we have two maine coons who shed volumes of hair even with daily brushing which is difficult as they hate that and they mat badly, especially under their tummies - my vet has suggested shaving them - is that a good idea?? will the hair grow back in the same condition?? is there another alternative?? i've tried to use sprays, but these cats do not like to be pampered or groomed AT ALL!!! they are feisty and fight, scratch, etc. - the vet says there is a 'tiger' cut which is "cute" - does anyone have any experience with this?? THANKS FOR YOUR R

-- Anonymous, December 31, 1999

Answers

Hi....I would recommend you follow your vet's advice and have their tummies shaved. We have one MC who really hates being combed on her tummy so we had her tummy and "armpits" shaved and it helped a lot. I am not absolutely sure what your vet means by a lion cut because, frankly, I have seen this mean a number of things to different people! In other words, a lion cut to one person may basically be a belly shave but to another groomer it meant cutting the hair half way up the sides of the cat too. I would suggest you ask your vet to lift all your cat's long side hair and ruff and to cut the hair underneath it. If this is done properly, all the belly hair is gone but the MC still looks longhaired and shaggy when the top hair is brushed back into place. The hair does grow back, of course, but I have seen no change in its condition or appearance after the shaving. Your vet will probably have to give the cat some medication at least or may even have to give it a little gas to make the job less stressful on the cat (and the vet/groomer!).

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2000

We also have a cat who doesn't like to be brushed. If we have our cat's tummy shaved, how often would we need to have this done? Our male is very shy, and I'm concerned about him being traumatized by a stranger with shears. Are there tools that work better than others to get rid of mats?

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2000

Regarding the question from Mary Burling, the best way to get rid of mats is not to let them start in the first place! A daily combing with a metal comb for even a minute or so will keep the bad areas under control. Don't try to do too much at once. If your cat is snoozing, use your comb for just a few passes until the cat gets too agitated. Basically, you have to follow the cat around, catching it for a few seconds every time it is very relaxed! I know that sounds a big hassle, but it is the only way to get them used to the idea of being combed. As I wrote in the other answer, your vet will probably give your cat at least a relaxer (such as a Valium-like drug) or even a little gas if they are VERY uptight. Sometimes just being in a strange environment will mean the cat is sufficiently distracted that the vet can do the work fairly easily and without drugs or gas. If the tummy is shaved, it would take several months for the hair to grow back enough to get to the matted stage again and hopefully, during those months, you will have got your cat used to being touched and combed a little on its belly.

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2000

My cousin has her cat shaved every summer because she gets so hot even with A/C. I thought it was the coolest looking thing! The groomer shaves the WHOLE body except the head and neck giving it a 'lion' look, and the best part is she leaves a 'poof ball' at the very tip of the tail which is just to cute to describe! It grows back perfectly every time, and my cousin is hooked on this yearly ritual. AND the cat is comfy and has no problem with it! I have a Maine Coon girl, she is 4 mo. only so I guess I have something to consider pretty soon too!

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2000

Hi again Mooshe! I thought I'd let you in on something I've heard. A friend of my Mom's has a long haired cat. Of course she was matted! Well, she would not let the owner near her, she was acting strange, kind of temperamental. When taken to the vet, the vet informed her that it was the matted hair! Not only are 'matts' unsightly but they cause pain! If you think about it, it makes sense. The matts pull on the skin the more they get tangled, and more so whenever the cat jumps, runs, lays, OR when you try to pick them up. And petting is probably torture! The skin gets sensitive after a while. So the vet cut them off and my Mom is telling her about the "lion" cut. Just thought I'd let you know your cats are probably more happy then you can imagine now that you shaved them! Hope all is well! Bye Janet Z.

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2000