Have you ever wondered if you could shave a cat because you were sick of the shedding, worried that your cat was overheated, or struggling with matted fur? Shaving your cat can be a distressing and painful process, therefore you should never do it at home on your own. Before shaving your cat, think about the following four factors.
During the summer, cats don’t get hot
The fur on cats acts as a natural, built-in insulator. They are able to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to this self-regulating system. Isn’t nature wonderful? Fresh water is still vital to keep your cat hydrated, but you shouldn’t shave your cat. Additionally, cats are smart enough to go to regions with shade when it becomes too warm. If you think your pet is overheating, get in touch with a reputable veterinarian right once. Some symptoms of overheating include drooling, excessive panting, a raised heart rate, vomiting, and lethargy.
There are more efficient ways to handle shedding.
It’s the simple truth: pets with hair shed, and short-haired cats shed just as much as long-haired ones — the long hair is simply more visible. In fact, shedding is a sign of a healthy feline.
You might think shaving your cat is the best way to avoid shedding, but there are less drastic ways to handle the situation. Brushing your cat daily will reduce the amount of hair that lands on your furniture and clothing. Additionally, a diet high in protein makes a cat’s coat healthy and will reduce some shedding. This makes sense because hair is made from keratin, which is a protein.Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation
Instead of shaving your cat, there are easier ways to get rid of mats
Matted fur occurs more often in long-haired cats than in short-haired ones. These mats can be a result of infrequent grooming on either the cat’s or human’s part. Brushing your cat daily — especially if your kitty has long hair — prevents mats from developing in the first place. Not only is brushing excellent for kitty’s coat, it also helps bond the cat and his human.
Another reason mats form is because a cat is struggling with obesity and often can’t reach certain areas of his body while grooming. Painful mats can form, leaving kitty feeling uncomfortable. Cats who eat a high-protein diet and participate in regular exercise tend to avoid obesity. If you suspect your cat is overweight, contact your vet for recommendations.
Many times, small mats can be removed by untangling the hair with fingers or a brush. If that’s not possible, take your cat to a professional groomer or veterinarian. Unless you are trained in shaving a cat, you may run the risk of injuring the cat’s thin skin and/or creating unnecessary feline anxiety.
Your cat doesn’t need to be shaved into a Stegosaurus, a lion or anything else.
Give your kitty some style with a fun breakaway collar or a colorful ID tag instead.
“Can you shave a cat?” has been answered.
Can you shave a cat? Yes, you can shave a cat, but you should only shave a cat in very specific situations. There could be times when your cat needs to be shaved, but those are either medically necessary or due to a cat’s discomfort. Daily brushing and quality food can prevent some of the other reasons why you may consider the procedure, but always leave the clippers and scissors to a trained professional. Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation