Shaving Persian Cats

People love and are attracted to Persian cats and other long haired breeds because of their long beautiful coat, so why would you then shave them? This is a very good question and their are many things to consider.

Persian cats are the most demanding cats in terms of grooming requirements. All Persian owners must be willing to do a minimum of brushing 3-5 times a week or better yet daily brushing. This is just not for appearance but to prevent mats which can multiply quickly once started and be very painful for a cat.

Shaving Persian cats is a decision many owners make to help decrease mats, hairballs and for hygiene. However, it is not necessary to shave long haired cats. And shaving does not replace brushing and grooming your cat. But it can sometimes be helpful with the above issues.

Sanitary Clip: This involves shaving just the region surrounding a cat’s genitals. As the name describes this is for cleanliness and hygiene reasons to prevent litter or poop getting stuck in this region.

Teddy Bear Cut: The aim is to have all the hair the same length all over the body. The hair is typically longer than a Lion’s cut and the hair remains long enough to prevent sun damage.

Scaredy Cut cat grooming scissors teddy bear cut persian cat
Teddy Bear cut using the Scaredy Cut Scissors which I did quickly and easily at home.

Lion Cut: The body of the cat is shaven short leaving the head, feet and tail long like a lion. There are different variations such as shaving most of the tail and legs and leaving just balls of hair on the ends of the feet and tail. (I would never recommend shaving a cat’s tail)

shaving persian cats - lion cut

The cut you choose depends on your cat, its hair type, needs and health. Talk to your groomer and or vet about your cat’s needs and what would be best. Many people also choose to have only certain areas which are prone to mats shaven such as under the arms or belly.

How often should I have my cat shaven?

That depends on your cat of course.  Personally, I think a Lion cut should be done 1-2 times a year at most. However Sanitary Clips may need to be done more often especially if your cat is older or can not groom himself properly.

Should I shave my cat for summer?

It is a myth that long-haired cats should be shaved for summer. A cat’s coat is designed by nature to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Shaving a cat too short and exposure to the sun can also cause sunburn and sun damage.

Can I shave my cat at home?

Cats have extremely thin and delicate skin. The way a cat’s skin stretches and folds makes it very easy to cut while shaving. By saving money on grooming you put your cat’s health at risk and may end up with a big vet bill. While it is possible to groom at home, a lot of research and attention must be given. Using the Scaredy Cat scissors is an easy, safe and stress-free way to groom your cat at home. Read my review here.

Bottom line: You must  brush your cat regularly to prevent mats. Shaving may be an option for some but is not a replacement for brushing. Do not cut the hair too short and don’t do it too often. Keeping your cat clean and comfortable and mat free is most important. If you do need to do any shaving at home it is important to use a high-quality clippers designed for pets. Believe me its worth it. It’s safer and easier. I use used and reviewed the Oster A6.

Finally here is a video of one of my favorite holistic vets discussing shaving cats and dogs. What do you think about her views of shaving?

 

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11 Comments

  1. Fatima
    August 15, 2016 / 10:57 am

    How long does it take for the hair to grow back? I have a chinchilla Persian cat, love her to bits! I’m trying to get rid of the fleas on her and have tried almost everything (I’ve even flea bombed my house) will shaving her help with getting rid of fleas? Help!

    • August 18, 2016 / 7:02 pm

      I’ve found it takes about 4-8 months, depending on the length cut, for the hair to fully grow back. But shaving will not solve the flea problem. I would contact a vet to get flea medication and prevention if it is a problem. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. zainab
    August 2, 2016 / 12:48 pm

    Any benefits of shaving or triming persian cat?

  3. NC
    April 25, 2016 / 7:34 am

    I live in a very warm climate and during the 8 months of summer my Persian sheds some hair. I get her shaved but one vet recently told me that their hair keeps them warm in winter and cool in the summer by as much as 20degrees. Has any one heard this?

    • April 25, 2016 / 8:41 pm

      Yes I have also heard that their coat is an insulator that helps in both heat and cold weather. This is why if you do shave its best to do a bear or teddy cut which leaves about a one inch layer of hair. Instead of shaving them to the skin. Thanks for stopping my and commenting!

  4. March 23, 2015 / 12:04 pm

    Our Princess Lily who we rescued 14 1/2 years ago has never let us brush her. She is a beautiful long haired Calico .Since she’s getting older she is getting mats and we have to take her to our vet to shave her since she won’t let mom do it. :( Great post!

    • March 26, 2015 / 8:50 pm

      Yes that’s quite common in older cats. that’s great you are helping her stay clean and comfortable :-)

  5. March 22, 2015 / 10:15 pm

    Angel Isis and Angel Hercule were Persian cats. Mum and Dad gave them brushies every day to avoid mats. Angel Isis tended to have dingleberries, so she had her, hem, Spot 13 area often shaved. We think brushing every day is the most impawtant for long hair kitties, shaving should be if you cannot do differently. Purrs

    • March 26, 2015 / 8:50 pm

      Yes keeping this area clean is very important!

  6. March 22, 2015 / 5:38 pm

    I have a long haired I rescued that I have to get a lion cut for a couple times a year. She is skittish and won’t let me brush her often plus she isn’t good at cleaning herself- she goes to the other cats when they are bathing to try and get a bath :)

    • March 26, 2015 / 8:52 pm

      My previous Himalayan cat hated me brushing and I could never touch his belly so he got annual lion cuts to help me. My current cat loves to be groomed and have his belly brushed and rubbed.