don’t forget about yourself. It will be good if you hold the product in your hands and feel whether it is comfortable to hold and use.

What should you not buy?

To avoid wasting your money and scaring your pet away from a useful procedure, do not purchase:

plastic combs;
brushes with hard bristles;
products with sharp teeth.

Based on the above recommendations, you can easily choose the accessories you need to care for your pet. The right tools will provide furry animals with a clean and beautiful coat after the combing procedure, and you will be freed from fur that sticks to everything.

How to choose a comb for a cat

When choosing an accessory for combing, take into account the breed of the cat and the length of its fur. Combs designed for long-haired animals are not suitable for short-haired pets. The first will require more careful care, so you will have to buy several convenient tools.

How to comb a short-haired cat

Cats with close-fitting short fur need a comb with medium-frequency metal teeth for grooming. You can periodically care for the fluffy undercoat using a slicker. After combing, massage procedures, which require a special brush that smoothes the coat, will not interfere.

How to groom a cat with long hair

Cats with a rich coat require more careful care. Its main thing is to regularly comb the coat using a comb with teeth of different frequencies and lengths. At the second stage, small missed hairs are removed using a brush with natural bristles.

Advantages

Manufacturers of furminators advertise their products, listing the following advantages when used for combing cats:

there is no injury to the animal’s skin;
do not cause pain to the cat;
healthy guard hairs are not damaged during the combing process;
removal occurs in the right places and only dead parts of the undercoat;
using the device helps prevent the occurrence of tangles;
the animal gets used to combing painlessly and quickly;
the pet enjoys the procedure;
due to the effective removal of loose hair, the cat swallows less hair when licking;
the molting period is effectively reduced;
at the same time the skin is massaged;
The source of pollution in human housing is promptly eliminated.

Furminator and cat combing: reviews

Those cat owners who have already tried the Furminator to treat their pet's fur are satisfied with their purchase. Although the vast majority of reviews include dissatisfaction with the cost of the tool.

4 years have passed since the purchase, and I have never regretted the money spent. This gadget is still worth the money. You just need to scratch your cats more often, and the fur will no longer bother you.
Guzik-Arbuzik, forum user
https://irecommend.ru/content/shok-sensatsiya-koshatniki-menya-poimut-furminator-kak-sredstvo-izbavleniya-ot-klokov-sherst

More economical cat breeders purchase more budget options for trimmers, but the question of the cost of the product remains.

The first tests showed that the Trixie trimmer is not very effective for our cats, but it works. The advertisement is beautiful, the price is high, there is some sense, but not at this price. Not to say that the tool is bad, but it doesn’t make the task much easier. The undercoat rips, but everything flies around in clouds, which is a little annoying.
Mikhail, forum user
https://otzovik.com/review_750764.html

Other cat owners purchase a more expensive device. And, if you compare the device with a classic powder brush, of course, the Furminator wins.

When the Foolee trimmer was still new, it was full of slogans like “Lifetime warranty, money back,” they promised super blades and construction, and even offered a free replacement in case of breakdown. And after a couple of years of use, I can say with confidence: the Furminator is excellent, to this day it’s like new.
Tired, forum visitor
https://irecommend.ru/content/sluzhit-bolee-2-let-idealno-podkhodit-koshkam-i-sobakam-vychesyvaet-dazhe-zhestkuyu-sherst

And there are those who tried the budget version of the furminator. Most reviews are positive.

When I first ran the HelloPet trimmer over Laura's fur from head to tail, I was very surprised. I never expected such a result. There was a huge amount of unnecessary hair left on the furminator blade, the existence of which I did not even know existed.
EkLip, forum user
https://otzovik.com/review_5742181.html

Video: slicker vs furminator

The Furminator is a comb-trimmer for combing the undercoat of pets. In addition to the original Furminator trimmer, Russian cat breeders can purchase devices from other manufacturers (Trixie, Foolee, HelloPet and others). The trimmer significantly speeds up the process of combing out dead hairs, but does not damage healthy guard hairs. The operating principle of all furminators is approximately the same. There are also more conservative tools: combs, brushes, combs, etc. But people who bought a trimmer are satisfied with the time savings. Although there are also negative reviews associated with the high cost of the device.

