should i...?

Question

shave my cat? it is very hot where i live and my the wall a/c's can't keep up with the heat. she is a VERY FURRY cat and i can tell she is miserable. i thought that shaving her belly might help. people shave their dogs all the time so i don't think it is wrong but would like some input. don't worry i won't touch the whiskers.

Answer 1

Actually I don't recommend shaving cats. Cats have both guard hairs (the ones you see that they shed) and a thick undercoat that actually insulates them from cold AND heat. You may actually end up making your cat hotter by shaving that protective coat off. The only time I ever recommend that one of my clients shave a cat is for medical purposes or if they are severely matted long haired cats. There are other concerns as well with shaving. They will easily sunburn if let outside and are also at a disadvantage in any fights they may be in. Their skin is extremely sensitive, so sensitive in fact that most strong shampoos will go right through to their bloodstream. Some pet dips can actually kill cats because their skin absorbs the chemicals so readily.
I would say just keep some very cold water out for her and just make sure she has a shady spot with good air circulation for the hot days...and you can always CAREFULLY trim some of the hanging hair if necessary but brushing would be better.
If for whatever reason you decide you really want to shave her, take her somewhere that is experienced. Cats normally will tolerate a clipper for about a half a minute before protesting strongly. They are also subject to clipper burn.
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I had a long haired cat and i live in phoenix, arizona. My opinion is that you should go to like petsmart or some place and get the cat shaved. They have two different "cuts" one is a lion and the other is something else. I dont remember what it is. They cut the hair about 1/4" to a 1/2" long. My cat, Cinder, loved the lion cut. Whenever she got it she would prance around thinking she was the most beautiful thing in the world. It was really cut. BUT DO NOT CUT THE HAIR ON A SHORT HAIRED CAT!!!! LONG HAIRED ONLY! On short haired cats it doesnt always grow back. So be careful. Plus you can always ask the groomers. But i say go for it.

Answer 3

That may send the cat in shock.The hair also keeps the cat cool believe it or not.I strongly recommend just getting the cat groomed.That will bathe & get rid of excess fur.Also,,never bathe a pet in the heat of the day & always use cool water.Wetting an animal with cool water while overheated (bathe or hose) can cause shock & can be fatal.A groomer will make the cat like brand new,,well worth the small price.They will also do nails & ears.

Answer 4

Unless yo know what you are doing you should not shave her.take her to a groomer. a cats skin is VERY sentive and a small cut from teh clirrpers can end up being very serious.
I am a professional groomer and I have shaved many cats.
In the meant time just make sure she is brushed good to allow the airflow and make sure she has plenty of water, you can even add ice to make it really cool for her.

Answer 5

you can have her trimmed; and yes, her belly shaved will do wonders, just be careful or have a professional do it for you. (to explain further is that you do not want to shave off too much hair, or the cat will risk infection, shock and overheating)

It is far better to have her trim thinned out by a pro than to shave anything though!

Answer 6

go to a grooming parlour with her and they can do this if they think it is nessecary. i use a stripping comb to remove some of my cats down and awn but only sort of towards august. i really don't suggest that you shave her as he skin is very delicate and can easily be damaged by shaving by someone who isn't qualified. i also use a square brush with metal teeth that are close together and a normal fine toothed comb. i also occasionally use their flea comb as this takes away some of the excess fur.

Answer 7

Yeah. You should take her to the groomer but beware! Cat's don't like bathes, or being shaved. But i think it'd be batter if you cut her hair shorter. Then there'd be less hair around!

Answer 8

you might want to try that, my friend had a very fluffy cat and when she got shaved her whole boddy got shaved except her neck, head, and face. maybe not shaving her but thining her hair to make her hair lighter might work.or just shaving part of her body like her belly.

Answer 9

just cut her hair shorter not compleatly shave if she is still hot u might have to shave her but then say shes a spinx cat and they are natually hairless because in egypt its HOT yay kitty

Answer 10

you can trim them up alittle if you like or call the vets they do that too or you can buy a 10.00 floor fan at wal mart and that will keep both of yous cooler.you a/c need freon thats why it's not cooling.