July 11th, 2011
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Some people get upset at the idea of giving a long-haired cat a “lion cut” because they think it’s inhumane and unnatural. But the truth is that it’s no big deal for the cat, and in fact it can be a real relief. A lion cut can make your long-haired beauty a little more comfortable on sizzling summer days. If your cat is severely matted, a lion cut is the most humane way to get rid of the tangles that pull at her skin and make her sore. If you’re getting rid of mats, be sure to learn how to properly groom your cat to prevent that problem in the future.
Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people. |
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and doesn’t stop. She starts meowing and then cuts it off xD
i had thought it wasn’t ok to clip during summer months because it removes a cat’s natural insulation to the heat… i have 2 maine coon crosses that spend their days outdoors and haven’t clipped them because I thought it would make them hotter….now i’m confused!
It’s also dangerous if cats go outside, they can get sunburn and skin cancer!
I had a long-haired Exotic, Bogey, we couldn’t groom his belly, unless you wanted a bloody stub. We found the most wonderful groomer she kept Bogey’s fur under control and the funny part is when he came home from getting his “hair done” he would prance around just as proud of himself like he was saying ” look at me I’m the king of cool”. There were never any negative effects. I would not hesitate to have any long haired cat cut short especially if they aren’t cooperative about grooming.
I have a Himalayan that got so matted despite daily brushing she needed to have a haircut so that’s what I ended up doing. She loved her new look and was so happy. I was wondering if anybody knows of products that are safe to use for dangling mats.
My Pepper slipped out of the house and fell into a cactus garden. In order to remove all the thorns, the vet gave her a lion cut. I think she looks like a Dr. Suess drawing, but she seems to be happy with her new look. Her fur is growing back and she now looks like she is covered with black felt. And she no longer wants to go outside.
Not very up to date on any debate regarding Lion cuts. Denver has been a problem to groom ever since I brought her home. The effort required to comb through her long hair, which seemed to matt overnight at any given time [ forgive me sweety ] left me feeling guilty for neglecting her. Brushing and combing is great for anyone who uses the routine to satisfy some OCD. I satisfy my OCD by shopping.
The cost of regular shaving is too much. I bought my own clippers. She’ll never have long, long hair again. She’s comfortable, active and a house cat only, as is Kitten Katten, her male elder and primary annoyance.
They both stay free of all those nasty little things that bite and suck blood from their skin. House pets do not belong outside!
Clara ( Barton) is a 23 year old longhair tortoise cat. After having 7 teeth removed a couple years ago, hard as she tries, she has a problem grooming with her 4 remaining teeth. Her matting was so thick and extensive that two years ago she was given a lion cut. I think she was relieved and looked so cute in her little white t-shirt. Due to her age, the vet periodically does a quick clipping so that she is not anesthetized too long.
What contributes to her long life? – - She never goes out of doors. Does she miss it? No, but she misses the pain and suffering outdoor cats experience!!!!!
I have an exotic Persian cat, she hates being brushed, even though I am so careful – and brush her very gently. she hates me even touching her coat because she thinks I am going to brush her to get knots out. Is there a special product available to use on her coat that will reduce the pain to her while she is being brushed. Or is there a brush that will not pull at the skin while being brushed, but at the same time remove all the loose fur. Are there special diets so they develop good healthy and glossy coats? perhaps a safe cream that can be used on their coats?
My Butterscotch, a medium hair domestic, is as furry as any longhair. He rarely gets matts, but the long hair often makes for messes on the output end of the cat. I get him the lion cut mostly to prevent messes, which are as stressful for him as they are for me. He would probably be fine with a sanitary cut, but he acts more comfortable when his hair is short – more cuddly too.
Connie Longenecker – I couldn’t agree with you more!!!!
There is no logical reason for any cat to go outside, unless there’s a safe outdoor enclosure!
We have a 19-yr old long-haired, toothless, beautiful muted calico, Ophelia (flowing hair like the Ophelia’s chiffon dress in Hamlet). Last year she started looking really bad – knots all over. As much as I tried to cut or comb through them, they kept coming back. She also became weak and very thin. She was checked out, all blood tests were normal, not even a hint of a renal problem. I took her for vitamin shots twice a week for about a month. Within two months, all her knots came off, some with her help (although toothless), and now she is as healthy as ever, looks absolutely gorgeous; her fur is till long an beautiful. Ophelia never had any desire to be outside (even in our outdoor enclosure), after being rescued from a horrible situation where she had to survive outside..