Device selection

Many manufacturers produce various models of furminators, differing in the set of devices and functions they perform. But their main difference is what animal they are designed for.

For long-haired cats

The peculiarity of such wool and the difficulty of caring for it is that the undercoat is usually thin and soft and the hairs that come out form clumps. During the molting period, they fly around the rooms, get into the eyes and respiratory tract of household members, irritate, often cause allergies, and settle on furniture and clothing.

In this case, the guard hair gets tangled with the remaining undercoat and falls off, forming unsightly tangles. They are always difficult to remove; you often have to cut them, which affects the appearance of the cat.

Furminators for long hair easily cope with both of these problems, because:

The teeth of the trimmer comb are long enough, they easily reach problem areas, allowing you to avoid damaging the skin and healthy hair.
The teeth are located at a greater distance from each other, which also allows you to comb the animal without damaging the fur.
There are special models that take into account the age and size of the cat. So, there is a special device for an adult cat and a small kitten of the Persian breed, which has the longest and thickest hair.
All this data is indicated in the technical specifications for the device.

Models for long hair have the word Large in the name. They are available in two modifications. The first is intended for cats with hair up to 10 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. The second is designed for fur lengths over 12.5 cm.

For short-haired breeds

Such animals have a different problem when molting. The hairs are usually short and coarse. They quickly get stuck in clothes, on upholstery and blankets, and are quite difficult to remove.

For cats with short hair, furminators have the following functions:

The teeth of the trimmer comb are shorter than for breeds with long hair.
The comb has finer teeth designed for short fluff.
There are special models for different types of wool - hard without undercoat (for example, Abyssinian) and densely padded (British and Scottish cats).
Models have been created for animals of different ages and sizes.

Available in Small and X-Small versions. The first model is intended for cats weighing up to five kilograms and with a hair length of 4.5 centimeters. The second is for very small animals and kittens (hair -3.3 centimeters).

The Medium modification has a tooth length of 6.7 cm, the weight of the animal for which the device is designed is up to 10 kg.

When purchasing a furminator you should also consider:

brand of the manufacturer;
the quality of the material from which the device is made;
price.

All modifications are carried out in the classic and deluxe categories, differing only in the design and material of the handles. In addition, the second option has a special ejector button that allows you to remove hairs from the comb not manually, but automatically.

What are they?

All combs are classified according to their purpose and device. Another parameter is the type and length of the cat’s fur.

Cat comb

Division by purpose

The stores offer several different types of combs that perform different functions and differ in appearance.

For combing cats. To remove fluff without damaging the guard hair, two types of devices are used - a simple slicker or a furminator. The first option is a comb with thin metal curved teeth located on a wide rectangular base. Dead undercoat will get tangled in them. The Furminator has a more complex design. This is a comb with a built-in trimmer that looks like a razor. The device only removes fluff that clings to the notches. The guard hairs slip through and remain unchanged.
For removing thick undercoat. If the slicker and furminator cannot cope with the downy hairs, then trimmers will come to the rescue. These are professional combs with stiff bristles. An alternative option is to remove the thick undercoat by hand.
For grooming. For comprehensive cat hair care, several different devices are used - a slicker, a furminator, and a trimmer. Additionally, you may need a tangle cutter - a device with a blade designed to remove matted wool that can no longer be untangled.
For smoothing fur. A massage brush with sparse teeth successfully copes with this task. The comb can be fixed on the hand with straps or have a long handle. It is best if the brush has natural bristles, but options with plastic or metal teeth are popular. A massage comb not only prevents fur from tangling, but also improves blood circulation in the top layer of your pet's skin.
For thinning wool. For grooming cats, plastic combs with a built-in blade are used. They thin out excessively thick wool and remove length.

By coat length

Before purchasing a pet grooming tool, pay attention to the length of the fur.

For longhaired

For long-haired breeds. Owners of such cats should especially carefully monitor the condition of their fur. Thin, long hairs easily become tangled and form tangles. For care you will need a wide-toothed comb. It is better to choose a wooden comb. Unlike plastic and metal analogues, it does not accumulate static electricity.
For short-haired breeds. The coat of these cats is unpretentious, but everything needs care early. The optimal combs for short-haired breeds are silicone mittens and brushes with sparse rounded metal teeth. These tools will remove fluff during the shedding period and give your pet a neat appearance.

