Mains powered machines

This is about clipping for routine husbandry purposes! NOT show clipping.

Most long haired breeds of cats (especially Persians) frequently require a degree of “serious” clipping rountinely, for which you require a specific type of clipper which fulfils requirements to suit both your cat/s and the task/s to be undertaken. As can be appreciate a newly clipped cat is going to look rather different for a few weeks! However it is surprising how quickly the coat regrows.

With cats especially – both noise and vibration are key “stress and fear” factors. With any cat clipping is never going to be easy. (Even some professional animal groomers will confide cats are the ones they dread clipping!)

Unfortunately many of the attractively prices “clippers” are ambitious in their stated roles and frequently prove totally unsuitable. The best suited and quietest machine are the more expensive ones simply because they are more complex in the way they are manufactured.

Your choice of clipper is important for two main reasons –

First – It clips in a manner that is as “pleasant” as you can possibly make it for the cat.

Cats in the main are nervous of the unknown and being clipped is not on their list of enjoyable pastimes as shown in the often violent reaction! Machine “noise or tone” and “blade vibration” are the two features likely to make the task of clipping difficult!

Secondly – blade selection.
Selection of the right blade is important so that the fur is cut cleanly and not “pulled” especially when dealing with matt “balls!” Understanding and selecting the most suitable blade for this and other tasks will make it easier to achieve not only a good result but easier on your cat. In any form of clipping it is the blade that plays the important role of “cutting.” The clipper is the instrument of power, tone and vibration! Combine the four and you are well on the way!

The selection of either corded (main powered with cable) or cordless (battery driven) is matter of personal choice!

Points to consider are –
“Corded” machines are generally less expensive but have the disadvantage of both trailing and cable restriction.

“Cordless” are more expensive! In recent years battery technology has made huge advancments. Batteries today are light, small, with good clip times and a fast re-charge times! Quality clippers are often supplied with two battery packs allowing continous clipping.

NOISE LEVEL SCORES
Assessing the noise level and creating a “score” for any clipper or trimmer is intended for general guidance purposes only.

A number of varying factors may exist – such as whether you are clipping inside a building, or outside in the open, can have a bearing on the noise level perceived by the animal. The Introduction of any clipper should be done sympathetically and on a gradual basis if you have reason to believe your animal is either new to or nervous about being clipped. Noise Level Scores can be seen on each machine specification and are calculated as follows ….

The Noise Level Score 1
Clippers rated with this score are considered to be “almost silent” Currently only one has ever qualified – the Aesculap “Exacta” trimmer!

The Noise Level Score 2
Clippers rated with this score are considered to be of low sound or tone level. Those with a + added should be consider as marginally louder. Such machine would be considered suitable for all nervous temprements. Aesculap clippers which have an exceptionally low tone are frequently listed in this category.
Vibration factors tend to range from “minimal to eradicated” in this catagory.

The Noise Level Score 3
Clippers rated with this score are considered to be of a lower or average sound/ tone level. Those with a + added should be consider as marginally louder in tone.

The Noise Level Score 4
Clippers rated with this score are considered to be of a noisy sound or tone level. Those with a + added should be consider marginally louder in tone. Such machines are not considered suitable for any nervous temprements. Vibration levels may be high.

The Noise Level Score 5
Clippers rated with this score are considered to be noisy. Those with a + should be consider marginally louder. Such machines are not considered suitable for any nervous or new to clipping animal. Vibration levels may be high.