Furminator for cats: what is it, how to use, how to choose? Reviews + Photos and Videos

Owners of furry pets know firsthand what shedding is. Dog and cat hairs end up everywhere - not only on the floor, carpets and upholstered furniture, but also on clothes, bedding, towels, and sometimes even dishes. Special grooming devices help reduce the severity of shedding and speed up its progression. At home, the furminators that are most often used are easy-to-use furminators, which are a trimmer comb with very fine teeth. But since their selection in pet stores is quite large, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best models.

Varieties of furminator

In general, the furminator for cats is divided into two main categories: classic and deluxe. Don’t think that the classic version is significantly worse than the luxury version. Both of these products are distinguished by the use of quality materials and, as a result, durability. The only difference is that the Furminator Deluxe has a more comfortable handle.

The very first products of this kind were the classic series furminators. These are standard models, from which you will have to remove animal hair yourself. Deluxe is a more sophisticated version. It has a special system that allows you to remove excess hair simply by pressing a button.

Furminator combs for cats are also divided into types depending on the size of the comb itself.

1. XS. Used primarily for furry babies, as well as guinea pigs and rabbits. The grille width is 3.2 cm.
2. S. For small adult cats (weighing no more than 4-5 kg).
3. One of the most common versions of the Furminator with a comb width of 6.7 cm. Used for most adult cats. Can also be used to comb out dog hair.
4. L. The width of the comb in this furminator is 10 cm. It is only suitable for very large cats (for example, Maine Coons). However, it is most often used for dogs.

Who is the Furminator contraindicated for?

Despite its versatility, this device can be not only beneficial, but also harmful, so it is contraindicated for some breeds.

For example, these are “hairless” cats: sphinx, peterbald, elf and others.

Breeds without undercoat also do not need a furminator: Angora, Oriental, Laperm, Burmese, etc.

Important: A serious contraindication to the use of the device is the presence of dermatitis on the animal’s skin, if it is affected by mites or fungi. In this case, you should first cure your pet and only then start getting rid of excess hair.

How to use a furminator for cats?

You can only comb dry and clean cat fur. A large number of tangles does not allow the use of a furminator. In this case, you need to first untangle or cut off the tangles. Also, do not comb your pet if there are unhealed wounds or rashes on its skin.

You need to comb your cat in the direction of hair growth, starting from the bottom layer. However, short-haired pets can be combed in any order, just not against the growth of the hair. It is most convenient to work with the cat lying on its side. Movements should be smooth but firm.

During shedding, long-haired cats require brushing up to several times a week; during other periods, you can get by with one procedure per month. One combing should last about half an hour.

A guide to the models we have:

A little hint about what breeds certain types of furminators are used for (all names are clickable) :

• FURminator S for small cats with short hair (FUR Cat Undercoat S Short Hair) is suitable for small breeds of smooth-haired cats. For example, Munchkin, Singaporean, Abyssinian.

• FURminator S for small cats with long hair (FUR Cat Undercoat S Long Hair) is suitable for long-haired small cats. For example, Persian, Skookum, Napoleon, Burmese.
• FURminator M/L for cats weighing more than 4.5 kg with short hair (FUR Cat Undercoat M/L Short Hair) is intended for short-haired large breed cats. For example, savannah, chausie,

• FURminator M/L for cats weighing more than 4.5 kg with long hair (FUR Cat Undercoat M/L Long Hair) is used for long-haired large cats. For example, Maine Coon, Kurilian Bobtail, Ragamuffin.

• FURminator XL for giant breed dogs with short hair (FUR Dog Undercoat XL Short Hair) is suitable for short-haired huge dogs. For example, English and Italian mastiff, Great Dane, Great Swiss Mountain Dog.

• FURminator XL for Giant Breed Dogs with Long Hair (FUR Dog Undercoat XL Long Hair) is suitable for large, long-haired dogs. For example, St. Bernard, Bobtail, Tibetan Mastiff, Newfoundland.

• FURminator L for large breed dogs with short hair (FUR Dog Undercoat L Short Hair) is used for short-haired large dogs. For example, Dalmatian, Labrador, Shar Pei, Doberman.

• FURminator L for large breed dogs with long hair (FUR Dog Undercoat L Long Hair) is used for long-haired large dogs. For example, collie, chow-chow, long-haired German shepherd.

• FURminator M for dogs of medium breeds with short hair (FUR Dog Undercoat M Short Hair) is intended for medium-sized dogs with short hair. For example, bulldog, amstaff, basset hound, bull terrier.

• FURminator M for dogs of medium breeds with long hair (FUR Dog Undercoat M Long Hair) is intended for medium-sized dogs with long hair. For example, cocker spaniel, Australian shepherd, border collie.

• FURminator XS for Toy Dogs with Short Hair (FUR Dog Undercoat XS Short Hair) is used for small short-haired dogs. For example, pinscher, chihuahua, toy terrier.

• FURminator XS for Toy Dogs with Long Hair (FUR Dog Undercoat XS Long Hair) is used for small long-haired dogs. For example, Pomeranian Spitz, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frize, Papillon.

It should be noted that for all their usefulness, furminators are not suitable for everyone. Furminators are not suitable for animals without undercoat and hair, as well as for those who have injuries or congenital diseases on the skin.