By cat breed

The breed of the pet is another important factor influencing the choice of comb. To care for fluffy cats - ragdolls, maine coons, Persians and Siberians - you definitely need a brush to comb out the fluff.

On the contrary, it is prohibited to use slicker for combing Scottish and British cats. Its fine teeth will damage the undercoat characteristic of these breeds. The best option for them is a massager with natural bristles or a wooden comb with sparse teeth.

By device

Scrapers differ from each other in appearance and design.

Metal comb. They have straight, rounded teeth. This comb is used at the final stage of care. It removes all loose hairs from cats with thick, long hair.
Rake comb. This is a comb with an elongated base and short teeth. Suitable for caring for long-haired breeds. Doesn't grab short hairs.
Mitten. Convenient device made of rubber or silicone. On the back side there are short, wide teeth. The mitten removes dead undercoat and massages the skin.
Glove. On the back side there are not teeth, but small pimples. The glove collects dead hair and does not cause discomfort to the pet.
Comber with rotating teeth. This is a comb whose teeth rotate freely, which increases combing efficiency. It must be used carefully, as it can pull out healthy hairs along with the bulb.

For combing out tangles

Brushing the undercoat is not always enough. Tangled hairballs will have to be cut off. Scissors can damage the skin and guard hair, so it is best to use a special device - a tangle cutter. It combines the functions of a comb and a knife, and can be vertical or horizontal, mechanical or electric.

Colt cutter

Knitting cutters vary in the length of their teeth. For British, Oriental, Siamese and Russian Blues, devices with short blades are chosen. Long teeth are optimal for Persian, Neva Masquerade, and Norwegian Forest cats.

For combing out fleas

A flea comb is a convenient device for removing parasites after washing or treating a pet. Its teeth are frequent and thin, made of metal or plastic. They separate hairs and help remove fleas, lice, their larvae and eggs.

A flea comb should not be used if there are ulcers, ulcers, inflammations or abrasions on the pet’s skin.

This is interesting: Distinctive features of the British cat breed from the Scottish one

choose a comb

Every cat owner should have at least one comb in their arsenal.
And the basic tool that you can’t do without is not the usual slicker brush sold on every corner, but a simple comb with one row of teeth. Choose a heavy tool with an ergonomic handle - light ones are more difficult to hold in your hand when combing out tangles or just dense wool. Before the ring, it is best to apply the texture spray not to the cat, but to a comb and use it to comb the fur. This way you will get the effect without unnecessary dampness.

So, combs .

Wide-tooth comb Suitable for all types and lengths of hair except very short ones. It is used to unravel tangles and matted fur, and comb the cat while washing. Make sure the teeth are well secured and have blunt ends.

Comb with medium teeth Also a universal tool. Whether the teeth are Teflon coated or not is irrelevant. I prefer open steel, since the coating wears off quite quickly, and has practically no effect on statics. Steel is more hygienic anyway.

Comb with rotating teeth Available with different tooth pitches. Helps to untangle tangles and, due to the movably fixed teeth, glides through the wool more easily. Suitable for cats with thick, long hair.

A comb with teeth of different lengths. Most often used on long hair with a thick undercoat and dense hair. Handles wool well.

Fine comb A comb with fine teeth is used for short and fine hair. Helps detect flea nits by combing. Suitable for specific areas of the body rather than for the entire cat. Helps to comb out dried dirt if washing is not yet soon.

A comb with dense, thick teeth. Mainly used for short hair. Make sure that the teeth are parallel to each other - bent teeth catch strands of wool and tear them out. It is impossible to straighten them; such a comb is unsuitable.

A very small comb A pocket option for travel, but not for exhibitions - you won’t be able to comb the cat properly and style the fur with it alone. It is convenient to comb sticky “icicles” behind the ears, after sprinkling them with powder.

A rake comb with fixed or rotating teeth. Due to its shape, it is convenient for long fluffy hair, but completely unsuitable for short hair. My most capricious cat only recognizes this comb; she only arches her back and exposes her muzzle to it. The rotating teeth also move back and forth, which allows you to touch the cat's skin without excessive pressure, and the tips are neatly rounded. The tool is virtually violence-free.

