What combs should you use to comb cats?

Furminator for cats

The Furminator is a comb-trimmer for combing the undercoat of cats. This device was invented in America. Outwardly, it looks like a small rake. The nozzle is attached to a comfortable handle, and instead of teeth there are small blades on the device. This device is especially effective for caring for cats with long hair, since regular and high-quality removal of dead hair prevents the formation of tangles.

A furminator is needed to comb out the undercoat

The furminator works as follows:

• small teeth capture loose fibers of the undercoat;
• When the comb with blades moves, all captured hairs are pulled out.

Such devices are available in several versions. They differ in blade length and frequency of teeth: mini, medium and maxi. The modification is chosen based on the size of the animal and the length of its fur. For cats of short-haired breeds, a furminator with short blades is needed, for fluffier pets - with long blades. It is recommended to use the device 2-3 times a month. Usually after the first use the result becomes obvious.

The Furminator is used in the same way as a comb.

To properly comb your pet with this device, you need to remember a few rules:

1. The animal needs to be calmed down.
2. It is necessary to comb from withers to tail, but not vice versa.
3. There is no need to press hard on the furminator (otherwise it will hurt the cat).
4. If the wool becomes electrified, you can use an antistatic agent.
5. Before combing, you need to examine your pet’s skin for rashes or wounds (if there are any, you need to postpone the procedure).
6. If the wool has formed into tight tangles, you should carefully remove them with scissors or a tangle cutter.
7. It is not recommended to start combing wet animal fur.
8. The work must be done slowly, without using unnecessary force or sudden movements.
9. Particular attention should be paid to treating areas in the genital area, tummy and paws of the pet.
10. Cats of long-haired breeds should be combed starting from the lower layers (the outer hair is lifted with clips).

As a rule, the device comes with a replaceable nozzle (or several). A replacement blade can come in handy if one of the teeth suddenly becomes bent. If used correctly, the furminator will last 10–15 years.

Other items for brushing cats

Previously, regular (human) combs were used to brush cats. Some donated old combs for the benefit of the pet, while others purchased a separate comb for the animal.

If you do not want or cannot visit a grooming salon, then you can purchase all the necessary tools for combing your cat at home

Currently, in addition to the furminator, you can easily find and buy special combs (combs) for caring for animals:

• brushes included with cat doors;
• combs;
• combs;
• puffers;
• combined combs;
• trimmers, etc.

The laziest device is a cat door brush. This brush is used to frame the edges of the cat hole or door. When passing through the door, the cat grooms itself. The soft yet resilient bristles will do all the work for you. In addition, in these cases, the cat will not break out and scratch, because it is not forcibly dragged through the door. However, this method of scratching is more suitable for short-haired cats that do not need to be brushed frequently. For the same purpose, you can purchase a special arch for your pet.

You can easily make an arch with a brush yourself

Brushes are also manual. Such a tool can be used for the main procedure. If you can use a furminator every other day or two, then you can use a brush at least every day. This is especially appropriate if your cat loves massage. There are several types of such combs:

• with plastic teeth;
• with metal teeth;
• with bristles;
• combined.

The principle of choosing a brush is still the same. A comb with long teeth (bristles) is for long-haired cats, and a comb with short teeth is for short-haired cats. The main requirement when purchasing such a tool: check its quality. The handle should be comfortable, the tips of the teeth should have a “drop”, and the bristles should “sit” tightly in the pillow. If tufts of bristles fall out of the comb, it will quickly become unusable.

Once upon a time I had an uncomfortable brush-comb (many people had these). The base of this thing was in the form of a fish skeleton. They all were brown, but mine was bright green, neon (an unusual color for those years). But it was terribly uncomfortable, and hair got stuck in the fish ribs. A year later, I gave up this comb and donated it to Musa (my grandmother’s cat). Musya loved to be laid on her lap and combed for several hours. However, it soon became clear that even the cat did not like the beautiful green brush. It turned out that the instrument was defective. On these very “ribs” there were burrs that clung to the hair.

