10 Best Cat Hair Clippers in 2023

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably taken your dog to the groomer at least once. Depending how often you need to go, things can get pricy pretty fast. You don’t see a lot of cats at the groomer, but the truth is that some cats need to be washed and trimmed from time to time.

Cats with long hair require a lot more maintenance than the average short-haired cat. Cats with short hair only need to be brushed once a week and they only need the occasional bath. For cats with long hair, tangles and mats are a more common issue and many cat owners choose to keep their cat’s fur trimmed down to help prevent issues.

In this article, we’ll talk about whether you should trim your cat’s fur and how to use cat hair trimmers properly. You’ll also see our top picks for the best cat hair clippers.

Should You Trim Your Cat’s Fur?

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As a cat owner, you will have to get used to certain things. The smell of the litter box may stop bothering you after a while and you’ll become accustomed to finding cat hair all over everything you own. A few inconveniences are well worth the love and affection you share with your cat. That being said, you may find yourself wondering if there’s something you can do to make your job a little easier.

In some ways, it makes sense that if your cat has less fur he won’t shed as much. Giving your cat a haircut might seem like a good solution – it may even keep him a little cooler during the summer. Before you go and give your cat a trim, however, you should think about whether it’s really necessary and what the potential downsides might be.

The truth is your cat’s coat exists for protection. It keeps his skin safe from the sun, it helps him regulate his body temperature, and it acts as a protective layer from the outside world. Without his coat, your cat’s delicate skin could be damaged more easily, and he might be more prone to skin infections. There’s absolutely no reason to shave your cat, but the occasional trim may not be bad for cats with long hair.

Tips for Using Cat Hair Clippers

The key to keeping your cat’s coat healthy is to brush it regularly. Short-haired cats may only need to be brushed once a week but long-haired cats need to be brushed at least 3 times a week – daily is better. The type of cat brush you need with depend on your cat’s coat type and length. There are also grooming tools designed specifically to remove hair from the undercoat, to cut mats, and to keep the coat shiny.

If you’ve decided to give your cat a trim, it’s important to choose the best cat hair clippers and to know how to use them properly.

Here are some simple tips for using cat hair clippers properly: 

• Place a towel on the floor or counter for easy cleanup – if you have a hardwood floor, it may be just as easy to simply sweep the floor after.
• Decide before you start how much you plan to take off and what areas you don’t plan to trim – you may want to avoid sensitive areas like the face and tail.
• Trim your cat’s nails before using the clippers and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from scratches.
• Turn the clippers on and let your cat get used to the sound – you’re unlikely to find completely silent clippers for cats, but some are much quieter than others.
• Start at the top of your cat’s body behind his head and work your way down toward the base of his tail – hold your cat gently but firmly during the process.
• As you trim the fur, hold the skin taut – cats have very pliable skin, so you want to avoid having it bunch up where it could get pinched or cut.
• If you encounter a mat, pinch the fur at the top of the mat and move the clippers side to side under it to cut it out – work and avoid pulling too hard.
• Take frequent breaks to give your cat time to calm down if he’s nervous and check the blade often to make sure it isn’t getting too hot.
• Avoid shaving your cat’s tail because it can be sensitive, and the fur takes a much longer time to grow back than other areas of the body.

Now that you know whether you should trim your cat’s fur and how to use cat hair clippers to do it, you’re ready to start shopping! Read on to see our top picks for the best clippers for cat hair.

The Best Cat Hair Clippers

When shopping for cat clippers, it’s important to consider certain features. Look for a set of clippers that are durably constructed, easy to use, and that don’t overheat during use. If you can find silent clippers for cats or at least a set that doesn’t make a lot of noise, even better. We’ve done our best to assemble a list of different options for you to consider.