The next class of our tools is brushes . They are suitable for massaging and styling hair, combing out powder and applying texture products. Brushes can be bought not only at the pet store, but also where they sell products for hairdressers. Round brushes and metal brushes are not suitable for cats. Natural bristles are preferred.

A rubber brush with metal teeth is good for massage, combing the “dewlaps” and pants of long-haired cats. Check that the teeth are blunt. If you buy a brush with balls at the ends of the teeth, make sure that everything remains in place: the balls cover the sharp edges of the wire teeth; when they wear out, it’s time to change the brush.

Natural bristle brush with a rubber pad. Suitable for any coat, but mainly for the collar, dewlap and pants of long-haired cats. A good way to “comb” a bushy ponytail is to comb it against the grain with a brush in a circular direction, starting from the base to the tip.

Natural bristle brush with nylon Nylon gives the bristle tufts rigidity, and this brush can comb hair deeper than a regular bristle brush. Suitable for combing out dry shampoo powder.

A brush made of soft bristles on a plastic base does not comb through wool, but is good for polishing short fur coats. Makes the coat silky and shiny.

Nylon brush Honestly, almost the most useless tool for cats. Provokes static, the bristles are too dense to comb the fur. Can only be used for massage and adding shine using texture products, but for very short, close-lying coats, with virtually no undercoat.

Slicker, aka slicker The most common and cruel tool for cats. In fact, the bent teeth of a slicker have a strictly limited use: to lift the fur on the collar, pants and tail. Not suitable for short-haired dogs, because the sharp teeth injure the skin. If you are used to using a slicker, choose a tool with blunt or ball-protected teeth, although most have sharp teeth. You can’t use it constantly, as it tears out the undercoat, but does not comb through the fur, much less tangles.

Massage tools For good hair growth, massage is needed. It is even more necessary if you use supplements for hair growth - without massage it is more difficult to grow thick and dense hair.

Massage mittens They come in different types: either with a massage rubber cushion on one side, or on both sides - with protrusions of different calibers. Mittens do not comb the fur; they pull out hairs that are ready to fall out. With this tool, shedding will go faster. At the show, it is suitable for quick grooming of short, close-fitting coat without undercoat - to remove faded hairs so that the cat does not “fly around” right in the ring.

Massage pillow on the handle (rubber slicker) If you have small hands, then using the mitten will be inconvenient. The cushion on the handle is a tool with the same properties. Rubber nubs come in different heights and shapes - choose according to the length of your cat's fur and consider the size: they most often come for dogs, and are sized accordingly.

Rubber pad with handle Not a very convenient tool for a narrow palm. If you have a large hand, then the tool will suit you, and the cat will be pleased. But if the massage tool is uncomfortable for you, then your cat won’t like the procedure either.

Special tools

Silk and suede To make short hair shine, you can use a piece of suede or natural silk. Wipe clean coats at the show before the ring in the direction of growth. This method is suitable for cats with close-fitting and semi-fitting fur.

Tangle cutter You can untangle the tangle with your hands, or you can cut it and then comb it out with a spray. For different lengths of wool, there are different lengths of teeth-blades. With a mat cutter, you simply comb the wool where the mat is located, with the blades pointing down.

A nail cutter is simply necessary for a show animal - only those with trimmed nails are allowed into the ring. For those who are afraid to cut off excess, they produce nail clippers with a limiter. There are models in the form of scissors and a guillotine type, where you need to insert a claw into the hole. In fact, the limiter does not help much - it is better to learn how to cut the claw correctly without it.

Mr. Cat recommends: for whom the furminator is contraindicated

Furminator should not be used if there are scratches, wounds, irritations, or any skin diseases on the cat’s body.

There is no point in using this device for hairless cats:

Canadian Sphynx;

Don Sphynx;

Peterbald;

Ukrainian Levkoy;

Elf;

Dwelf;

Bambino.

When caring for cats with very short hair that does not have undercoat and lies tightly to the body, you should also not use a furminator:

Bengal;

Toyger;

Abyssinian;

Burmanskaya;

Laperm;

Devon Rex;

Singaporean;

Oriental.

This procedure will not harm them. If you wish, you can purchase the device, but you need to use it half as often.

