Shaving cats...is this a good idea?

Question

I live in a house with five cats (and I hate it- but it's a long story why I live with them so I'll spare you). I am so damn sick of cleaning up hair and barfed up hair balls. I was considering shaving the two long haired cats but wasn't sure if it's a good idea.

While I can't stand the damn things, I don't want to do anything harmful to them. I live in the southwest so we have warm weather from mid march all the way through mid september. My concern is that if I shave them, their hair won't grow back in time for the cold weather in fall. They are all indoor cats but I still wouldn't want them to get cold and be miserable.

Is shaving your cats a good idea?

Answer 1

Shaving cats is not a good idea. When the fur grows back, it will be thicker and courser. Meaning, if you don't keep shaving them, they will actually shed more. When a cat is shaved, they get dry itchy skin which is very uncomfortable for them. They will not be happy at all. The razors will scare them badly and they will remember it next time so it will get harder and harder for the groomer to do. It is also expensive. You can expect to pay upwards of $50 per cat each time, depending on the groomer. I would not suggest doing it yourself. In short, the best way to control the fur is to give them a quick brush every day or every other day. Please, for the sake of your cats, don't shave them!

Answer 2

There is absolutely nothing wrong with shaving your cats, only I wouldn't do it yourself. Have it done professionally. Last summer my long fur cat got totally covered in matts and I had to have her shaved. As you live in a warm climate I bet the cats will actually be happy to be shaved. My cat is 16 years old and when i had her shaved all of a sudden she started to act like a kitten, it was amazing. It was also amazing to see how skinny she was. But no problem for the cat. It took about 6 months for the fur to completely grow back in to full fluff.
Anyway, remember that there is a breed of cat out there, the Sphinx, that has been bred to have no fur, so obviously cats can live year round with no fur. however, if you do keep the cats shaved in the winter just make sure they have a warm place to stay, like near a heater with some blankets. In the summer they will be fine.

Answer 3

I don't advise shaving your cats. Mew, my male Siamese who licks all the time was vet ordered to be shaved and a broke 3 pairs of pet clippers on him and got bit many times. I finally had to take him and have it done.

If the cats are trrowing up hairballs, try switching them to Royal Cainan Intense Hairball fourmula, This food has worked miracales with my Siamese and we haven't had a hair ball in months.

If the cat's fur is matted, then it'd be ok to shave, but if not, then daily brushings and an occational bath should be ok,

If you hate the cats so much, find them a home where they will be loved. All animals desearve love.

Answer 4

Actually I'm responding to the person who said the used Nair on their cat. I hope you are joking because Nair could cause irritation and potentially burn the skin of the cat, especially if left on for too long. Nair, waxing, shaving, etc is not meant for cats.

Not only is brushing the cat more often good for maintain fur, but checking up on the cat's health as well. My last cat was short-haired but shedded like crazy because he was born with health problems.

Answer 5

Other people seem to have covered the shaving part (I agree, don't shave them) but I thought a should mention that it's not good if your cats are barfing up hairballs a lot. Ask your vet about it and there is very simple medicine they can take weekly to help with their digestion problems.

Answer 6

Shedding in cats can be controlled with frequent brushing and combing. Daily brushing and combing remove loose and dead hair and help keep a cat’s skin and coat healthy. The cats with healthy fur coats tend to shed a bit less.

Start brushing your cat slowly, keep the sessions short and positive and always stop before your cat protests. Using food treats can help make the situation pleasant and help your cat learn to enjoy the situation. As your cat learns to enjoy the sessions you can make them longer. Brushing helps remove dead hair and therefore the cat will be less likely to shed in your home.

When you comb your cat, comb her carefully in the direction of hair growth to smooth the coat and remove any minor knots or tangles. If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to trim it off with scissors. For longhaired cats, begin with a wide tooth comb and follow up with a fine tooth comb. To avoid injury, if your cat's coat has severe matting, consult a veterinarian.


Just curious: why are you in a house with five cats if you cannot stand them? I am assuming that the cats belong to someone else - probably the owner of the house? I love cats and I guess it is just hard for me to understand why anyone would form an aversion for them.

Answer 7

I don't know if it's necessarially bad but I rmember when I was younger, my deaf cousin shaved her cat to look like a French Poodle and it looked silly. The hair grew back and it was uncomfortable for the cat.

Answer 8

I just got a Furminator today, and it is AMAZING. my longhaired cat was leaving films of fur absolutely everywhere, and no brush would do the trick. This thing is seriously rediculous and took off so much fur today while brushing her that I couldn't believe it.

http://www.amazon.com/FURminator-Small-Blue-deShedding-1-7-Inch/dp/B000FSFNUE/ref=pd_bbs_3/103-4804777-1104600?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1173154574&sr=8-3

As for shaving, I think a vet must do it if it is done at all.

Answer 9

I would say that shaving your cats (no matter how annoying their loose fur is) would be a bad idea. It might make them prone to infections.

Answer 10

Since you cant stand the "damn things" why don't you give them to someone who likes cats. Try a local pet store or humane society.