Cat breeds such as Sphynx, Tiffany, Raggamafin, Oriental, Angora and Singapore cats, Rex (Devon and Cornish) - in principle, do not have undercoat and therefore do not need grooming devices. Some dog breeds also practically do not shed: Bichon Frize, Poodle, Chinese Crested, and almost all terriers.

Wool, wool, wool everywhere!…

Hair problems cause difficulties and inconvenience for probably every owner of a four-legged friend - the hair sheds almost equally in cats and dogs. The undercoat falls out not only during shedding periods, but throughout the year. That is why you need to constantly care for your pet. If you don’t do this, then shaggy balls will become a real nightmare - they will be everywhere: on the bed, food, things. The wool will roll down in the corners of the apartment, stick to upholstered furniture and get into food - you must agree, this is annoying and causes discomfort. Black and dark clothes are especially affected by wool: clothes of such colors have to be constantly cleaned and you have to carry an adhesive roller with you.

Shedding is a disaster for people with allergies - unfortunately, it is not uncommon for owners to abandon their beloved pets without finding another way to solve the problem. Ordinary combs and brushes cannot cope with dead hairs, so they do not save the situation.

For animals, hair loss also causes many problems. If ingested in excess quantities, fur can cause vomiting, intestinal blockage and various related problems. Tangles can form and become tangled on the animal’s body, making the combing process difficult.

The best furminators for dogs

It is important to remember that the Furminator should not be used on dogs with curly hair and skin diseases. When using the device, the cover must be dry and free of tangles. In normal times, it is enough to carry out the procedure 1-2 times a month.

Furminator FURFLEXMediumM

Rating: 4.9

First in the ranking is a universal grooming tool suitable for medium-sized dogs. The device is compatible with the Furflex pen. Curved teeth allow you to remove hair of any length. Loose hairs are gently removed from the undercoat. The skin remains unharmed.

The main advantages of the product are ease of washing, ease of use, the presence of a universal handle, and a simple locking system. The blades are made of stainless steel and guarantee the durability of the model. The price including the pen is about 2200 rubles.

Advantages

• does not damage guard hairs;
• careful processing;
• the set includes the original handle;
• hair reduction by 90%
• curved shape for any coat length;
• simple locking system;
• easy to wash.

Operating principle of the furminator

Cats have the thickest coat of hair compared to other domestic animals, and most of them experience hair loss throughout the year. Regular combs cannot cope with the undercoat without ridding the animal of unwanted hair. Puffers injure your pet's skin. The Furminator will help get rid of all these problems.

This professional comb, which, due to a certain distance between the teeth, removes only dead hair and undercoat, while living healthy hair slips between the teeth and remains unharmed.

Important: This way you can remove up to 90% of all dead hair, as well as reduce the shedding period.

When using the Furminator, the fatty lubricant is evenly distributed throughout your pet's coat and helps protect it from the adverse effects of the environment.

The most popular furminator models

The sales leaders are rightfully considered:

1. FURminator deShedding. One of the most expensive and high-quality manufacturers. The tool is made of high quality steel and eco-rubber.
2. TRIXIE. Excellent value for money trimmer comb. The comfortable handle, lightness of the device and small dimensions will make it an excellent purchase.
3. HelloPet. The handle and blade of this sample are made of impact-resistant materials. The cost depends on the size and frequency of the teeth.
4. Dele. This model is the cheapest of those presented; it can be purchased on Aliexpress or in similar online stores. Of course, this model will last less than the original furminators, but its advantage is ease of use and price.

What is a furminator and why is it needed?

Cats shed twice a year. But since cats do not lick dead fur, it appears that they shed constantly. Therefore, you have to constantly fight hair in the house with a vacuum cleaner, brush or adhesive tape. But, judging by reviews from animal owners, these methods are ineffective. To solve this problem, American scientists, in collaboration with veterinarians, have created a device for combing out the undercoat. Its use greatly simplifies the care of cat fur.

Furminator for cats

The Furminator is a hand-held device for combing out the undercoat of animals during shedding and for regular care of furry pets. Externally, the device resembles a rake - a metal plate with teeth on a comfortable handle that works on the principle of a trimmer. Thanks to the furminator, the molting period is reduced by half.

When using the device, the undercoat is not cut off, but only rises upward thanks to specially sharpened teeth. In this case, the guard hair is not injured. There is sufficient distance between the teeth for smooth guard hairs to pass through. In addition, the fatty lubricant is evenly distributed throughout the core hair, making the coat shiny. Customer reviews confirm this effect.

It is enough to use the device 1-3 times a week and 90% of dead hair will be removed. Using the device reduces the amount of hair remaining on furniture and the occurrence of tangles in animals. In addition, the cat will not have to lick the fur, which clogs the cat's stomach and can cause intestinal obstruction.

The Furminator has a number of advantages over a conventional brush:

1. Removes dead hair by 90% quickly and effectively.
2. The procedure for removing undercoat is painless, so there is no need to specially accustom your pet to it.
3. The undercoat is removed without damaging the center hair. In addition, animals with thin hair have less tangles.
4. To use the device you do not need to have any special skills, so the procedure can be carried out at home.
5. Thanks to the device, the cat’s skin receives oxygen, and the fat layer is evenly distributed throughout the entire fur. The coat becomes shiny and protected from external infections. Thus, the animal’s immunity increases.