Grooming rules

In “peacetime,” when the Scotsman does not shed, his coat causes minimal inconvenience. It is enough to comb it 1-2 times a week for short-haired cats, 2-3 times a week for semi-longhaired cats. You can do this to a minimum, that is, 1 and 2 times, respectively, but the coat still looks more beautiful with regular care. The ideal option for semi-longhaired dogs is once every 1-2 days.

In addition, you need to start caring for your pet’s fur in this way as early as possible so that he gets used to this process. At first, you can do this even daily so that the cat remembers the procedure and is not afraid of it.

Review of popular models

The most popular furminator models on the modern market, which have deservedly received the highest ratings from users:

FURminator deShedding;
HelloPet;
TRIXIE;
Dele.

It is better to purchase the first three brands in specialized stores or grooming salons to avoid counterfeits.

FURminator deShedding

It is considered the most expensive and high quality. The material of the trimmer teeth is high quality steel. The handle is made of eco-rubber with a special application according to the “anti-slip” formula.

In the “classic” version, the cost of the device is about 1,800 rubles.

The “deluxe” modification with an ejector button for removing hair from teeth ranging from 2,100 to 3,000. The comb sizes are available for kittens, small animals and large cats. Due to high-strength materials, it has a long service life.

Trimmer comb TRIXIE

Made from materials with a shorter service life, but has a better price-quality ratio and enjoys well-deserved popularity. The cost of the product, depending on the size of the comb and teeth, is from 900 to 1,500 rubles.

The overall dimensions of the product are 7×15 centimeters. The handle is made of rubberized material and does not slip. Users note the lightness of the device and its ease of use.

HelloPet

Equipped with a handle and trimmer blade made of impact-resistant materials. The comb width is 65 mm, the number of teeth is from 60 to 97 for animals of different types of wool and dimensions. The cost of the device, depending on the size and frequency of the trimmer comb, is from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles.

Dele

This popular Chinese product can be bought on Aliexpress. Available in modifications S, M and L, having blade lengths of 5, 6.6 and 10 centimeters, respectively.

A small and lightweight device will last much less than the expensive FURminator, but its advantage is ease of use and low cost.

The cost, depending on the modification, is from 380 to 515 rubles.

Furminator for cats - what is it?

A furminator is a hand-held device designed to comb out the undercoat of cats, dogs and even rabbits. The device resembles a classic brush, but only with a trimmer. Thanks to special teeth, it is possible to easily grab fallen hairs and pull them out of the general mop. Some compare a comb to a rake.

Important! With the help of a furminator, the combing procedure is not a torment, but a real pleasure for the purr, because it combines massage with combing.

Some believe that such an innovation is useless, and that the undercoat can be removed using a regular brush. However, this is not true, since combs only smooth the hairs or pull them, instead of removing unnecessary ones.

With the help of a furminator you can:

Speed up the molting process.
Improve the structure of hair hairs and the appearance of the coat.
Avoid damaging the guard hairs.
Improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Improve blood circulation through massage.

You can use the device when you need to comb your pet in the shortest possible time without scaring it.

Article information

This article was co-authored by. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and the care of companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. He has been working at the same animal clinic in his hometown for over 20 years.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other cat grooming tool, combs have their positive and negative sides.

The advantages include:

ease of use;
a large range of models - manufacturers offer different types of scratchers, so you can choose the right tool for each cat;
the ability to choose a tool for specific needs - for example, you can buy a comb for combing out fur and undercoat or a model designed for tidying up the “pants” of long-haired cats.

There are practically no downsides to cat brushes. The high cost of the product can be considered as such if you plan to purchase a tool from a well-known manufacturer. The downside is also the formation of static electricity if the comb is made of plastic.

Brushing the cat Vasily

Combs for the British

Every loving animal owner thinks about which comb to choose for his British cat. On the shelves of pet stores there is an incredible variety of such items that can be selected according to the individual preferences of the owner of the furry animal, for every taste and budget. There are different types of combs:

Such a device can be made in the form of a mitten.

with Teflon coating;
comb rake;
with stainless steel teeth;
with rotating teeth;
comb with multi-level teeth;
brush-mitten.

