Summer Cat Grooming: What You Need To Know
Summer is here! Unfortunately, summer fun comes with sticky days and oven hot temperatures. Even with the air conditioner on, that summer heat can feel like it’s seeping through your walls. We all dread those days that are so hot it’s unbearable to even have your cat in your lap. If we feel like we’re melting, how do cats feel with all of that fur?
Chances are, you probably know someone who breaks out their clippers and shaves their cat the minute the temperature goes up 5 degrees. Is it really worth the scratches, or are there other ways to help keep your cat cool in the summer? Is your cat really in danger of overheating? We’ll go over the ins and outs of maintaining your cat’s coat during the summer and the best ways to help your feline friend beat the heat.
What’s The Point Of Summer Grooming?
Summer grooming isn’t just about keeping your cat from overheating. In fact, even without a haircut, cats aren’t likely to overheat. As long as you keep a shady area and water for your outside cats, they should be just fine. Of course, always be diligent as every cat is different. Look for signs like lethargy, staggering, or vomiting if you are afraid your cat may be overheating.
So if it’s not the heat, why groom your cat in the summer months?
Cats tend to shed, and you may see a slight increase in the warmer months. Regular visits with a groomer will keep your cat’s shedding to a minimum, and save your black pants from looking like they have fur trim.
But shedding affects more than just your sanity and good looks. Excessive summer shedding can lead to hairballs if dead hair is not removed. Regular baths and thorough brushing with the right tools will remove the loose hair. This will keep your cat comfortable, since dead hair can lead to itching, and does not allow air to circulate against your cat’s skin. It will also prevent them from ingesting too much hair and leaving you with a 2am surprise.
If you have a cat that sometimes wanders outside, his fur is collecting debris, and possibly even fleas and ticks. A visit with the groomer will keep the dirt and leaves at bay. A groomer may also be able to spot signs of fleas or ticks that you may have missed and can even help stop an infestation before it starts.
Cons Of a Close Shave
Since the risks of your cat overheating are low, especially indoor kitties who are enjoying the A/C, shaving your cat for the heat isn’t really necessary. In fact, there are some definite downsides to shaving your cat.
Before you pick up the clippers, find out the downsides of cutting your cat’s fur too short.
Cat hair prevents your cat from getting a sunburn or other skin damage. Shaving your cat and exposing too much skin can lead to sunburn and irritation. Just like people, cats who have a history of over-exposure to the sun are more prone to certain cancers.
Outdoor cats will be more exposed to potential allergens, biting insects, and gardening chemicals. This can lead to rashes, skin infections, and bites. In some rare cases, it can even lead to hypothermia if a shaved outside cat gets stuck in the rain.
Fur acts as insulation even from the heat. A cat’s coat helps them stay cooler in the heat. Removing all of their hair can actually make them more heat intolerant.
Constantly shaving your cat can cause irregularities in hair growth, in-grown hairs, and irritation that can eventually lead to baldness.
Leave The Cuts To The Pros
If you feel like you have a heat intolerant cat, or if you just like the look of a cat with a summer cut, go for it! Just keep in mind that to safely give your cat a summer cut, you definitely want to see a professional. It’s not just for your cat’s safety, it’s for your safety too!
It might seem like a simple solution, but attempting to shave your cat yourself may not be the best idea. If your cat’s coat is cut too short, it will lose its insulating properties. Cats have fairly thin skin, which means you can easily nick your cat while attempting to clip them.
Dealing with a wiggly cat while trying to use clippers on them is not for the faint of heart. Without the know-how and the right equipment, your cat could end up bald, and you will likely end up covered in scratches.
A professional groomer will be able to give your cat a sassy summer cut but keep their hair long enough to maintain its protective qualities. A qualified groomer has the right tools and the training to give your cat a precise cut that will allow air to get to your cat’s skin while leaving the hair long enough to act as an insulating layer that traps the air.
Safe Summer Grooming
So what should a summer grooming routine look like? Try to avoid a DIY shave, and follow these tips for keeping your cat looking and feeling dashing all through the summer months.
Brush your cat at least twice a week. Depending on the length of their hair, you may need to brush them more often. This slows shedding and prevents matting.
Remember to treat your cat with flea and tick preventatives. Even indoor cats can be exposed, and once an infestation starts, it can take months to stop.
Maintain regular appointments with a groomer to keep your cat’s coat trimmed and tidy. Even if you choose not to get your cat’s fur clipped, a bath and a brushing will cut down on shedding.
If you're looking for a groomer to get your cat ready for the summer, give us a call at The Dapper Cat. We offer trims and the popular summer Lion Cut to keep your cat cool and refreshed in the heat. The best part is we offer mobile cat grooming! That means, we bring our expertise & services to you! If you have any questions, contact us here!