Should I Shave My Maine Coon In The Summer?

If you’re living with a Maine Coon and the warmer weather is on the way there’s a high chance you’re wondering if you should shave your Maine Coon this summer?

While it is not often advised to shave your Maine Coon during the summer months, there are some instances when it might be necessary.

Shaving Your Maine Coon

Maine Coons are well equipped to survive in hot or cold weather. They do not need to be shaved in the summer months and are more than capable of regulating their body temperature.

There are some instances when shaving your Maine Coon is necessary, but because the weather is warm outside is not one of them.

The Maine Coon has a dense multi-layered fur coat that keeps them warm due to its insulation but also cool during the hottest months of the year. It is not necessary to shave your Maine Coon.

We DO NOT recommend you shave your Maine Coon cat UNLESS your vet has recommended you do so for medical reasons.

Cats are excellent at regulating their body temperature, even in the middle of summer. They are also great at finding cool places to rest if they feel too warm and can drink water to lower their core body temperature.

By shaving your cat you are forcing it to completely relearn how to regulate its temperature. Shaving is also stressful and harmful to your cat.

The ONLY TIME it is encouraged to shave your cat is when you are dealing with Maine Coon matted fur. Matted fur can be a problem for long-haired cats if they are not groomed regularly, or suffer from fur prone to tangles (source 1).

Dangers Of Shaving A Cat

Shaving a cat, especially a breed like the Maine Coon, can lead to several dangers and health risks. While it may seem like a good way to help them stay cool in summer, here are some potential dangers:

1. Burnt Skin

Cats’ fur acts as a protective barrier against both the sun’s harmful UV rays and extreme temperatures. Shaving can expose their sensitive skin to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Cats, particularly those with lighter or thinner fur, are vulnerable to skin damage from prolonged exposure.

2. Skin Irritation

Shaving can cause skin irritation, cuts, or nicks, particularly if done improperly or if the cat’s skin is sensitive.

Cats can have thin, delicate skin, and the risk of injury is higher if the grooming tools are not used correctly.

3. Temperature Regulation Issues

A cat’s fur helps regulate their body temperature. Shaving may disrupt this natural cooling system.

While it may seem like it keeps them cool in summer, cats often regulate their temperature more effectively through shedding or self-grooming. Without their fur, they may have trouble keeping warm during cooler months.

4. Stress and Anxiety

Many cats find the grooming process stressful, and the feeling of being shaved can lead to anxiety and fear. Cats may become distressed, which can impact their overall well-being and behavior.

5. Increased Risk Of Scratching And Infections

Shaving can expose the skin to more irritants and potential infection. Without their fur to act as a barrier, cats might be more susceptible to bacteria, dirt, and external parasites, leading to potential skin infections.

6. Loss of Natural Coat Protection

The Maine Coon’s thick, water-resistant coat not only helps to regulate temperature but also serves as a protective layer against scratches, bites, and other external injuries.

Shaving removes this defense, leaving them vulnerable to environmental hazards.

Alternatives:

• Regular Grooming: Rather than shaving, regular brushing can help remove excess fur and prevent matting. This allows the cat to shed efficiently without compromising their coat’s protective qualities.
• Cooling Products: Consider using cooling mats or providing a shaded area for your cat to relax during warmer months.

In general, it’s best to avoid shaving your cat unless medically necessary and under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Why Do People Shave Their Cats?

While shaving cats due to the outside temperature is not typically something that happens there are some reasons that people choose to, or need to, shave their cats.

Below are the main reasons to shave your cat (source 1):

Fleas

An infestation of fleas is a good reason to shave your cat.

Sometimes you just will not be able to get them all out in any other way.

Shaving is pretty unpleasant for your cat but it is better than being eaten alive by fleas for the rest of their life!

Matted Fur

When Maine Coon fur begins to mat it is usually a good idea to shave it rather than try to unpick the matting.

Shaving the fur back to a suitable length is the best, and most pleasant option for your Maine Coon.

Matting typically occurs between the toes and the underbelly. Though it can appear on any part of your cat.

Hairstyles

Different Maine Coon hairstyles are not overly common. But, they are seen now and again.

A good example of this is the Maine Coon Lion Cut which some people like to give their cats.

Maine Coon haircut styles are purely for the owner’s enjoyment.

Medical Access

If your vet needs to perform some sort of medical procedure on your Maine Coon then it may be necessary to shave the area of interest.

This is not something you would likely perform yourself, as it is almost always the vet who would shave your Maine Coon.

Maine Coon Haircut Styles

These are the most popular Maine Coon haircut styles:

• Lion Cut: This one is pretty easy to guess. The Maine Coon is shaved like a lion. It has short fur all over apart from its lion’s mane. See pictures here.

• Teddy Bear Cut: The teddy bear cut is very similar to the lion cut except it is done all over (apart from the face).

• Skinny Tail: Some people choose to leave their Maine Coon as is but shave their tail down.

How To Trim Cat Hair

If you looking to give your maintenance trim, i.e. trimming paw tufts, or a sanitary cut, here is a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Cat

Many people like to start by washing their Maine Coon as it makes the trimming process a little easier.

If you are not sure which cat shampoo you need, these are the best Maine Coon cat shampoos.

2. Dry Your Cat

Before trimming, make sure you dry your Maine Coon thoroughly.

3. Brushing Fur

Using a metal comb work your way through the undercoat of their fur.

Remove any mattes, if you can, and then do the same for the overcoat.

Work your way down from the head towards the tail until you have unpicked any knots they may have and the fur is nice and soft.

4. Trimming Fur

Using a pair of hair scissors trim the knots or mattes that you could not brush out from around the Maine Coons tufts.

Knots and matting are also commonly found on the Maine Coon cat’s chest and underbelly.

Trim any wayward hairs that seem to have a mind of their own and pay close attention to their feet.

If they have matted tufts between their toes you will need to trim those too. But be careful! They have sensitive toes and they can be easily hurt.

Read more about Maine Coon Cat Grooming (source 1).