The length of the brush teeth is selected depending on the length of the pet’s coat; it is very convenient that this information is indicated on the product packaging. The hair of the British is quite short, so that all of the above combs can be used; caring for the delicate fur of this type of breed can be replaced by regular wiping with a wet hand. As a result of this procedure, much more hair is removed than with brushes. The British fur coat is the main advantage of a cat, which is why care should be as thorough and effective as possible.

Furminator and its types

This is a very popular miracle tool for combing the coat of a British cat, and the process does not cause discomfort to the animal, and more often, even the opposite. There are two types of furminators - classic type and deluxe. The only difference between these varieties is the presence of a FURejector button in the deluxe line for automatically removing hair from the comb. Each of them is designed separately for each type of cat - short-haired and long-haired.

There are devices for animals with short and long hair.

Before brushing your cat with a furminator, you must comply with the following conditions:

It is advisable to bathe the animal and dry the fur before the procedure.
Do not use if there are lesions or wounds on the skin.
Before the procedure, comb with a regular brush.
Cut off all tangles using scissors.
Start combing slowly according to hair growth. Particularly carefully comb the area of the abdomen and anus.

How to use a furminator comb

When using a furminator, it is necessary to take care not only of the safety of the animal, but also of the safety of the device in working order. The animal's fur must be dry and clean before the procedure; if there are lumps of matted hair, it is better to remove them manually. This will relieve the cat from pain and will not damage the furminator teeth.

The procedure should begin with the undercoat. The top layer of wool is held with tweezers or a clamp. The brush is moved from the back to the stomach along the side surface, and then moves to the paws. From time to time you need to remove accumulated hair from the comb so as not to damage it.

Be sure to read:

Cat repeller: what is it for, types, how to use, how to make it yourself, instructions

Operating rules

There are no rules regarding the use of combs. The main thing is to use the tool strictly for its intended purpose - combing wool.

Before you start brushing, you need to bathe your cat with shampoo, but do not use hair conditioner.

The use of a comb does not require any specific skills from the cat owner. You just need to follow the general recommendations:

For the procedure, you need to choose a place that will then be easy to remove. There will be a lot of wool. To simplify the cleaning procedure, the cat can be placed on a bedding.
If there are tangles in the wool, they need to be removed. You can try to sort out the lumps - if they are not very matted - or cut them off with scissors if they have become real felt.
You need to comb your pet strictly in the direction of hair growth. Not only will your cat not like brushing in the opposite direction, but it can also damage the structure of the guard hair.
There is no need to press the comb too hard during the procedure.
When treating the surface of the abdomen and groin area, you must be as careful as possible. These parts of the body are very sensitive and if the cat doesn't like something, it may scratch or bite.

Advantages and disadvantages of various scratchers

It cannot be said that any comb is better than all others. Firstly, the cat owner may not like the item that is recommended to him (for example, he is not happy with the price). And secondly, to care for each animal you need several tools. So, for the longest-haired cats, you may need a slicker, a furminator, and even a tangle cutter. A short-haired cat can be brushed twice a week with a bristle brush, and bathed once every six months using a rubber massage mitten. However, there are several important points to consider when choosing a product.

To find the perfect scratcher for your cat, you need to compare all the options

The Furminator is an indispensable thing when the cat owner cannot devote much time to combing his pet. It is easy to use, durable (if used correctly) and safe. The disadvantage of such a device is its high price. Of course, now it’s not such a problem to buy a cheaper option, but quality should be above all. If you can buy 5-8 combs for 1000 rubles, then the device will cost no less than 2000 rubles. But besides this, you still need at least 1 comb with long teeth to comb the guard hairs.

The most commonly used are brushes. Their choice is large, and you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each model. One thing is for sure: using a tool with natural bristles is very useful. In addition to the fact that when using it the fur is smoothed, the cat also receives a massage session. In addition, elastic bristles help distribute natural oils throughout the fur. The brush will also remove those hairs that are already on top of the guard hairs. It is these fallen hairs that usually end up in the pet's stomach. But unfortunately, such combs are short-lived. The bristles fall out and fall into tangles. They are also inconvenient to wash and clean. The animals themselves may not perceive the brush in any way, then you will have to buy another one, and this is an additional expense.

