I am a huge fan of the fluff that cats have. And not to discriminate, but I love hairless cats, too. (Okay, okay, really, I just love all cats!) But, regarding cats, it seems that some owners think it’s a good idea to shave them. Of course, I understand when cats are shaved because of health reasons. But, when it comes to ridding your feline friend of their glorious coat, please consider these factors first.
Plain and simple: shaving your cat stresses them out.
Many cat owners think that lion cuts are cute. But what does your cat think about that? Imagine you’re a cat for a moment. All of a sudden, you’re put into a carrier. Okay, is this another one of those visits where they poke and prod me? Where are they taking me? And then, all of a sudden, you’re at a grooming facility. Cats are not fans of loud noises, strange places, or change. So, while you think that lion cut sure is cute, think of the stress you’re putting your cat through for your amusement. Please, don’t shave your kitty unless it’s necessary for medical reasons, because it will bring them unneeded stress.
There are more effective ways to eliminate shedding.
No cat owner is a fan of hairballs—and your cat isn’t either. Routinely grooming your cat helps to eliminate excess hair. It doesn’t matter the length of your cat’s coat; shedding and hairballs are inevitable in cat ownership. Regular brushing is something you can implement to help your cat out. It’s great because it strengthens the bond you share with your cat, and it feels good for them as the little bristles gently run along their body. I brush all three of my cats, and they all come right up to me when they see the brush come out. It’s not expensive or time-consuming, and it will help reduce hairballs, too. Shaving your cat is not a recommended grooming ritual by professionals who genuinely have a cat’s best interest in mind. It’s ridding them of all their hair all at once. Not only does it feel uncomfortable to them, but it also directly puts them at risk of developing a sunburn.
See also
Your cat’s coat serves to cool them.
I am the proud owner of a rescued Maine Coon mix cat named Mr. Purple. When it comes to my large kitty, one of his most admirable physical traits is his majestic and fluffy orange coat. I live in Southeast Texas, and I think it gets hot here. But regardless of heat, your cat’s coat is genuinely fantastic. There are layers of fur, cats can have up to three, and those layers serve an essential purpose—to keep your cat warm, AND cool. By eliminating those hairs, you’re not cooling off your cat. It confuses their bodies, and your cat will be cold if anything. Remember, our cats love to be warm. So, what might feel way too toasty for you can feel oh-so-nice to them.
Shaving a cat’s coat CAN help when these issues arise.
For a cat that is obese, it is pretty difficult for them to groom themselves properly in those hard-to-reach spots. And cats that have been rescued and are heavily matted have no means to groom themselves adequately. There are also instances when a long-haired cat refuses to keep their grooming routine in check, resulting in poor coat quality. And a cat being prepped for surgery will need to have the area shaved before the procedure occurs. Skin issues can cause a diagnosis of needing to have your cat shaved, but this situation is quite rare. Remember, these are all situations in which having the cat shaved benefits their health. And that should always be the deciding factor if you ask me.
If you learned anything new about cats and think this post can help other cat people learn something, don’t forget to share it with them.
Just like shaving a cat, many cat lovers are adamant about the dangers and repercussions of declawing cats—myself included. Check out this article here on Cattitude Daily which tells you Five Important Reasons Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat.
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
