Furminator is an increasingly popular tool not only in grooming salons, but also in private homes. It works great with cats, dogs and smaller animals. In stores you can find various models that are suitable for trimming animals of various sizes and hair lengths. We advise on how to use a furminator and which cats need this type of care.
Furminator – what is it?
A furminator for a cat is a type of trimmer that is designed to remove dead hair from the undercoat. It also reduces its excess without disturbing the pet’s coat. This is an excellent way to reduce persistent molting. However, the lack of hair on the furniture is not enough. Regular use of the vacuum cleaner prevents the cat from licking and swallowing dead hair. This protects against dangerous distortions.
The construction of the furminator is very simple. The comb consists of small metal teeth that are placed very close to each other. It also has a contoured handle that prevents the hand from slipping and makes the vacuum pump comfortable to use.
This simple grooming gadget removes dead hair much more effectively than ordinary brushes. It is worth remembering, however, that a furminator is a type of trimmer, but not every trimmer is a furminator. Standard trimmers are used to untangle the hair and possibly shorten it. The furminator does not have such functions.
If you decide to buy a cat fan, remember to choose the correct size and type. Each model is designed for cats with different types of hair and different sizes.
How does the furminator work?
What distinguishes a cat vacuum cleaner from other brushes? It is specially designed to remove hair from the undercoat. Thus, it does not affect the topcoat hair, does not break it, does not tear or pull it. It is also very important that the furminator does not irritate the animal’s skin in any way. Metal teeth do not reach it, and thus do not hurt or irritate it. The sebum layer that protects the skin is also not affected.
The combed hair collects on the trimmer. Original vacuum pumps are equipped with a practical button that allows for its convenient and quick removal. There are many benefits to regularly brushing out dead hair from your undercoat. First of all, it prevents shedding, but also reduces the formation of tangles. However, you should know that the furminator itself is not intended for detangling hair. Before you start using it, brush your cat with another brush (such as felts) or a comb.
Trimming a cat with a furminator – how to do it effectively?
Brushing the cat with a furminator allows the pet to maintain a beautiful coat and health. However, remember that there are a few rules that you should stick to.
Cat furminator is not a tool for everyday use. Too often use will soon result in the loss of the undercoat, which is very important for a cat. Not only does it make the coat look impressive, it also regulates body temperature. It not only protects the cat from the cold, but also from the effects of heat.
Some recommend using the furminator once a week, but practice shows that in many cases this frequency is too high. It is worth having such a brush at home and taking it out of the wardrobe when you notice that your cat starts to leave behind more hair than usual. During the moulting period, it is worth brushing the cat’s undercoat properly. Tools that you can use on a daily basis include:
- rubber brush,
- harrow,
- natural bristle brush,
- comb.
Proper combing with a furminator should proceed in a specific way. The trimmer should be set at an angle of about thirty degrees to the cat’s body and combed with long strokes from the head to the tail. Small, quick movements in one place can brush the entire undercoat out. It is definitely not a good practice. Furminator is very effective and does not require very heavy brushing. Gentle strokes are all that is needed and the fur that is already dead will gather together smoothly on the teeth.
Also remember that the furminator is used only for dry combing the cat. Never use it after bathing as it may damage the hair. This type of trimmer should be used with particular care on some cats. In breeds such as Maine Coon, furminator should be used in such a way as not to deprive the cat of a fine coat that is representative of the breed.
Does every cat need a furminator?
A cat furminator is a very practical tool that you should have in your equipment. It is especially useful for cats with a profuse undercoat, which periodically shed heavily. Its regular, but not very frequent use will help to drastically reduce the amount of hair left by your cat.
Remember, however, that the furminator is a trimmer that is used only for deShedding the undercoat. Cats with a single-layer, very fine and silky coat should not be combed with it. In this way, we can destroy the top hair, the reconstruction of which takes a relatively long time.
Also remember that not all cats need regular and intensive brushing. Each breed (except for hairless cats) should undergo grooming treatments from time to time. This helps to remove dead hair (which is sometimes less numerous, but always falls out), improves the blood supply to the skin and prevents fraying.
It is worth remembering that not only longhair cats need regular grooming. Many breeds (as well as hybrids) have a relatively short coat, but a very dense and profuse undercoat. This translates into periodic heavy molting. If you are not sure if your cat needs a trap, careful observation is the best solution. If you notice that your pet is shedding intensely from time to time, it means that its undercoat probably needs to be dealt with.
The breeds for which the furminator is especially recommended are:
Cat furminator is a practical and very convenient tool. If you are considering buying it, it is best to choose the original model. Then you will be sure that the trimmer is effective and durable. The key to success in using the furminator is its correct use, so be sure to follow the above-mentioned rules. A cat without an undercoat not only looks less imposing, but also cannot protect itself from temperature changes.