Here are our top picks for the best cat hair clippers: 

Our 2023 Picks: Best Cat Hair Clippers
	Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Pet Clipper  Universal rotary motor 2 speeds up to 4,000 strokes per minute Price: $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Blade detaches for easy cleaning Powerful 2-speed motor Price: $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Motor life up to 10,000 hours Detachable blades Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Andis Pro-Animal 7-Piece Detachable Blade Quiet but powerful motor Heavy-duty 12’ cord Price:  $$$	CHECK PRICE
	Oster A6 Slim 3-Speed Pet Clippers  Powerful 3-speed motor Heavy-duty durability Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Clippers  Excellent speed control Low vibration and noise Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Babyliss Pro Pet Two-Speed Professional Brushless high-torque motor Lightweight and ergonomic design Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Andis Gentle Groom Adjustable Blade Clipper  Adjustable 3-in-1 blade Lightweight but durable design Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Pet Clipper Variable speed 700 to 3,000 SPM Lightweight and durable Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Wahl Deluxe U-Clip Dog & Cat Clipper Kit Very affordable price Comes with several comb attachments Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE

Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Pet Clipper

Durably constructed with a powerful 2-speed motor, these Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Pet Clippers are a great option for any cat owner. These clippers are quiet, touch, and reliable, delivering a low speed of 3,000 SPM and a high speed of 4,000 SPM. This clipper is compatible with all Oster A5 blades and comes with the #10 CryogenX detachable blade.

Pros: Universal rotary motor, 2 speeds up to 4,000 strokes per minute, virtually unbreakable

Cons: Fairly expensive, corded design offers limited mobility

Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper

With a powerful set of clippers, you need to be concerned about heat and noise. These Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clippers run cool, so there’s no need for vents or fans, and it isn’t as loud as you might expect from such a powerful motor. These clippers run at 2 speeds – 3,400 SPM or 4,400 SPM – and the detachable blades and removable drive cap make cleanup easy.

Pros: Blade detaches for easy cleaning, powerful 2-speed motor, runs cool with no need for a fan

Cons: May be a little bulky in hard-to-reach areas

Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Clippers

Whether you’re looking for a reliable set of cat clippers for long-haired cats or your tackling tough mats, these Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Clippers are just right. These clippers deliver unmatched performance with 2 speeds and an extended motor life up to 10,000 hours. They are extremely durable and dependable, plus they offer Constant Speed Control which automatically delivers more power when you need it most.

Pros: Powerful motor with 2 speeds, motor life up to 10,000 hours, detachable blades

Cons: Very expensive compared to many models

Andis Pro-Animal 7-Piece Detachable Blade Pet Clipper Kit

A decent set of clippers can be expensive, not to mention the cost of buying blade attachments. Not only is this Andis Pro-Animal 7-Piece Detachable Blade Pet Clipper Kit affordable, but it comes with everything you need to give your cat a trim. The powerful motor runs at 3,700 SPM and comes with a detachable #10 blade. You’ll also receive 4 attachment combs, a tube of blade oil, and a hard case.

Pros: Quiet but powerful motor, break-resistant housing for durability, heavy-duty 12’ cord

Cons: Corded design can be a little cumbersome

Oster A6 Slim 3-Speed Pet Clippers

When you’re giving your cat a trim, you don’t want to struggle around hard-to-reach places. These Oster A6 Slim 3-Speed Pet Clippers are a great option because they are much slimmer and easier to hold than the average set of clippers. These clippers are ergonomically designed and feature a heavy-duty 3-speed motor that runs over 4,000 SPM. They also feature vibration isolators to absorb vibration and noise.

Pros: Powerful 3-speed motor up to 4,000 SPM, compact and ergonomic design, heavy-duty durability

Cons: Fairly expensive, cord can be a little awkward to manage

Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Clippers

You don’t have to struggle with a big burdensome cord while trimming your cat’s coat. These Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Clippers feature a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 90 minutes at full speed and takes only 60 minutes to charge. This set of clippers also features versatile 5-in-1 blade technology that allows you to adjust the blade to #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40.

