Kitty haircut

[flying_babyb]

dolls? um no, there treated like spoiled little kids, Heck, they get treated better than me most days. I didnt mean to go quite that short but its hard with squirming cats!

 

[Pugsley]

Perhaps your vet meant for you to get their fur thinned out a bit, or maybe a lite trim. I saw those pics- if that is what was intended you might want a new vet. I'm happy your kitties have a loving home, but I hate to see pets treated as dolls.

I'm not understanding why you have such a big problem with this. What does it have to do with treating them like dolls? I don't know where you're getting your info, but I'm not buying your statement that long hair keeps them cool. We don't do it for the appearance -- we do it to keep him comfortable. And I can assure you that my cat LOVES it. He acts so much happier when his hair is short. Can you explain why you're so angry about this? I'm sure the cats don't enjoy the ten minutes it takes to shave them, but after that they are happier and more comfortable for months.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

Perhaps your vet meant for you to get their fur thinned out a bit, or maybe a lite trim. I saw those pics- if that is what was intended you might want a new vet. I'm happy your kitties have a loving home, but I hate to see pets treated as dolls.

dolls? seriously?

did you not read the many reasons that people have given and the fact that more than one vet has recommended/condoned this? Our vet even said it is fairly common practice with Maine Coons.

for my cat it is far more beneficial than not doing it and I seriously do not see the harm.

if you don't like the idea don't do it for you cats, but putting us down is pointless.

 

[wvjules]

If they were being treated like dolls then I would expect the haircuts to be much better looking. Common sense!

 

[si-am]

I can see trimming or shaving long haired cats in order to help with grooming and, er, litter issues.

But short haired cats don't need trims. Plus, if they're indoor cats, shouldn't they be comfortable anyway? If not, how hot are you letting your house get during the summer?!

Besides, cats can regulate themselves by shedding.

I don't think it's cruel to give your cats haircuts, I guess. But I do think it's strange and mostly unnecessary.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

If they were being treated like dolls then I would expect the haircuts to be much better looking. Common sense!

I know, right!

 

[flying_babyb]

I can see trimming or shaving long haired cats in order to help with grooming and, er, litter issues.

But short haired cats don't need trims. Plus, if they're indoor cats, shouldn't they be comfortable anyway? If not, how hot are you letting your house get during the summer?!
QUOTE]

My cats get warm and angry when it hits 70. My house ends up around 70 daily. Right now its 72. I cant leave the airconditioner on when im gone (I need a new one) and I cant trust the cats with open windows so they live in 70 + daily. When Im home were in the 65 degree range. My cats get matted, they hate being brushed. I have all the same issues as most posters. I didnt post for negitive opinions I posted for advice.

 

[CathrynRose]

We used to have a Pomeranian (I realize it's a dog - not a cat....but....)

When we got him groomed he got a true lion do. Big furry mane - short every where else but the tips of his tail, and around his paws (for effect)

What's wrong with having a little fun?

***Does anyone remember the Golden Retriever on here, who got a summer cut? Those pictures made me laugh so hard I almost peed my pants. And every time I'd look at it again, I'd bust out laughing again. IT WAS SO FUNNY! Mostly because of the humiliated look on the dog's face,.

 

[iheartnmr's]

I have cats and can honestly say that cutting their hair with scissors has never once crossed my mind. If the vet said it, he meant to get them groomed. That poor cat looks like he was mauled.

What kind of advice are you looking for. Mine would be, let his hair grow back then if summer gets too warm, take him to a groomer.

 

[okeydokey]

I's be terrified using scissors on a squirming cat. Isn't there some kind of professional groomers tool you can get instead?

 

[disneybridetobe]

Ohhh I feel you! My mom's cat needs haircuts, too. I have to use scissors and this razor-comb thingie, I tried to use clippers and it was a bad scene.

You gotta do what you gotta do! The poor guy gets the "klingons" too, and it's so sad because he doesnt even know they're back there, and then he likes to stick his rear in your face.

 

[C.Ann]

Wow- 13 posts until common sense kicks in.

Why would you do that to your cats?

Way to take away their natural protection against the heat. Good job.

----------------------

Are you basing these comments on your own feelings? Why all the anger and outrage?

Numerous vets advise their pet owners to have their cats fur cut - for a number of different reasons.. Are you a vet?

