Should You Shave a Cat for Summer?

When temperatures rise, we wear lighter clothing to allow better airflow to our skin and keep ourselves cool. But what about our cats? Does shaving their fur do the same thing for them? 

Should You Shave Your Cat When It’s Hot Outside?

No, you shouldn’t shave your cat in hot weather. Though it may seem counterintuitive, a cat’s fur actually protects them from overheating by:  

• Circulating cooler air against the skin 

• Acting as a shield against higher external temperatures 

This cooling mechanism applies to both short- and long-haired cats. That said, a light trim may help reduce excess fluff and mats that prevent cool air from circulating properly through the fur. Trimming may also make it easier for long-haired cats to groom themselves. 

Specifically, shaving your cat can do more harm than good because:  

• Cats lick their fur more often in warmer temperatures so they can cool their bodies through the evaporation of saliva. Removing the fur doesn’t encourage this evaporative cooling.  

• Shaving a cat can cause stress. 

• Cats often enjoy looking out windows. If they spend time in a sunny window during the summer, shaved cats have a greater risk of developing a sunburn. 

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Too Hot

Signs of overheating and heat stress in your cat can include: 

• Panting and open-mouth breathing 

• Decreased energy 

• Decreased appetite 

• Spending more time in contact with the floor, especially on tile or hardwood floors in lower levels of the home 

• Drooling 

• Drinking more than usual 

• Sweating from the paws 

• Increased grooming  

In extreme cases, heat stress can progress to heatstroke, which can cause signs like: 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Dark red gums 

• Disorientation (ataxia) 

• Red spots on the skin 

• Breathing trouble 

• Seizures 

• Trouble walking 

While both heat stress and heatstroke require veterinary attention, heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that you should address right away with a vet. You can’t treat it with at-home care alone.  

How To Help Your Cat Stay Cool

To prevent overheating, take a few steps to keep your kitty cool and comfortable during the summer.  

1. Provide Air Conditioning 

Move your cat to a cool, air-conditioned area or run a fan to circulate cool air around the room. It’s best to keep your cat indoors year-round, but especially during the summer when it’s difficult to control the temperature outside the home.  

2. Brush Them Regularly  

It’s best to remove matting and extra hair by brushing your cat every day for long-haired breeds, and once a week for short-haired cats. Regular brushing prevents their coat from getting tangled and keeps the fibers smooth, allowing for optimal air circulation near the skin.  

3. Give Them Cool Mats, Towels, or Pads  

Place cool, damp towels or cooling pads on your floors. Elevated beds are also good options that encourage air flow to your cat’s belly, though they may not be the best choice for senior cats or those with mobility issues.  

You can also place a cool, damp cloth on your cat’s back or encourage evaporative cooling by rubbing cool water on their paw pads, between their eyes, and on the back of their ears. 

4. Keep Fresh, Cold Water on Hand  

Your cat should always have access to water, and some may appreciate cold water or ice cubes in their water dish when the temperature rises. 

5. Offer Them Frozen Treats 

Spread a pureed treat, such as Churu, or wet food pate, onto a lick mat. Put it in the freezer for a while, then let your cat enjoy it. 

Know that very young, senior, and sick cats may start to overheat more quickly than healthy adult cats, so it’s essential to monitor these more vulnerable kitties closely.  

If you notice any signs of heat stress in any cat, it’s best to go to the veterinarian right away. Transport them with cooling towels and provide them with cool water to drink on the way.