Pros: Excellent speed control, low vibration and noise

Cons: Plastic housing looks a little cheap

Babyliss Pro Pet Two-Speed Professional Pet Clipper

Take the work out of giving your cat a trim with this Babyliss Pro Pet Two-Speed Professional Pet Clipper. These clippers feature a powerful two-speed motor that runs at up to 4,000 SPM with a 10-foot tangle-free cord. The design is lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Plus, the high-torque brushless motor lasts for up to 4,000 hours.

Pros: Brushless high-torque motor, two speeds up to 4,000 SPM, lightweight and ergonomic design

Cons: Fairly expensive compared to other models

Andis Gentle Groom Adjustable Blade Clipper Kit

Affordable and adjustable, this Andis Gentle Groom Adjustable Blade Clipper Kit is a great option if you’re looking for something to use occasionally. These clippers feature a powerful but quiet 3,800 SPM motor and an adjustable blade that can be changed to size #10, #15, or #35. This clipper is lightweight but durable and comes with a 6-foot cord.

Pros: Adjustable 3-in-1 blade, lightweight but durable design, powerful quiet-running motor

Cons: Some found the cord to be a little too short

Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Pet Clipper

If you’re going to invest in a quality pet clipper, you want to make sure it will last and that it has all the features you need. This Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Pet Clipper might cost a little more, but few clippers on the market allow you to adjust the speed so much. These clippers are lightweight but extremely durable and they feature a quiet, cool-running motor as well.

Pros: Variable speed 700 to 3,000 SPM, comes with helpful accessories, lightweight and durable

Cons: Very expensive, not quite as powerful as some cheaper models

Wahl Deluxe U-Clip Dog & Cat Clipper Kit

For cat owners concerned about cost, this Wahl Deluxe U-Clip Dog & Cat Clipper Kit is a decent solution. Not only is it affordably priced, but it comes with several different attachment combs, all in a handy carrying kit. This may not be the quietest or most powerful set of clippers, but it works well if you just need to do a quick trim or you’re trying to cut through a few small mats.

Pros: Very affordable price, comes with several comb attachments, 3 blades in 1

Cons: Can be a little noisy, may get warm with extended use

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between cat clippers vs human clippers? Both cat hair clippers and human hair clippers offer interchangeable blades that makes it easy to cut the hair to the desired length. The primary difference between clippers for cat hair and clippers for human hair is that clipper blades for humans typically have finer teeth. You’ll also find different options for blades in a kit for pets such as skip tooth blades designed for cutting through mats.
2. Can you use human hair clippers on a cat? You could certainly use human hair clippers on a mat and, in fact, some brands of clippers for human hair advertise that they can be used on pets as well. If you plan to trim your cat often, however, you’re better off with clippers designed for that purpose. When using human hair clippers, you may need to experiment with the different blades to find the right length – start with a #10 and go from there.
3. Is it safe to use cat hair clippers on matted fur?  Many groomers recommend using a dematting tool or cat hair clippers to remove mats instead of scissors. Scissors are very sharp and some have pointed tips which can be dangerous for your cat. There’s also the risk that you might get too close to your cat’s skin and accidentally cut it. Cat hair clippers are much safer, as long as you use them properly.
4. Is shaving a cat dangerous? Most cats love a good nap in the sun, but even they get hot during the summer. If you’re concerned about your cat overheating, you might be considering giving him a good trim or even shaving down his fur. Before you do, remember that your cat’s coat serves a purpose – it protects his skin. Shaving a cat is dangerous because there’s a risk of cutting your cat’s delicate skin by getting too close to it. You also open your cat up to other problems like sunburn, skin infections, and more. There’s no good reason to shave a cat. If you choose to trim your cat’s coat, be sure to use cat clippers vs human hair clippers.

Keeping your cat’s coat in good condition is important. Not only does it help your cat look his best, but it’s essential for optimal health as well. A clean, well-groomed coat enables your cat’s skin to breathe and it ensures even distribution of the natural oils produced in the skin.

Not all cats need to have their fur trimmed, but if you have a cat with a long or particularly thick coat, having a set of cat hair clippers on hand may be a good idea. Check out our recommendations above!