Photo gallery: different types of brushes

The brush in the form of an attachment for the hand also functions as a massager.

Combined brushes are the most practical

Combs with bristles are the most comfortable for cats

For cats with long hair, a comb is more suitable. This is a comb with one row of long teeth. Combs can be wooden, plastic or metal. Wooden combs do not harm the hair, but quickly become unusable (crack, break). Plastic and metal ones last a very long time, but can electrify the hair. Therefore, you need to remember about the antistatic agent. The combs are ideal for regular brushing. With their help, you can comb out unnecessary undercoat and tidy up the guard hairs. You can choose this comb with or without a handle.

Fine-tooth combs can help identify fleas on your pet. To do this, you need to run along the cat's fur from the ear to the shoulder blade (pressing a little). The teeth should touch the skin (so the fleas can't hide), but it shouldn't hurt the cat. If the comb is plastic, then it is better to purchase a comb in any color except black and white.

If you have several cats, do not buy them combs of the same color.

To care for the hair of the fluffiest pets, you need a slicker. This is a brush-like comb with thin but curved metal teeth. This tool is especially effective during shedding season, as it easily captures and combs out most of the lost hair.

There are cats whose fur is short and the undercoat is very thick. These cats include representatives of the British Shorthair breed. The British also need to be combed with a slicker brush. Only they need to select a tool with short teeth. Ideally, these teeth are also straight.

Some slicker teeth have a “droplet” on them. This is a thickening at the end of the clove, necessary to protect the animal’s skin from mechanical damage. But not every cat breeder can afford the luxury of feeling sorry for their cat. Most professional groomers believe that drop slickers are not suitable for cats with very long hair (and a lot of undercoat). These cats include Persian or Angora. The fact is that a droplet can interfere with the guard hairs, tangling them even more. This can cause long hairs to fall out prematurely. It is recommended to use a gentle tool for kitten hygiene.

Photo gallery: different types of powder puffers

Puffers for kittens come in bright colors

Combination comb - a convenient budget option

Short-toothed slickers are suitable for grooming short-haired cats.

Long-toothed brushes are suitable for hygiene of Persian and Angora cats

To make brushing your cat successful and painless, you need to follow some recommendations:

1. You should only comb your cat in the direction of hair growth.
2. To avoid damaging healthy guard hairs, combing should be done slowly.
3. It is better to start the procedure from the neck and back, moving to the chest and sides (last of all - the “pants” and ponytail).

During the molting period, the slicker is used 2-3 times a week, and the rest of the time, once a week is enough. There are also many other tools and devices.

One of my friends has an old white cat. He is mongrel, with short and dull hair. The cat is very affectionate, constantly purrs and caresses, but sheds a lot. His owner bought massage attachments (that fit on the hand) with silicone teeth and nailed them to the doorposts at a height of about 20–25 centimeters from the floor. At first I decided that this would help with the “knocking” of doors. It turned out that the cat rubs against these pads, leaving fallen fur on them.

How often should you use a cat brush for grooming?

In order not to harm the health of the animal’s coat, it is important to know how often you can use the device for combing out fur:

• during shedding, the tool is used 2-3 times a week;
• for long-haired cats, procedures should be carried out 3-5 times a week;
• Smooth coat grooming is carried out 3 times a week.

Attention! If your pet's fur is too long, you should buy a special spray at the pet store that makes combing easier. After all, not a single brush will be able to comb out tangles efficiently and quickly if they are too hard and varied in shape.

If the animal bathes too often, after water procedures it is necessary to comb it to avoid tangling of hairs. How much does such a device cost? Typically, prices for combs vary between 100-500 rubles, which depends on the number of teeth and the purpose of the tool.

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:

1. If there are tangles on the animal's fur, you cannot use a slicker to untangle them.
2. You should never comb a cat whose body is damaged or irritated.
3. Nothing other than a massage mitten should be used to comb wet fur (after bathing).
4. It is not recommended to use the furminator and powder brush for daily use.
5. 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.