Combs when combing short-haired cats may not give the result you expected. Cats like it when their owner slowly runs a comb over their fur coat, but this will not remove all the dead fur. The budget of the combs plays an important role. This is one of the most economical tools (from 100 rubles). In addition, the comb is a long-lived device among other devices designed for cat hygiene. But there is another disadvantage of ridges - static nature. If you have not purchased an antistatic agent in advance, the wool will become electrified. The pet will not like being shocked. It's safe, but extremely unpleasant.

One of the most popular tools among furry cat owners is the slicker brush. With its help, you can remove most of the unnecessary undercoat, and it is inexpensive (from 200 rubles). The disadvantage of the tool is that not all cats can be combed with a slicker. A cat breeder without experience may take the wrong angle of direction, in which case the curved teeth will get stuck in tangled hair and the animal will feel pain. One painful procedure, and the cat will no longer be able to handle it.

Video: how to properly comb a naughty cat

Contraindications to the use of different combing tools

There are a number of contraindications for different types of scratchers:

If there are tangles on the animal's fur, you cannot use a slicker to untangle them.
You should never comb a cat whose body is damaged or irritated.
Nothing other than a massage mitten should be used to comb wet fur (after bathing).
It is not recommended to use the furminator and powder brush for daily use.
The Furminator cannot be used to groom cats without undercoat.

There are contraindications for the use of all devices

There are cats and kittens that have no undercoat. These include the following cats:

Turkish Angora;
Turkish van;
ragamuffin;
oriental;
Burmese;
Bombay, etc.

And most combs with many teeth, as well as a furminator, are designed specifically for combing out “downy” hairs.

Can a furminator harm a pet?

In general, Furminator (Furminator INC) is the name of an American brand of comb-trimmers. The word “furminator” itself can be considered popular, because now many companies around the world produce such trimmers under different brands, but in Russia any other trimmer is also called the name of an American brand. The developers of the original device tried to provide for all the nuances that may arise in connection with its use. And when used correctly, the device should not harm your pet.

Manufacturers of furminators assure that any “wrong” effect from its use is associated with a violation of the instructions

Sometimes it happens that after using a furminator, the fur on the animal’s body “comes” in waves. That is, the undercoat was combed out along with the guard hairs, but not over the entire body of the animal, but only in a certain area. Also, some cat breeders without experience in using a trimmer complain that the upper hairs seem to be “split.” This is due to the fact that the ends of the long guard hairs were cut off. If we analyze these problems in detail, it will become clear that the problems arose due to the incorrect use of the furminator.

In the first case, we were talking about “waves” on the animal’s withers. A cat sometimes tries to protect its “blind spot”, so it pulls its head into its neck. Because of this, the owner pressed the furminator too hard, which resulted in more hair being cut off than in other areas. And in the second case, we are talking about an incorrectly chosen angle of inclination. The teeth of the furminator should be at an angle of 90 degrees. For greater effect, the cat breeder tilted the furminator more strongly, because of this, healthy guard hairs were damaged.

Advantages of a furminator for combing cats

Undoubtedly, the Furminator for British breed cats has many advantages.

Among these:

There is no discomfort during the procedure, and as a result, pets do not have any fear of the manipulation.
While licking, cats do not swallow large amounts of hair; all excess hair is easily removed.
With the help of the device, not only combing is carried out, but also massage, which the animals especially like.
Thanks to the device, you can painlessly remove dead hair located in the “pants” area, under the tail or on the stomach.
A reliable device will last for more than a year.
Using a furminator eliminates the need for people to constantly clean their apartment due to the large amount of wool on sofas, beds and even furniture.
The device is easy to use.

How to choose a furminator and use it

For cats, furminators with the smallest working surface width are used: from 3.5 to 6 cm (depending on the size of the animal). To avoid having to replace key parts in the tool, it is necessary to clean the teeth after each haircut (there are models with an automatic cleaning function) and keep the furminator in a case. It is not recommended to comb wet and dirty wool. For some models, components are more expensive than the device itself.

There are clear instructions on how to use the furminator:

For work, it is advisable to choose a place that is easy to vacuum, because there will be an abundance of removed hair.
The animal's coat must be clean and dry.
Do not use the tool when the fur is matted or there are tangles (they should be cut out).
You can use the furminator only when there is no damage to the animal’s skin.
The furminator should be moved in the direction of hair growth smoothly, without pressure.
The most sensitive areas where gentle movements and caution are required are the legs, abdomen, genitals and anus.

