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I want to shave my cat

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
81
So we've had this cat for several years, and his shedding rate is nothing short of violent. His fur is white, and what he sheds leaves a distinct coat of white everywhere. I know he really ought to be brushed every day, but the way things go in this household he's lucky to get a brushing once or twice a week. And he often gets little matted clumps that need to be brushed out or else pulled out (which he's not a fan of).

Anyhow I bought a nice set of clippers a couple weeks ago, mainly to cut my own hair with, but I figured why not put it to good use and make him start a fresh new coat. Will this, combined with better maintenance (more frequent brushings) help keep his shedding level down? Is it something I can easily do at home or should I take him someplace and pay them? How can I do it safely, without hurting his (neutered) privates? Is this a worthwhile procedure, and if so how should I go about getting it done?

EDIT: Oh yeah, his name is Oscar.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
81
I've known people to do it, in fact I remember seeing a friend show me his after he shaved it.
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
81
my wife is a pet groomer...she says she has all the cats that come in sedated because they hate being trimmed or shaved, i wouldnt try it if i were you
 

azazyel

Diamond Member
Oct 6, 2000
5,872
1
81
This is pretty weird. I used to live with a guy who had a white furry cat named Oscar that got shaved every year.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
81
Good point. He doesn't have either front or back claws (we got him that way) but he sure knows how to bite. Maybe I'll leave to to a pro. And maybe it'll be a trim, but a good short buzz at that. Don't want a fleshy cat, but don't want long hairs lying around all the time either.
 

Sheepathon

Diamond Member
Oct 22, 2003
6,093
7
81
Better to avoid any further complications completely and just cook it. Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.
 

compudog

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2001
5,782
0
71
There are different diet supplements and grooming products that can reduce the shedding of your pussy. Do a Google. We had this problem with out cat and have reduced it almost to zero shedding but for about one month a year.
 

laurenlex

Platinum Member
Feb 26, 2004
2,370
1
0
Best bet for cat fur:

Singe it lightly with a propane blow torch.

This will curl the hairs making them less likely to snag on furniture, therefore eliminating shedding.

There is a delicate balance involved in doing this, so practice on a stray, or even a neighbor's animal.
 

Vich

Platinum Member
Apr 11, 2000
2,849
1
0
Not to mention cats regulate there body temperature mainly with there coat, it serves as there main form of insulation. If u shave it you are basically leaving it to freeze or overheat. Not good.
 

Otaking

Diamond Member
Mar 13, 2000
5,219
0
0
If you really want to, you should bring it to the local groomer, or Petsmart usually has them.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
81
I can assure you he will be plenty warm. This house does not have central A/C, only two air conditioners (one in my room and one in the folks') and usually strange things never suddenly just pop out of them. Anyway I'd leave him a thin little coat and he'd be fine as long as he was downstairs.
 

esun

Platinum Member
Nov 12, 2001
2,214
0
0
I don't know about your cat, but I know mine would either run like hell or attack me if I tried to shave her. She sheds like crazy, too, but it isn't something worth risking fingers over.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
81
We do have a local grooming shop we take our dog to when it's time to trim his nails. I can try there.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,584
984
126
Originally posted by: sm8000
I can assure you he will be plenty warm. This house does not have central A/C, only two air conditioners (one in my room and one in the folks') and usually strange things never suddenly just pop out of them. Anyway I'd leave him a thin little coat and he'd be fine as long as he was downstairs.

:laugh:
 

Gurck

Banned
Mar 16, 2004
12,963
1
0
All this to avoid making it a routine to spend 5 minutes a day instead of 5-10 minutes a week brushing him? :confused: Let the poor thing keep his hair, sheesh.
 

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
25,923
17
81
Originally posted by: Gurck
All this to avoid making it a routine to spend 5 minutes a day instead of 5-10 minutes a week brushing him? :confused: Let the poor thing keep his hair, sheesh.

Meh. It's not really cruel. Hell, if it's hot, it might be a blessing for the animal.