Lion Cut For Cats - Is it Safe To Give My Cat a Lion Cut?

Thinking of giving your fluffy friend a lion-cat haircut?

You're not alone. Many cat owners are considering if this style of haircut is right or even safe for their cat.

But before you let rip with the electric clippers and shave your unsuspecting moggy, allow us to give you the lowdown on the pros and cons of the lion cut.

We all want what's best for our cats, and shaving a cat is a big deal, especially for your kitty.

Keep reading this article to find out everything you need to know about this unique kitty cut, especially before you leap into getting your cat shaved like a lion.

The lion cut is a style of haircut that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unsurprisingly, it's named for its resemblance to the mane of a lion and is typically given to long-haired cats.

The grooming process consists of the cat's body being carefully clipped nearly down to the skin, leaving only long hair on the head, neck, lower legs and tip of the tail.

There are several variants, but the lion cut typically leaves the cat with very short fur, excluding the face and the neck.

The lion cut is usually done by a qualified professional groomer or sometimes a veterinarian. Although it technically can be done at home, we would only recommend attempting this if you have a lot of experience grooming your cat or used to regular grooming.

Unfortunately, using clippers on your beard doesn't really count as experience.

It's always best to ask the professionals that know how to do a lion cut on a cat rather than randomly just start clipping away at your pet.

That never ends well!

Specialist cat grooming services exist for a reason as they are used to the varied reactions from a mortified moggy to a super cool cat.

Just make sure whoever performs this on your cat is used to everyday grooming in order to protect your cat's skin and their mental health.

Lion cuts are generally safe for your cat as long as it is done at a reputable cat groomer.

However, there are a few things to consider before getting your cat's hair trimmed in this fashion:

• Make sure the person wielding the clippers is experienced and knows what they're doing. If not, your cat could end up injured, or even worse, left with uneven fur and looking rather silly. There is such a thing as a sanitary trim in order to protect your cat's fur and for skin protection.

• It's important that the lion cut is done at the right time of year. Cats with long-haired coats will lose a lot of insulation if they're given a lion cut during the autumn or winter months.

• Avoid giving your cat a lion cut if they are very young or if they're an older, senior cat. Kittens shouldn't get a lion cut, and cats over 10 years old may not be healthy enough to withstand the stress.

A radical haircut like a lion cut can have some big consequences. Let's look at some of the pros and cons of giving your kitty this unique 'do'.

Minimal grooming

If you have a long-haired cat, you know how much time it can take to keep their coat looking good. A lion cut can help to reduce the time and lessen the hassle of grooming greatly.

Stays cooler in the summer

Long-haired cats can overheat very quickly in the summer, which can be extremely dangerous. Trimming the hair short on the body can help prevent this from happening and help your cat stay cooler in the hot weather.

Fewer hairballs

Less hair on your cat's body means there's less fur for your cat to ingest when they groom themselves. If your cat is prone to hairballs, a lion cut could be an effective solution.

Less shedding

When there is less hair on your cat, there is less hair to shed around your house. The lion cut could be the perfect solution if you're tired of finding cat hair everywhere.

Can help senior cats

Some older cats may not be able to groom themselves as well as they once did. A lion cut can help them stay clean and healthy with minimal effort.

Less matted fur

A lion cut can help to prevent mats and tangles in your cat's fur. Long-haired cats are especially prone to mats, but the short length of a lion cut can help to prevent them from forming.

Although there are some awesome benefits to giving your cat a lion cut, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before making the leap.

It can be stressful

Giving your cat a lion cut can be very stressful. This is especially true if it's their first time getting this kind of trim. For some cats, the experience can be downright traumatic. Some cats may even become agitated or aggressive after getting a lion cut.

Potential for injury

Another downside of the lion cut is that there is a chance of injury. If the person doing the trimming is inexperienced or not paying attention, they could easily cut your cat with the clippers.

Exposed to the sun

Cats sporting a lion cut have such short fur on their body they are exposed to the sun in a way that they normally wouldn't be. This can lead to terrible cases of sunburn, especially for cats with white fur.

It can be expensive

Lion cuts are far from cheap, especially if you're having it done regularly. The cost will depend on the groomer you use, but it is typically more expensive than a regular trim.

Skin is less protected

When your kitty's coat is trimmed right back, it removes a layer of protection, and they are much more likely to get cuts and scrapes as they go about their day-to-day business.

So, to shave or not to shave!

It depends on your cat's needs. If they are a long-haired cat and you live in a hot climate, then a lion cut may be the best option.

If they are prone to overheating, have a lot of hairballs, or shed a lot of hair, then a lion cut could be the perfect solution.

However, if your cat is prone to stress or injury, you may want to reconsider.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not to give your cat a lion cut, but it's important to be aware of both the pros and cons before taking the plunge on your cat's behalf.

Only your furry friend can answer this one. Although cats like to preen, they're not exactly fashion victims, so how it looks won't really affect them.

However, some cats really don't enjoy being trimmed with noisy clippers, whereas others will be totally chilled out and take it in their stride.

Most cats will enjoy how it feels afterwards. It will have been done to make them more comfortable, like getting rid of troublesome matted fur or keeping them cool during the hotter months.

You'll be able to tell from your cat's body language and behaviour whether or not they're enjoying their new 'fur do'.

If you find your cat is particularly stressed by the experience, it might be best to avoid putting them through it again in the future.

The length of time it takes for a cat's hair to grow back after a lion cut can vary depending on the individual cat and the breed.

Generally, if your kitty has shorter hair, it can take up to three months to fully grow back, but it could take up to six whole months for longer hair to make a comeback.

It also may not grow back evenly and may end up looking a tad patchy, so these are things you definitely want to consider when getting it done.

Knowing how long it may take will also help you decide when to do it.

If you know it may be six months before the hair completely grows back and the lion cut is to cool your cat in the summer months, the weather may be a lot colder by the time their coat has completely regrown, so you'll have to factor that in too.

It's a difficult decision to make when considering a lion cut. There are both pros and cons to giving your cat this kind of fancy hairdo.

It's ultimately up to you to decide whether or not it is right for your cat, and it essentially comes down to what is best for your furry friend and what you think will make them happiest.

If in any doubt, consult with a pet groomer or vet to get their professional opinion.