The Furminator was invented in America by those specialists who are directly involved in breeding and keeping animals: veterinarians and breeders. Therefore, the original Furminators are considered to be Deluxe or Classic models from the Furminator Inc. brand.

Devices from French (Foolee), German (TRIXIE), and Taiwanese (Hello Pet) manufacturers have good consumer reviews. Their products are made of metal and have a long service life.

The Furminator for British cats, whose fur, although short, is thick, has its own brand - Eliminator DUO. This is a comb on one side, and a furminator on the other. For Scottish Highland and Scottish cats there is also a special Hartz model.

The Furminator can be called a miracle invention. It frees you from the need to constantly clean the room from fluff and hair, and saves time on caring for your pet’s fur. Also, what is important, it protects the animal from the formation of dense bezoars from licked hair in the stomach. And the fur of a pet that is cared for with a furminator always looks well-groomed.

Frequency of use and benefits of products

This event is recommended to be carried out once or twice a month for British cat breeds. In summer, using a furminator will carefully remove excess undercoat. It is also necessary to comb out during the molting period - the beginning of spring and autumn - two to three times a week. Advantages of Furminators for a Briton:

With this device you don’t have to resort to cutting the animal.

Reducing the amount of hair falling out, minimizing mats and mats.
Savings on visits to grooming salons.
Due to the correct distribution of fatty lubricant, the appearance of the animal's fur coat is significantly improved - it becomes beautiful and shiny.
Easier cleaning due to reduced amount of hair loss.

Thus, each cat owner himself chooses what is best for a furry animal - a comb for a British cat, a brush-mitten, or simply removing hair with a damp cloth - after all, the main thing is that the care is correct. That’s why it’s so important to carefully care for your pet’s fur coat - he, in turn, will not remain in debt and will repay you with love for your care.

Long live scented soap and fluffy towels!

It is recommended to bathe Scots three to four times a year. But you need to use only special shampoos and conditioners for washing. It is never recommended to wash cats with shampoos intended for humans or other animals.

It is recommended to bathe your cat for no longer than 10 minutes. It is better to carry out the entire procedure in the bathroom. But you need to wash your pet either in a large basin or in a baby bath. The water should not be too hot, but not lower than +35 degrees. It is better to lay a cloth or a towel at the bottom of the basin or bath and pour a little warm water. Do not use the shower while wetting the coat or rinsing out shampoo. The shower scares the pet. To rinse, use a ladle, and take water from a container with warm water prepared in advance.

Cats do not always like the washing procedure, so it is better to enlist the help of an assistant. Praise her all the time, talk to her kindly.

Blow drying is not recommended. It is necessary to dry it well with several towels, so the wool should be dried and placed in a warm room where there are no drafts.

Once a month you should clean with dry shampoo or spray. Dry shampoo is rubbed into the cat's fur and combed out after 5-7 minutes. Sprays also remove dust and dirt very well, but also have an antistatic effect.

Be patient and reward your Scottish Fold with treats and kind words. Accustom her to hygiene procedures from early childhood, and then grooming will become a pleasure for both of you!

Where to buy a furminator

It is best to purchase the device in trusted places where they can give a guarantee on the device.

Namely:

At a veterinary pharmacy or pet store. Despite the fact that the cost at such points is slightly higher, sellers are always responsible for the quality of their products, and this is of great importance. In addition, experts will be able to advise which Furminator is best to buy for a particular Briton.
In the online store. Nowadays, there are enough online outlets that sell products for animals. The cost of the device can be an order of magnitude lower. At the same time, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. Although high-quality devices are more expensive, they operate for 6-7 years. Cheap analogues often last no more than a year. Many users turn to foreign stores where they make purchases.
Large hypermarkets, like Auchan. Furminators can be found at such points, but many pet owners complain about the small range of products.

The health of cats is the key to their long and happy life. To ensure this, pets should be looked after. And if some people believe that all care comes down to good nutrition, then they are too mistaken. Wool also plays an important role. If pellets appear on the fur coat, then wounds may form underneath them, because the scraped fur continuously pulls the skin. Today the problem can be solved, and care does not take much time.