Many owners occasionally wonder whether it's worth trimming their cats during hot weather, due to allergies, or simply for aesthetic reasons. The short answer is no; none of these reasons are serious enough to warrant this traumatic procedure.
Grooming cats is extremely stressful, potentially damaging their physical and psychological health. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, their fur protects them from overheating; without it, cats are much more likely to suffer from heatstroke. If you're concerned about your pet getting too hot, it's best to provide plenty of fluids and a cool area under an air conditioner or fan.
Shaving cats also won't affect owners' allergies, as they're triggered not by the fur itself, but by skin particles and saliva. Regular wet cleaning and special leave-in shampoos for cats will help combat the condition, rather than grooming.
Indications for haircut
Cat grooming is only done in extreme cases, when the animal would be much worse off without it:
- Heavy contamination that cannot be removed by washing.
- Large, uncombable tangles.
- Diseases such as ulcers, which are difficult to care for due to the long coat.
- An elderly cat can no longer care for its own fur, so it's matted, dirty, and smells bad. However, it's important to consider the circumstances; perhaps a bath rather than a haircut would be more gentle for an older pet.
Unpleasant consequences of cat grooming
- The thermal balance is disturbed, and the pet will suffer more from cold and heat.
- After a haircut, the structure of the coat most often changes; it grows back more brittle and prone to tangling.
- Psychological consequences: the cat will likely become more depressed, lose trust in its owner, and its character may change for the worse.
- Occasionally, clipping can lead to alopecia—in some areas, hair simply won't grow back.
How to properly cut cats' hair
If this unpleasant procedure is unavoidable, it's best to consult a professional groomer who can perform the trim as quickly and safely as possible. If this isn't possible, here are a few guidelines to consider:
- Find someone to help you restrain and calm the cat; you can't do this alone. Don't forget to trim your cat's claws beforehand.
- Use a clipper with a guard of at least 3 mm and very carefully start trimming the sides, then continue on the back, belly, and under the tail. Avoid clipping the ears and whiskers under any circumstances.
- Any remaining hair can be removed with round-tipped scissors.
- After cutting, be sure to comb your pet with a slicker brush and wipe it with a damp towel.
The most popular cut is the "lion cut," which leaves hair on the paws, head, and tail tip, while only the body is shaved. This is the optimal cut for preserving the cat's whiskers and preventing the cat from biting the bald tail.
