Fashion-conscious cat owners love making sure that their kitties stand out. That’s one reason why so many cats have lion cuts now. It’s a very cute style that’s also eye-catching. But this is more than just a trend; there are practical reasons behind lion cuts, too. Owners should also be aware of the downsides of lion cuts because they’re not suitable for every feline. Find out everything that you need to know about lion cuts in this guide.
Lion Cuts Make Cats Look Like Small Lions
Lion cuts are a very distinctive hairstyle. The name gives it away because it resembles a male lion’s mane. Groomers closely shave the kitty’s torso to give it a very tight trim around the body and chest. They leave the head untouched to make the excess hair look like a lion’s mane. Usually, they shave the tail except for the very end, leaving behind a small tuft. This creates an adorable pom effect that most owners love, similarly to the French Poodle grooming style.
Typically, professional groomers avoid shaving high-risk areas, such as the areas around the face or your cat’s tail. They don’t want to risk nicking any ligaments or the kitty’s whiskers. Risks like these are why many people have their cats groomed professionally, rather than doing it themselves.
The Lion Cut Offers Some Benefits
Some owners choose lion cuts for the aesthetic effect. But this popular style has many benefits beyond giving a sweet appearance. It can benefit long-haired cats living in humid and hot conditions. The weather can be very oppressive and cause them to suffer matted coats. A lion cut can be a healthier option that makes them feel lighter. Matted hair smells bad and can also be painful for the cat. Some kitties even suffer infections if the matted hair irritates their skin. That’s why it’s crucial to groom your cat.
Lion cuts are also great for cats with thick fur or breathing issues. They may struggle with self-grooming so their owners can help them. The nature of lion cuts means that frequent cat grooming isn’t necessary. It can also help family members who suffer allergies to feline hair. Contrary to common belief, grooming’s not just about looking good!
Downsides of the Lion Cut
It’s important to know that lion cuts aren’t suitable for every cat. First, shaving your pet’s fur can affect regrowth. Groomers can’t guarantee that it will grow back the same as it was before. For many owners, this is too big of a risk, and they don’t want their cats to have a patchy coat or discolored fur.
We mentioned that groomers avoid some areas of the cat’s body because they don’t want to damage its body. However, accidents can happen. Perhaps the kitty squirms at the wrong time and the razor nicks a leg. Cats have very thin skin so there’s a slight element of danger. Owners should carefully consider the risks of grooming a cat and ask whether their feline could benefit from a lion cut in the first place.
Are Lion Cuts Safe for Cats?
Generally, it is safe to give a cat a lion cut. But to ensure your cat’s safety, it’s crucial to choose a professional groomer with plenty of experience. They won’t take any risks with your cat’s health. However, apart from the risk of nicks and cuts, there are other potential downsides of a lion cut.
Lion cuts aren’t suitable for extreme climates. Even indoor cats can suffer from skin cancers if they experience too much sun over a prolonged period. Keep this in mind if your cat likes sleeping in front of a window. It’s also riskier when the weather is very cold. A kitty’s fur keeps it warm, and it can become very sick if it doesn’t have proper insulation. These grooming styles are not a great option for vulnerable older cats.
Other Types of Cuts for Cats
Lion cuts are one popular feline style, but there are several others. These are most common for long-haired cat owners who must regularly groom their pets. Let’s briefly look at some of these now.
Comb Cut
This is a popular trim for long-haired cats like Persians or Himalayan cats. Also known as a “teddy bear trim”, it is a great low-maintenance style.
In short, the groomer usually uses a scissor and a comb to cut cats’ hair closer to their bodies. It’s not as extreme as a lion cut and can be a better option. Teddy bear cuts are effective if you want to reduce matted clumps and help your kitty enjoy the summer heat. This isn’t a suitable style for short-haired felines like the American shorthair, but it’s ideal for longer-haired breeds.
Belly Shave
Belly shaves aren’t the trendiest styles, but they can be very practical. This is a sanitary cut that includes shaving along the belly and toward the cat’s posterior. It may seem strange, but the good news it’s not visible unless the kitty lies on its back. A belly shave makes sense if the cat has mats or too overweight to groom itself.
Hygiene Cut
Also known as a sanitary trim, this is another practical cut for cats. The groomer trims around the cat’s abdomen and bottom so that it doesn’t become dirty when toileting. This reduces the risks of infections and bad smells. Sometimes, the cat’s excrement can stick to long hairs and stain furniture. It’s very unhealthy and unpleasant, so this is a very common cut for long-haired cat owners.