Briefly about the main types

COMB - with teeth of different heights and frequencies (must have blunt tips!) - available for any length; needed for untangling matted wool and tangles; and the flea comb has very frequent teeth.

A comb with rotating teeth is more effective than a simple one. But don't use it for

very long fur, because hairs can get wrapped up and be pulled out by the roots!

Slicker (slicker) is a “cruel” tool that tears out the undercoat! It is only used to raise the pile on the “pants”, “collar” and tail. Not for tangles and not for combing! But only for healthy and first combed wool with a sparse comb, and no more than twice a week during molting and once after it ends, and daily - it’s impossible!

The length of the teeth is more frequent and longer, the thicker the undercoat and the longer the guard hair. Not for short-haired people!

FURMINATOR is a favorite of cats and... a “jack of all trades”, because it combines: a simple comb, a comb for trimming (for manually removing undercoat), and a slicker brush; Available for different lengths of pile.

Operating principle: the fluff clings to the notches on the comb teeth and is brought out, while the guard hair does not cling and remains in place.

The undercoat is formed from 2-3 additional downy hairs growing from the same follicle as the guard hair. During molting, they die and fall out, and new ones grow in their place. The Furminator extracts dead and no longer needed fur “perfectly”!

MASSAGE - for smooth-haired species; combing out “pants” and “collar”, carefully unraveling tangles, helping with styling “hair” (Cornish Rex curls) and light massage (beneficial for skin health). The bristles can be: natural, plastic, metal (tips - only with protective droplets!). It’s more convenient not with a handle, but one that fits on your hand.

MITTEN or GLOVE - made of soft rubber or silicone; excellent removal of excess fluff; A massage session is similar to... caressing and stroking the owner

COLLUN CUTTER - only for combing (from top to bottom) in the area of ​​the mat.

How to choose a cat combing tool

If you decide to buy a furminator, then you need to make a choice based on several factors:

• wool length (tooth length);
• size of the animal (coverage area);
• the material from which the handle is made (plastic or rubberized);
• tool design;
• the presence of a FURejector button for removing hair from the blade (only on Deluxe Furminators, i.e. the highest quality).

When choosing a brush, you need to take into account your pet’s preferences.

If everything is clear with the length of the blades, then questions may remain related to the coverage area. This refers to the size of the animal, because the width of the furminator comb itself depends on this. In addition, there are also arc-shaped nozzles. There are several sizes of furminator:

• X-Small (for small animals and kittens, comb width - 3.2 cm);
• Small (for medium cats up to 6 kg, comb width - from 3.3 cm to 4.5 cm);
• Medium (for large animals from 6 kg to 20 kg, comb width - from 4.5 cm to 7 cm);
• Large (for large cats, comb width - 10 cm);
• X-Large (comb width - 12–13, not applicable for cats).

Original furminators are also divided into 2 classes: deluxe and classic. The only difference is the presence of the FURejector button on the first one.

On one side of the Furminator Deluxe there is a comb, and on the other there is a gray button for removing hair from the blades

Combs, brushes and other combs are chosen according to the same principle: quality, price and design. There are several subtleties that will help you make the right choice:

1. The most expensive comb does not have to be the best.
2. If you choose a brush, apply it to your cheek (the teeth should not prick).
3. If you are going to buy a brush/mitten/attachment with rubber teeth, try running it discreetly through your hair (they should not “cling” to the rubber).
4. You can ask the seller for a certificate of conformity (such a document must be attached to a branded product).
5. Inspect the comb visually (there should be no burrs or cracks on it, the teeth should not be bent, if there are drops, they should be on each tooth).
6. When purchasing a comb, inspect the row of teeth in the light (the gap between the teeth should be absolutely clean, they should be strictly parallel to each other).

When I choose a device whose structure is not completely clear to me, I carefully study the packaging. Sellers don't like it very much, but I try to scrutinize all the fine print. It is important for me that the packaging indicates the contact phone number and website of the distributor - a person or organization engaged in large purchases of goods from the manufacturer for the purpose of further sale (what if a defect is discovered and I have to return the goods). Also, if I buy an expensive device, I check with the seller about the possibility of an exchange or return. Most merchants say that once the package is opened, returns are not possible.

