Just like declawing, I would never do this to a cat. However, I saw one being shaved in Pet Smart and asked about it. They said people do it all the time to "keep the cat cool". I asked my vet and people from the SPCA who all said "no way" that it is not really good for them. They have gotten along just fine the way they are for thousands and thousands of years without being shaved. I have four long haired cats who always seem to find the coolest place in the house during the summer and are not uncomfortable at all.
The cat at Pet Smart was amazingly calm while undergoing this but afterwards I was embarrassed for him. He has a poofy head and poof on the end of his tail and that was it. I hope they don't let him outside, he'll get sunburned.
2007-06-07 04:16:08 · 14 answers · asked by lilith663 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
The only reason I can see to shave a cat is if their fur is hopelessly matted. Otherwise, let them be.
2007-06-07 05:15:43 · answer #1 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlike people, cats do not have sweat glands in their skin. So the only way they can lose any excess body heat is by panting (open mouth breathing) or they do sweat from the bottom of their feet. Some cats are more tolerant of heat than others and color is also a factor. Lighter colored cats will reflect the sun, darker ones absorb more heat. Another factor in the ability to tolerate the heat is total body fat. A fatter cat may have more problems in the heat than a thinner one. If a cat seems to be having a problem with the heat and it is not resolved by being indoors, then either thinning the coat or shaving it a bit might be appropriate.
2016-05-19 00:04:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't shave just any cat. I know a guy with a Persian, though, that he shaves during the summer because the cat gets overheated otherwise. If it's done correctly, hair on the feet, tail, and head remains. It doesn't harm the cat -- the cat I know is an indoor cat and the fur grows back by winter.
I wouldn't shave my cat, but she's a short hair and does just fine in the summer.
2007-06-07 05:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by fshk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also think they're fine without being shaved! But my friend has an indoor-only pure-bred Persian who she shaves during the summer. She only shaves his belly and not his whole body. The vet actually recommended it because supposedly some long-haired kitties overheat during the summer and can't cool themselves properly. He doesn't go outside so there's no way he'll get scraped or sunburned on his belly. I wouldn't do it though!
2007-06-07 04:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That seems weird, i've never heard of shaving a cat :S I don't really agree with it, my cat is extremely fluffy and lives outdoors and loves it, even during the summer. He loves his fur and i think it would be kind of cruel to shave him. Also they would be more susceptiple to sunburn (as u said) and also insect bites...if outside...not to mention they'd look silly...lol
2007-06-07 04:29:06 · answer #5 · answered by Brittany <3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never do that to my cats. They look pretty the way they are. I have AC and they lie on the tiles if there hot or go outside in the screen in area if there cold. Plus my cats wouldn't let anyone near them with a razor.
2007-06-07 04:23:23 · answer #6 · answered by happydumblonde1013 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!
Like all animals, cats are the way they are for a reason. Evolution develops the physical appearance of an animal based on its needs. Their fur keeps them warm when it's cold, and it helps to keep them cool when it's hot. Perhaps groomers (and owners of long-haired cats) should do a bit of research into feline physiology.
2007-06-07 04:25:13 · answer #7 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all it is a cat. Just an animal, and they do not have embarrassment.
Second it is not necessary, UNLESS, the cats fur starts to matt up. I have dealt with a number of clients that have to shave their long haired cats because they mat up really quickly.
So, thats the deal. Since your cats don't seem to be matting up, then you don't need to do this. : )
2007-06-07 04:24:22 · answer #8 · answered by yetitrainsdogs 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have a long haired Persian and we have shaved him every year, but only after he started to get really bad mattes. As others have said there is no reason to shave them unless it is necessary.
2007-06-07 04:34:14 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't want my cat to look like Dr. Evil's cat from the Austin Powers movies!
2007-06-07 04:27:19 · answer #10 · answered by Mel J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