How to collect, clean and store a small amount of your dog's or cat's fur so it lasts, plus simple ways to display it.
A small tuft of fur is one of the most personal keepsakes you can have of a dog or cat. It's soft, it's theirs, and it takes up almost no space. Here's how to collect it, look after it and keep it safe for years.
How to collect the fur
- Brush, don't cut, if you can. Fur from a gentle brush is naturally loose and clean. Choose a soft area such as the chest, ruff or the base of the tail.
- If you do trim, use round-ended scissors and take a small piece from somewhere hidden, such as behind the elbow.
- Ask your vet or groomer. Most vets and pet crematoriums are happy to save a clipping if you ask, and it can be done with care.
- You only need a little. A pinch the size of a cotton bud is enough for most keepsake capsules and pendants.
Cleaning and drying
Fur from a healthy, clean pet usually needs nothing more than a gentle brush to remove dust. If it needs washing, swirl it in lukewarm water with a drop of mild shampoo, rinse, then pat dry and leave it on kitchen paper until it's completely dry. Storing damp fur can cause it to spoil, so be patient here.
How to store it
- Keep it dry and out of direct sunlight, which can fade colour over time.
- Use a sealed container such as a small glass bottle, a keepsake capsule or a zip bag inside a memory box.
- Label it with your pet's name and the date. It is surprisingly easy to forget later.
- Keep a back-up. If you have enough, store a second small amount separately.
Ways to keep it close
- A keepsake capsule keyring, so it comes with you every day. Our pet fur keepsake capsule keyring has a sealing plug and holds a small tuft.
- A pendant or locket with a small chamber. See our fur and ashes keepsakes.
- A frame with a photo, a paw print and a small piece of fur behind glass.
Tips for filling a small capsule
- Work over a tray or a sheet of paper so nothing gets lost.
- Use tweezers or a cotton bud to guide the fur in a little at a time.
- Don't overpack. A loose tuft looks nicer and is easier to seal.
- Seal firmly. For extra security on a screw-top, a tiny dab of clear glue on the thread helps.
Keepsakes are not toys
Small capsules and pendants can be a choking hazard, so keep them away from young children and pets.