Video: how to choose a comb for a cat

Types of scratchers and how to choose

We choose depending on:

• intended for: combing wool, undercoat, tangles or fleas; trimmer; grooming; massage; for thinning and shortening;
• fur lengths for: fluffy long-haired, smooth-haired, wire-haired or short-haired species;
• breeds for: British, Scottish and medium breeds;
• devices: with rotating or sharpened or very frequent teeth; glove; mitten; comb-rake; metal;
• from the manufacturer: for example, Keller, Artero.

Review of popular models

In addition to the original Furminator, there are also trimmers from other manufacturers. There are many of them, but let's look at a few of them. One of the most popular brands in Russia is Trixie Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co KG (Trixie). This German company has been producing pet products for over 40 years. The manufacturer offers its trimmers as a universal anti-shedding product. The operating principle of this device is the same as that of trimmers of other brands. The developers named the following properties as advantages:

• the device helps to comb and cut tangles;
• the nozzle can be easily changed using a built-in mechanism;
• stainless steel blade;
• plastic handle with anti-slip rubber coating.

Trixie is about 2 times cheaper than Furminator. This trimmer has a button to change the attachment. And although the manufacturer claims that the blades are sharp enough and made of stainless steel, they still have to be replaced. Moreover, the instructions for use do not mention the shelf life of the blades. In practice, a replacement nozzle is installed after about a year. The cat owner should purchase a replacement attachment as the blades become dull. The price of a new comb with blades is not much different from the cost of the trimmer itself.

The Trixie trimmer has a modest design (this is due to the fact that trimmers are not the main product of this manufacturer)

Another alternative to the original furminator is the Foolee trimmer. The French manufacturer boasts a wide range of combs, brushes and trimmers for cats. The main advantages of furminators of this brand are the following qualities:

• the nozzle can be changed as the blades become dull;
• wool is removed from the blades by pressing an additional button;
• any model of the Foolee trimmer is equipped with a handle of an unusual, comfortable shape;
• All Foolee devices have a non-standard design (unusual shape, bright color).

And although the manufacturer pays more attention to the appearance of the device than to other parameters, the price of the French Furminator is one of the highest. Foolee offers trimmers and other grooming tools for pets of all sizes. You can purchase a trimmer for cats with different hair lengths. The device is beautiful and safe, but subsequent treatment of the wool with a slicker is necessary.

All Foolee trimmers have a striking design

Another brand, HelloPet, is a product of a Taiwanese manufacturer (founded in 1969). The official distributor in Russia is. Buyers are offered devices in an affordable price range. The simple design does not detract from the functionality of the devices. In addition to furminators of different sizes, HelloPet produces rake furminators. By the way, the Taiwanese manufacturer clearly distinguishes between the concepts of “trimmer” (a machine for cutting hair) and “furminator” (a comb with a blade), and uses only steel and plastic as materials. There are several types of HelloPet comb trimmers:

• small furminator - 43 teeth;
• medium furminator - 65 teeth;
• large furminator - 79 teeth;
• super-large furminator - 97 teeth.

The greater the number of teeth, the wider the surface area being machined. Typically, for medium-sized domestic cats (up to 5 kg), the smallest Furminator is chosen.

A distinctive feature of HelloPet trimmers is the presence of many small nuances in each model. For example, a furminator rake is equipped with teeth that can rotate. This device is convenient to use for caring for unruly animals. Large furminators (79 teeth) are equipped with a button for removing combed wool.

All Hellopet furminators have a handle with a pattern in the form of paw prints (this is the official logo of the manufacturer)

After reading reviews and studying different types of furminators, I decided to buy the most budget-friendly device, although my cat does not shed much (a massage mitten is enough for us). I went to two pet stores. On display there are original devices and cheaper options from Chinese manufacturers. I didn’t find HelloPet in any of these stores. Perhaps the brand is not one of the well-promoted brands. And, most likely, the affordable price is explained precisely by this, and not by low quality.

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.