When you’re a pet parent to the fluffiest of felines, more often than not, you’re drawn to do something with her fluff during the warmer days. We’d argue that most people believe cats can’t stand the heat of a hot summer day – but, does that mean that most people need to resort to the lion cut for cats?
We know what you’re thinking.
“TikTok’s making me think my cat’s going to become Internet famous the moment I get the clippers!” Or, “I’ve never seen anything as adorable as a cat with a lion cut!” Or even, “I can imagine how great my Maine Coon would feel without the pounds and pounds of fluff covering her body!”
Now, we aren’t saying that you aren’t right. Cats can thermoregulate which means they’re able to adapt to different temperatures. But, even though they’re able to adapt, that doesn’t mean that they’re fond of the scorching hot tiles they’re sleeping on or the fact that you haven’t had the chance to get an AC.
Cats appreciate the heat, but they’re also known to appreciate an occasional trip to the groomer during the summer. With a little trim around the paw pads, the tummy, and the face, they’re able to withstand whatever weather conditions they’re faced with. A lion cut, though? Are lion cuts for cats safe?
Read more down below!
OK, what’s a lion cut for cats?
Before we get you to reconsider getting a hilarious hairdo for your cat, we might need to explain what a lion cut entails.
On the off chance that you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you might have missed the moment when lion cuts went viral – and they’re exactly what you think they are.
Lion cuts are a specific style of cut typically provided for cats with long, luscious locks that makes them look like they’re sporting a lion’s mane. Lion cuts consist of clipping the cat’s coat super, super short, and leaving the longer strands on the head, neck, lower legs, and tip of the tail.
Depending on the groomer, there are different types of lion cut you can opt for. However, you should always go to a reputable, respected groomer because lion cuts can be dangerous when they aren’t done the right way.
Do not attempt to give your cat a lion cut at home! We’re sure you know your way around clippers because you’ve clipped your beard or hair on more than one occasion. But, there’s always a but when you’re trying to DIY anything for the first time.
Question of the day – are lion cuts for cats safe?
Lion cuts are safe when they’re done by a reputable, respected groomer. But that doesn’t mean that lion cuts don’t come with a set of advantages and drawbacks that might sway you away from the popular cut.
Before you change your cat’s appearance, you might want to follow a few tips and tricks we’ve prepared for you. First things first, always go to an experienced groomer to avoid damaging your cat’s coat, stressing her out, or (God forbid) injuring her.
Furthermore, make sure you go for the lion cut at the right time of the year. Cats with long locks need the added fluff for warmth and protection during the winter, but they’re more than happy to get a trim during the summer.
Last but not least, don’t give your kitten a lion cut. Lion cuts, or the overall experience of going to the groomer, can be overwhelming for kittens because they’re unable to process what’s going on. A radical haircut like the lion cut comes with consequences and here’s what you need to know.
What are the advantages of giving your cat a lion cut?
1. Cuts down the grooming time
Grooming a cat with a soft, silky coat can be a great experience, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that you’re probably going to spend hours on end doing that – every single day.
Shorthaired cats require a little less maintenance which attests to the fact that giving your cat a lion cut might cut down the grooming time. Not to mention that you’re probably going to have a much easier time trying to get the knots out of her hair, too.
2. Helps your cat stay cooler during the summer
We brushed over the fact that our fluffy friends can overheat during the hotter days. We argued that most cats can thermoregulate, but we’d urge you to groom your cat more often during the summer, nonetheless.
Giving your cat a lion cut might be of assistance, too, considering she’s going to be “bald” for the most part. Whatever you decide to do, consult with your groomer to ensure you’re choosing the best care for your feline friend.
3. Removes matted coat and reduces hairballs
When your Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat’s coat gets matted, you might consider clipping the entire thing off. Before you do that, though, you might want to have some fun with a lion cut for cats.
Now, when you’re a pet parent to a cat with lots and lots of fluff, you do need to make sure you brush her every single day or every two days to prevent matting and tangling. But, when you notice the little knots, you might want to rush to the groomer.
4. Reduces shedding
Maine Coon cats, for example, don’t have an undercoat which means they’re not likely to shed a lot. Shedding typically occurs during the shedding season, but you shouldn’t have to vacuum your apartment every two hours during the non-shedding days.
Clipping your cat’s coat to resemble a lion, though, might reduce shedding for cats that struggle with that on a regular. Shedding can cause hairballs, too, and that’s another reason why you might want to give your cat a brand-new haircut.
5. Keeps even the worst self-groomers looking clean
We can’t forget about the fact that certain cats don’t care for grooming. We’ve all spent hours and hours staring at our four-legged friends cleaning themselves because they’re absolutely adorable when they do that, right?
Most cats like to keep themselves clean by grooming themselves now and then. Some cats, however, overlook that practice and end up looking like they’ve rolled out of a dumpster three seconds ago. Give your sluggish cat a lion cut and see what happens.
What are the drawbacks of giving your cat a lion cut?
1. Increases the risk of sunburn
A lion cut for cats seems to be a fun way to play with your cat’s coat and keep her cooler during the warmer days. And, there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, when you decide to give your cat a lion cut, you need to be prepared to watch over her at all times to ensure she doesn’t get a bad case of sunburn. Cats adore rolling on the hot pavement and soaking in the sunshine, but cats with a lion cut are susceptible to sunburns.
2. Decreases your cat’s ability to thermoregulate
Cats can thermoregulate and adapt to pretty much every temperature. One of the ways cats thermoregulate happens to be with a little help from their fur. Of course, when you clip your cat’s coat, you sort of prevent her from doing that.
Cats might be able to cool down because of the cut, but there’s a chance your cat overheats because she’s unable to regulate her body temperature. Contrary to popular belief, cats weren’t meant to have haircuts.
3. Makes your cat’s skin more sensitive to wounds, bruises, and blisters
Another downside of the lion cut seems to be the fact that your cat might get hurt. After all, the groomer that’s giving her the cut might end up cutting her with clippers.
Moreover, her skin might become too susceptible to damage. Whether she gets hurt running around your backyard, cuts herself, or gets a sunburn, she’s much more likely to do that when she’s unprotected by layers and layers of fluff.
4. Monthly trips to the groomer or vet can be expensive
Giving your cat a lion cut as a one-time thing might not be the most expensive thing you’re going to provide her with – we’ve seen the prices of cat trees and cat toys.
Most lion cuts cost between $80 and $120 depending on your place of residence, which doesn’t sound so bad when you’re going for the experience rather than something you’re planning on doing over and over again.
But, when you’re thinking of keeping the lion cut for a few months, you might need to go back to the groomer every fifteen to thirty days, depending on how fast your cat’s coat grows.
5. Clippers and tools can be overwhelming for your cat
You’d be surprised at how stressed out your cat can get when you’re forcing her to do something she doesn’t want to do. Cats are creatures of consent, and that’s something you (and everyone else) need to understand and respect.
So, to shave or not to shave?
Keeping your cat happy and healthy should be your number one priority. Giving your cat a lion cut doesn’t mean you’re taking excellent care of her – grooming her, bathing her, and pampering her from time to time does. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide!
