Is it ok to Shave a Maine Coon Cat? Pros, Cons and Tips

Is it okay to shave a Maine Coon cat? Maine Coon Cats, identified for his or her luxurious coats and self-grooming habits, usually evoke a way of curiosity relating to shaving. Many pet homeowners contemplate shaving their cats for numerous causes, from well being issues to fashion preferences.

This text explores the rationale behind a shaved Maine Coon, its professionals and cons, and the totally different haircut kinds out there on your feline pal.

Under is a video demonstrating a Maine Coon getting a lion minimize.

Why Maine Coon Homeowners Shave Their Cats

Similar to different matters having to do with cats, shaving a cat is a controversial one. Educating your self in regards to the potential causes for giving a cat a haircut could provide some enlightenment.

1. Medical causes: Shaving a cat’s fur is usually crucial attributable to underlying health issues. As an example, extreme matting could cause pores and skin irritation and discomfort, resulting in a necessity for shaving. Moreover, sure pores and skin situations and allergy symptoms could require shaving for correct therapy and drugs utility.
2.  Warmth administration: In hotter climates, homeowners could shave their cats to assist them keep relaxed and comfy throughout the hotter months. This may be particularly useful for long-haired breeds susceptible to overheating.
3.  Grooming and Hygiene: Maine Coons with difficulty grooming themselves attributable to weight problems, arthritis, or different well being issues could profit from a shorter coat. Shaving could make it simpler for these cats to take care of cleanliness and keep away from matting.
4.  Allergy administration: Some homeowners could shave their cats to reduce shedding and alleviate allergy signs. Nonetheless, that is typically not an efficient long-term answer, as dander and saliva are the first allergens.

I solely have one shaved Maine Coon cat, and that’s Biggie (pictured above). The one purpose for his being shaved is grooming and hygiene. My cell groomer provides him a day on the salon each six months.

He could possibly be higher at grooming himself – maybe as a result of he’s chubby. That’s one other weblog publish, although. 🙂 So long as he leaves chocolate starfish stains on my furnishings and pillow, he’ll proceed to get his bi-annual haircuts.

Don’t fear about Large, although; he loves getting a haircut. He acts like he’s Superman cat, strolling round along with his chest bowed out.

Execs of Shaving your Maine Coon:

1. Improved hygiene: Shaving could make it simpler for Maine Coons with grooming challenges to remain clear and forestall matting.
2.  Lowered Hairballs: Much less fur means fewer hairballs, which might profit you and your cat. You too can attempt Laxatone or organic coconut oil on your cat as an alternative choice to shaving.
3.  Consolation: A shorter coat may help cats keep cool in sizzling climate, lowering the danger of overheating.
4.  Extra accessible remedy utility: For cats with pores and skin situations, shaving could facilitate the appliance of topical medicines.

Cons of Shaving Your Maine Coon

1. Danger of damage: Shaving a cat requires talent and care to keep away from injuring the pores and skin. Inexperienced homeowners ought to search skilled assist from a cat groomer to attenuate the danger of cuts and irritation.
2.  Altered insulation: A cat’s fur protects towards warmth and chilly. Shaving could make a cat extra vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, probably inflicting discomfort or sickness.
3.  Regrowth discomfort: Because the fur regrows, it could trigger itchiness or irritation for the cat, resulting in extreme scratching and potential pores and skin harm. In the event you do determine to shave your kitty, be aware of any indicators of discomfort.
4.  Lack of pure safety: A cat’s fur supplies pure safety towards the solar and parasites. Shaving could enhance the danger of sunburn and flea or tick infestations.
5.  Pores and skin irritation: Shaving can generally trigger pores and skin irritation or worsen pre-existing situations, so it’s important to seek the advice of your veterinarian earlier than shaving your cat. Pores and skin irritation may also come from getting “nicked” by the clippers.
6.  Altered conduct: Shaved cats could grow to be extra self-conscious or anxious as a result of change in look, resulting in altered conduct.

I had an proprietor contact me about her 1.5-year-old Maine Coon. His conduct had modified lately, and never for the higher. Whereas he’s sometimes laid again and docile, he was lashing out at her, swatting her legs when she handed, and appearing upset total.

We ran by means of totally different situations that is perhaps inflicting him this added stress. We ran by means of each change he had been by means of lately: new individuals, building of the home, youngsters, and many others. She casually talked about taking him to the groomer and getting him a brand new lion minimize. She thought he could be cooler for the reason that summer time months have been approaching.

Once I heard this, I knew instantly that his new “hairdo” was the rationale for his stress and irregular conduct. He was NOT pleased about being lion minimize. We devised a plan to scale back the stress ranges with some Feliway diffusers and calming treats. The perfect treatment on this case was time, and to let his fur develop again some.

After a few weeks, I adopted up together with her. She mentioned he had calmed down and was again to being himself. She determined to by no means get her boy a haircut once more.

1. Lion Reduce: One of the in style kinds, the lion minimize includes shaving the physique fur whereas leaving a mane across the head, a tuft on the tail, and generally boots on the legs. This fashion is each useful and trendy.
2. Comb Reduce: A comb minimize is a much less drastic different to the lion minimize, the place the fur is trimmed with a comb attachment, leaving it shorter however not fully shaved. This fashion retains extra of the cat’s pure insulation. This is perhaps good on your Maine Coon getting his first hair minimize.
3. Teddy Bear Reduce: On this fashion, the fur is trimmed to a uniform size everywhere in the physique, giving the cat an opulent, teddy bear-like look. This minimize maintains some insulation whereas lowering shedding.

Is it okay To Shave a Maine Coon Cat?

Giving your Maine Coon a shave shouldn’t be the answer for all cats. It shouldn’t be one thing that you simply do with out trigger or purpose. In the event you uncover that your cat doesn’t prefer it, then there’s normally another answer.

In the event you do select to shave your Maine Coon, discover a skilled cat groomer with expertise. And if potential, ship me pictures of your Maine Coon along with his/her new haircut in order that I can share them! 🙂