Spin Yarn from Cat Hair

I acquired a long-haired cat that hadn't been groomed in a while. Rather than throw the new cat directly into a bathtub and scrub her, I decided instead to shear her and spin her fur!

Step 1: First Step: Corner your unsuspecting cat

Actually, I didn't corner her. When she was getting used to the house and my existing cat, she was already sequestered in one of the bedrooms, so there wasn't anywhere for her to run. Don't worry - she's not angry; she's a Scottish Fold, and her ears are naturally folded down like that. I believe that she must be part Persian as she has a flat face.

Step 2: Second Step: butcher the cat('s coat)

Using a pair of scissors and a comb, I sheared her fur gently (and over a period of a few days) when I was petting her and we were getting to know each other. She had numerous mats in her fur, and I'm sure it felt good for her to get all of those off her body. She is actually pretty cute now that she looks like a lion!

Step 3: Third Step: card and spin the fur into yarn

I spin angora wool from my rabbits, so it wasn't too difficult to spin fur. Before I spun it, I had to card the fur to make the fibers lay in the same direction. Since it was dirty, it had a tendency to mat in my hand when it was being spun.

Step 4: Fourth Step: make a keepsake

Both my son and I wanted keepsakes made from the fur, so I knit a little something for each of us. I was able to get 80 yards of yarn from one cat, so I could have made something more significant, but the fur was rough like wool, and I didn't want to risk wearing a keepsake and encountering someone very allergic to cats. :)

Comments

[austin]

do you wash the fur at any point?

[ChrysN]

The yarn is a gorgeous colour and looks so soft. I'd love to see how you spun the yarn, I've only ever felted my cats fur.

[scoochmaroo]

I love it! I've never had long-haired cats, but in the summer in Texas, we used to shave our cats. Never thought of spinning their hair - I would have no idea how! Maybe you can post some process shots if you do it again!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That looks cool! I've heard of this somewhere before, but never seen it done. It would be awesome if you had in process pictures! And I LOVE fluffy cats! But she is still cute after her haircut!