Does it Ever Make Sense to Shave Your Cat?

(photo credit: Santi Nanta / shutterstock.com)

While pet groomers abound and grooming cats is not uncommon these days, actually shaving a feline right down to its bare skin is not considered the way to go when trying to rid wee FiFi of matting fur or an overly thick coat. Only if absolutely necessary – such as when treating skin ailments or after a surgery – should it be done. And at that time, only a professional groomer /veterinarian should be present, and shaving should only happen in the area immediately surrounding the incision or affected skin.

Why is Shaving Your Cat a Big “No”?

I mean, relieving your long-haired feline of that heavy fur coat during a summer heat wave has to be something she’ll appreciate, right? Actually, no, she won’t. Even though we may consider it a kindness to shave cats down to a soft, fuzzy peach finish during particularly hot weather, doing so has the opposite effect of helping her stay cool. A feline’s fur helps to not only regulate her body temperature but also protects her from sunburn as well as the elements – such as bug bites, thorns or burrs, and other animals who may try to bite or scratch. And for finicky felines who don’t always appreciate being touched without permission, the loss of her protective coat can result in anxiety, outbursts, and mood swings.

Now, you might be wondering how it’s okay for a Sphynx cat to go without fur when yours cannot, and the truth is, owners of those breeds of hairless cat already accept that their pet cannot go outside. It leaves the cat vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer, and injury. Therefore, staying indoors is this feline’s way of life or exploring the outdoors in very short timeframes while on a leash with the owner in tow, and proper sun protection. No backyard excursions for this kitty!

What You Can Do in Place of Shaving

No surprise that it starts with regular brushing. While short-haired cats can get by with a twice-weekly once-over, longer haired cats require daily brushing. And that means finding a brush that’s both effective at removing tangles and loose hair, as well as designed to provide a comfortable, pleasing experience for your cat that she’ll be amenable to repeating. And because no one wants to have to wrangle their pet into submission each day, something like this rubber-tipped cat brush from Amuca is a great choice. It uses fine wire bristles to break up fur that’s starting to mat while tiny rubber tips deliver a gentle massage during the brushing process.

If your feline actually enjoys being petted and handled, you may find a shedding glove like this 255-silicone tip option from Delomo works best. Not only does your pet feel like she’s getting your undivided attention, but you can cover a wider expanse of her coat with each swipe of your hand. And that’s what makes this type of grooming process both effective and quick.

When matting does occur – and with my Maine Coon this seems to happen overnight – opt for a tool that’s specifically designed to remove tightened clumps. This double-sided, de-shedding grooming rake easily works through tangles without the need to tug or pull. It can be used in conjunction with daily brushing or on its own when you notice that tell-tale thickening – typically taking place along her lower back and side of her face – starts to appear. Maintain a light touch when working through mats and always avoid pulling too hard, as these tangles are typically quite sensitive and kitty may be reluctant to allow you to repeat the process. Ever. Again.

If you are lucky enough to live with a chill feline who loves being brushed and is game for anything new, this pet grooming vacuum may be a great way to save steps and clean-up. It uses five different attachments to brush out loose hair while at the same time suctioning up all that flying errant fluff.

How to Protect a Shaved Cat from Sunburn or Injury

If your feline’s torso has already been shaved – whether by a professional groomer, your veterinarian, or you in a well-intentioned bid to remove matting – you need to take the necessary steps to prevent sunburn and skin damage. As with humans, exposed skin can fall victim to sunburn after just a few hours of direct exposure, so using UV protection is a must-do when her lush, protective fur coat has been reduced to a thin layer of stubble.

And here’s a heads up - no, pulling out last year’s leftover Banana Boat sunblock to use as a quick fix. In fact, human-grade sunscreen can be toxic for cats who tend to lick and groom frequently throughout the day.

In these instances, opt for a top-quality sun and UV pet protection spray that’s easy to use, non-greasy, and highly effective. This non-aerosol option from Bodhi is alcohol-free – so it won’t dry out your pet’s skin – and even more importantly, it doesn’t contain zinc oxide, which is commonly found in human sunscreens and can be toxic to cats if ingested or even absorbed through their skin.

Additionally, there is a wide range of UV protective sun gear for cats that can help them stay stylish yet fully protected from the sun as they wait for their fur to grow back in. This fun watermelon print outfit uses a breathable material to keep your pet cool but also delivers UPF 50+ protection to ensure harmful rays are kept at bay. Whether she’ll agree to the sunhat, is yours to discover.

So, the answer is no to shaving, but if that ship has already sailed, you need to step up and protect your kitty’s delicate, newly exposed skin from potential injury.