the only alternative I know of, is to take the kitty to a groomers, and let them handle it, LOL. my Charlie is a long hair, and he gets litter stuck to him when he needs to be shaved in that area. I tried once to cut the fur...I won't try that again! I hate to put him in the carrier and take him to "strangers", because he gets scared of them, but he doesn't let me do it, also I take him to get his claws cut and the same with Louise when it is time for her claws to be trimmed, they fight me too much.(and speaking of this, those two have an appt at petsmart tomorrow)