Often times with long-haired cats, brushing isn't sufficient (when it comes to knots) and some cats absolutely refuse to be brushed.. DD's FIL tried to brush MIL's cat and it was a nightmare.. Even wearing heavy gloves, he (the FIL) ended up in the ER 2 days later with a severe infection where the cat bit him through the sleeve of his heavy-duty shirt.. He spent 12 hours hooked up to an IV - simply because he tried to brush a cat that refuses to be brushed.. The cat is old - no longer grooms himself - develops large knots in his hair - and has to be taken to a groomer every so often to have the knots cut out and the rest of his hair trimmed - per the vet's instructions..

The fact that you don't particularly like this practice doesn't mean it isn't safe - or done upon the advice of the pet owners vet..

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I just wanted to add that it's very risky to use scissors on a cat. Their skin is very thin and delicate and one tiny slip up where you cut too close or if the cat squirms could cause a lot of pain and even infection. It's best to use an electric shaver

 

[donald&daisy]

HHmm..I'm not sure why your cat looks so uneven. Are you make long strokes with the clippers? I find that making long strokes with the clippers is much better than shorter ones. Also, make sure you shave with the way the hair lays and not against the grain. Other than that, I would recommend going back over what you have done and trying to make smoother strokes. It will never be perfect but just keep trying! It also has a lot to do with how your cat is moving while you are shaving him/her. The more you do it, hopefully the more relaxed you both will get. Good Luck!

Just read back through--do not use scissors!!! I only use those to trim my Persian's face to even it up if I get too carried away on one side.

 

[phorsenuf]

Due to the fact BOTH my cats have problems grooming themselves my vet actully suggested I give the cats a summer shave. Our old cat (a 25 pound heffer) was also shaved every summer and happier because of it. The cats seem alot happier now that they have less fur and have stopped sleeping in the bathtub (cooler that other spots in the house). I let it all grown back by fall. They love being short for summer.

Is it already that hot in Wisconsin? I would think it's a little early to thin them out.

I had to shave one of my cats once. Got that cute little lion cut. Poor thing was humiliated beyond belief. The sad part was he had cancer and we didn't know it so the hair never grew back quite right. I've always felt bad about that. Poor guy.

 

[flying_babyb]

Is it already that hot in Wisconsin? I would think it's a little early to thin them out.

I had to shave one of my cats once. Got that cute little lion cut. Poor thing was humiliated beyond belief. The sad part was he had cancer and we didn't know it so the hair never grew back quite right. I've always felt bad about that. Poor guy.

Its average of 60s outside but hasnt dropped below 70 inside for almost 3 weeks. The cats live soley indoors. Bosco is alowed outside but only on a inclosed deck. So far kitty happy, they start purring the second I walk up. Hopefully mom feels generous this weekend and will bring her shaver and even them out.

 

[CathrynRose]

Real quick - you probably know this, but - never cut whiskers.

They use them to determine their width to get through places.

We had one really fat cat with the longest whiskers Ive ever seen.

 

[flying_babyb]

Real quick - you probably know this, but - never cut whiskers.

They use them to determine their width to get through places.

We had one really fat cat with the longest whiskers Ive ever seen.

Yep that i know, then again, my cats have short wiskers. Bandits missing a few from a fight with bosco (hes mean to her sometimes)

 

[lyzziesmom]

Please please PLEASE do not do this to your cats again. The ONLY valid reason to give a kitteh a haircut is to remove mats from a long-haired cat when the mats become so bad that they are pulling and tearing the skin. Short haired kittehs do not need a haircut. They LOVE being warm. Haven't you ever seen a cat seek out a patch of sunlight to catnap in?

Their fur is designed to help not only warm them in the winter, but also to cool their skin when they become too hot. The fur has a shorter undercoat which helps trap air between the skin and the top layer of fur. When the cat becomes hot, this underlayer of air can circulate and is like a built-in a/c system for the cat. If you remove too much fur -- especially on a short-haired cat! -- you have removed the cat's ability to cool itself.

You have also exposed your cat's skin, making it more prone to injury. Especially if it likes to tussle with your other kitteh, it will be very easy for your shorn cat to get scratched. You have removed his "armor" by removing his fur. Now that you have cut your cat's fur off, he can easily get scratched which often leads to abcesses. Cat skin does not heal well. Any little piece of dirt, dust or hair that gets into a scratch can lead to an abcess, which is very painful for the cat and if not treated immediately, can cause severe infection and even lead to death.

I know you love your kitties, so I urge you to please take him to the groomer and get this fixed. They know what they are doing. It really is in the best interest of your cat.

I'm not trying to be mean. As a cat lover, I just want you to know that what you did to your cat is not comical, and is not healthy for the cat. If you love your kitteh, please please take good care of him and get this fixed ASAP. Please do not make the same mistake again. I'm sure you didn't know better, but hopefully now you do.