Clipper: When Brush and Comb Are No Longer Enough
In longhaired cats, the coat can become matted on the belly, in the armpits and around the back legs despite regular grooming. Solid mats pull on the skin, are painful and can no longer be combed out. In that case a clipper for cats is the gentlest solution. It removes the matted fur close to the skin without you having to handle scissors. What matters most is a quiet motor and a fine blade.
Cordless clippers for coat care
Cats are sensitive to noise and vibration. That's why cordless clippers are especially popular: no cable getting in the way and smooth, quiet running. The Wahl KM Supera comes with two batteries, so you can keep going without a break. The Wahl Colour Pro includes eight attachment combs that let you leave an even length of coat. The Kerbl DeloX set is also well suited to grooming at home and gives you everything you need to get started.
Professional clippers for groomers and practices
For frequent use, for example in a grooming salon, a cattery or at the vet, there are powerful machines such as the Aesculap Durati or the Heiniger Saphir Basic. They're built for endurance and cope with dense undercoat too. Whichever model you choose, a cat's skin is thin and stretchy. Keep it slightly taut while clipping, hold the blade flat and work in small strokes with plenty of patience.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clip my longhaired cat in summer?
The coat also protects against sun and heat, so a full clip is usually not necessary. For cats prone to matting, it can make sense to keep the belly and back legs shorter. Always leave some fur so the skin doesn't get sunburnt.
What can I do about mats right next to the skin?
Don't cut them out with scissors, as it's very easy to nick the skin. Smaller mats can be removed carefully with the clipper. If your cat is matted over large areas or very anxious, it's better to let the vet do it, under sedation if necessary.
What do I need attachment combs for?
An attachment comb keeps the blade at a distance from the skin and leaves an even length. The result looks neater and the risk of injury goes down. For mats right next to the skin, however, you usually work without an attachment.
Clippers for Cats at a Glance
A clipper isn't an everyday tool, but for longhaired cats it's often a real relief. If the coat becomes matted on the belly, in the armpits or around the back legs, you can remove the mats gently and safely without having to go near the delicate skin with scissors. For use at home, quiet cordless models are ideal, because there's no cable in the way and the hum startles your cat less. Models with attachment combs leave an even coat length and protect the skin. Groomers, catteries and veterinary practices like to use robust professional clippers from Aesculap or Heiniger that keep going for a long time. In this category you'll find clippers from Wahl, Kerbl, Aesculap and Heiniger. Let your cat get used to the sound calmly before you start, and keep sessions short at first.