So you are tempted to shave your little fur ball to cool her off, but not sure if it’s a good idea? Don’t worry we got you covered! Some cat owners prefer shaving their cats when they are shedding in hopes of stopping it.
Sadly, the cats will continue to shed but the hair are likely to be shorter so less tangling and hence less mess. In this blog, we talk about shaving cats pros and cons, when to do it, will they even like their shaved look, and most importantly, do vets recommend it? So keep reading as we reveal everything you need to know about shaving your beloved cat!
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Is it Good or Bad to Shave a Cat?
Most people shave their cats in the summer because they think the cat will feel hot. But there’s also this question: When to shave your cat in winter? The answer is NEVER! It’s actually not a good idea to shave your cat in any season unless it’s a medical necessity. It does have a few benefits, but the disadvantages outweigh them greatly!
Here are the pros and cons you should consider before shaving your cats!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduced Shedding | Risk of Sunburn |
| Easier Grooming | Decreased Insulation |
| Cooling Effect | Stress and Anxiety |
| Medical Reasons | Irregular Coat Regrowth |
| Skin Health | Loss of Protection |
Benefits of Shaving Cat Hair
Some people prefer shaving their cat’s fur because they think it’ll benefit them and it does in some cases. We’ve listed them here:
- Removes Matted Hair: Shaving can help get rid of extremely matted hair. It should only be done in severe cases.
- Easier Grooming: Grooming will become easier due to lesser tangling of hair.
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions would require shaving for the medications to be more effective.
- Skin Health: Shaving can improve cats’ skin health by making it easier to treat skin conditions like dermatitis, severe matting, abscesses, as well as severe allergic reactions.
Disadvantages of Shaving Cat
The cat’s fur is essential to its well-being. Shaving it off may have some advantages, but it can lead to potentially harmful disadvantages. Let’s have a look at some of them:
- Risk of Sunburn: Shaving a cat increases the risk of sunburn to their sensitive skin.
- Decreased Insulation: Decreased insulation from lack of fur can make them feel cold in winter and warmer in summer.
- Loss of Protection: When we shave off their fur, they’re exposed to the harmful effects of the environment such as insect bites, burnt skin, irritation, and sensitivity due to dust and irritants.
- Stress and Anxiety: Cat’s fur is a source of protection for them. Having it removed makes them feel stressed as they feel unprotected. The process of being shaved can also be traumatizing and make them feel afraid.
Do Vets Recommend Shaving Cats?
No vet would ever recommend shaving cats unless it’s for medical reasons. Vets recommend regular grooming to prevent problems like matted hair and flea infestations. They’ll also make you understand that a cat’s fur is naturally designed in a way that regulates temperature, protecting them from cold in winter and warmth in summer. One shouldn’t interfere in this natural process. It’ll only put your cat at risk of sunburn, insect bites, and being vulnerable.
When to Shave Your Cat?
As vets will say, only shave your cat unless medical conditions make you. Following are the reasons that permit you to shave your cat’s fur:
- Medical Procedures: Some medical conditions may require shaving like skin diseases and skin wounds.
- Flea Infestations: In case of flea infestation, if nothing else works, shaving can be your last resort!
- Skin Conditions: Skin problems allow shaving fur to treat the affected area. Medications also need to reach the skin to be effective.
- Matted Fur: When fur becomes severely matted, vets might consider shaving it off on the affected area.
- Old Cats: Older cats who cannot groom themselves properly can be trimmed to avoid matt hair. However, this is only allowed if you are unable to meet their grooming needs.
Do Cats Like It When You Shave Them?
As a pet owner, just as it’s important for you to know what’s best for them, you also pay attention to what makes them happy. When we talk about shaving, most cats prefer not to be shaved. The process can be traumatizing for them and the sound of shaving tools can also make them terrified. It can also make them feel vulnerable and exposed to the dangers of the environment.
Now some cats actually like being shaved and even feel relieved about it. These could be cats suffering from skin conditions, flea infestation, or super long & annoying fur. Cats who are used to being shaved from an early age, might not have a problem with it either. So generally speaking, most cats don’t like being shaved but some might!
Cat Shaving For Lion Cut
When cats need to be shaved for medical conditions or matting, they’re not usually shaved the whole way through. They’re given what’s called a “Lion Cut”. The lion cut is when cats are shaved on their belly and chest leaving fur on their head, legs, and tail. This makes the head look like a lion’s mane, hence the name “Lion Cut”.
Vets won’t recommend any kind of cut, let alone the lion cut without a reason. There is no need. In hot climates, though, indoor cats with long fur are given lion cuts to prevent overheating. Hairballs, shedding, and matting can also be reasons. It’s important to have a proper reason for a lion cut or any other shaving. Otherwise, you’ll just make them prone to sunburn, insect bites, stress, and being exposed!
Personal Experiences from Our Readers
From my personal experience, American Shorthair or no cat breed should ever be shaved fully. Just shave the affected part as they wont like it if you do. To all people, take it from me. DO NOT SHAVE THEM FULLY EVER!!!
Anthony Paul
I had a cat that had a skin condition that would cause his hair to become matted, so every spring I would have his fur shaved and he would feel very good for a few months!
Laurie Iversen