The sunny warmth of summer beckons us outside. While we start shedding layers to stay cool, our furry family members must shed their dense winter coat. As cat “pawrents," we may be tempted to shave our cats to bring instant relief, but not so fast: Your cat’s coat is complex and offers protection from not just temperature changes but also the summer sun. Here’s what you need to know about cat grooming in the summertime.
Insulation
Cat fur acts as insulation, helping regulate their body temperature in both cool and warm seasons. It can help them feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by trapping air against their skin. When cats feel too warm, they’ll seek cool, shady spots and limit sun exposure. Similarly, when they feel chilly, they’ll seek out bright spots to sunbathe. Shaving them can leave them more vulnerable to temperature extremes, especially if their fur is cut too short, and they may even get sunburned.
Brushing
Cats groom themselves up to half their waking hours, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from brushing, too. Brushing your cat periodically can help them shed their winter coats and excess fur, and it can reduce hairball formation, too. Regular brushing boosts air circulation through their coat, improving the insulative nature of their fur, and reduces the incidence of tangles and mats in medium- and long-haired cats. It spreads natural oils through the fur to keep both skin and fur healthy. As a bonus, it can even be a bonding experience for you and your cat.
Bathing
Cats generally do not need routine bathing, but occasionally, a cat will need a deep clean. If your cat needs a bath, start with a gentle cleanser designed specifically for cats. Next, brush your cat to remove any tangles or mats from their fur, and fill the tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water. Place a towel or bathmat in the bottom of the basin to create a comfortable, non-slip surface for your cat to grip. If your cat is uncomfortable in the water, which is extremely common, use a handheld sprayer, cup, or pitcher to pour water over their body until they are wet. Then, gently apply the shampoo starting at the neck and working your way to their tail, massaging it throughout the coat. Finish by rinsing thoroughly to remove all traces, reducing the risk of your cat ingesting the cleanser. Do your best to avoid getting suds in your cat’s eyes, ears, or mouth. Have warm towels ready to wrap your cat at the end of the bath.
Many cats object strongly to baths, and if yours is one of them, you may prefer to leave this task to the pros at Cozy Cat Suites. We offer gentle grooming to calm even the biggest scaredy cats. Your cat will be refreshed, rejuvenated, and spoiled with a "day at the spa."
Trims and Shaves
As mentioned, shaving a cat is not necessarily in its best interest. Cat fur is insulating and protects them not only from the sun’s heat but also from allergens, insects, and the elements. When fur is cut excessively short, a cat may be vulnerable to rashes, ingrown hairs, insect bites, sunburn, and overheating. If your cat does need a shave or a sanitary trim, this is a job best left to cat grooming pros.
A professional trim typically focuses on removing excess fur from the rear so the cat can maintain hygiene more easily. Professional groomers use specially designed tools to avoid cutting fur too short and to protect the cat’s natural insulation while eliminating the excess bulk that weighs your furry family member down.
You can also help your cat stay cool and comfy by offering ample shady spots in and around your house and providing ample fresh water.
Cozy Cat Suites offers comprehensive cat grooming in Nova, including deshedding, nail trims, fur trims, and gentle grooms. We also offer cat grooming in Herndon. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule your cat’s spa day getaway!
