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FURminator Review

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Having a German Shepherd and two cats, has given me insight into a world of fur gone wild. I was instantly enticed by the pet grooming product calledthe FURminator. The first time I saw it was on one of those short TV infomercials but it wasn't until the addition of the second cat that I thought of taking it seriously. After a good half hour of internet searches and how to video examples and reviews of this brush I decided to get one for JD (long haired tabby) and one for Shelby (German Shepherd).

The absolute best prices were at Drugstore.com where they were up to 50% off retail (seriously, we have these locally for $50 and I got them for $25 or less); at the time there was also free shipping if I spent $70 (they actually have reasonable shipping rates regardless).

The Demo That Hooked Me

Here's one of the demonstrations that hooked me. The cat part is about 2:11.
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The Furminator

Before and After

I had my FURminator order from Drugstore.com within a week and was very excited to try this product on JD. Up until this point JD hasn't really shed much and during our brushing sessions I got very little to no fur on my current cat utensils. You can't tell from the photos but he's quite plush in the fur department.

I had my FURminator order from Drugstore.com within a week and was very excited to try this product on JD. Up until this point JD hasn't really shed much and during our brushing sessions I got very little to no fur on my current cat utensils. You can't tell from the photos but he's quite plush in the fur department.

I had my FURminator order from Drugstore.com within a week and was very excited to try this product on JD. Up until this point JD hasn't really shed much and during our brushing sessions I got very little to no fur on my current cat utensils. You can't tell from the photos but he's quite plush in the fur department.
One of the things I learned in my research was that you need to use the FURminator in a large space where you can easily clean up the fur. I chose the kitchen. I rolled the mat out of the way and Swiffed so I could sit with JD between my legs while I worked.

I started off with his regular brushes as recommended to make sure there were no knots. As you can see, I didn't get very much out.
I found the FURminator easy enough to hold in my hand but awkward to use on a squirming cat. I had to keep moving around the kitchen to brush him. Fur was flying up my arms (I found this to be both gross and irritating) and into my face. The official website for the FURminator insists this tool does not cut the fur but I really have my doubts (it sounds like it's cutting). I found the corners of the blade to be quite sharp. I could very easily draw blood from my hand or the cat delicate skin. It seems odd that they would not round these off for safety.

As you can see the FURminator produced a considerable amount of JD fur for the compost. He wasn't any more put out by the experience than using the other brushes. I know I could have gotten lots more but it was just so irritating to have flying fur all over the place. Before I cleaned up I did a once over touch up with his needle brush and put the tools away.

Conclusion

cat enjoying sunThe main reason I wanted this tool was to decrease the amount of fur under JD's armpits and his backside (he looks like he's wearing genie pants from behind). These areas are what I think will be problem areas in the future when it comes to potential mat formation.

Yes, the FURminator removes fur. But as I mentioned I'm not so sure it's not cutting the fur or should I say shearing it, like that special bladed comb the hairdresser uses to thin sections of hair. The sharp corners really concern me, especially with a wiggly kitty. But most importantly, for the next week JD was dropping fur like crazy. Apparently the FURminator loosened up a lot of fur that even doing a touch up after using didn't pick up. I'm not completely satisfied but I'm not ready to do away with it. Like any new tool, it needs to be used more than once to be mastered and I definitely don't feel like JD and I have mastered it enough to say it sucks... completely.

As you may have guessed, more to come on the FURminator

FURminator is Available at Amazon

FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4-Inch Edge

FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4-Inch Edge

Amazon Price: $18.49 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

I Love Animals

I have always loved animals. All kinds from wild to domesticated. I grew up always having a cat in the house and can't imagine my life without pets.

I have two cats (a short-haired American Tabby and a long haired feral adoptee) and one dog (German Shepherd).

I was lucky enough to marry a man who loves animals as much as I do.

I'd rather go naked than wear fur.

~ Christy Turlington

Let Me Know...

Do you have fur intensive cats and/or dogs? Have you tried the FURminator?

  • Jeff Jun 9, 2011 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    German Shedder - fur everywhere, but I wouldn't be without mine :o)
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BigGirlBlue

M. E. Wood has been an editor at BellaOnline for over six years. She runs a website for writers and keeps a number of blogs. more »

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