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I am wondering if I should get Mopsy's fur clipped for the summer months, seeing that she is covered with 3 - 4" fur, and being black to boot? She sleeps in the coolest part of the house, in an open windowsill. Since none of the others sleep there, I am assuming that when it is above 70 deg. F ( 20 deg. C) at night that she is uncomfortable. What do you think?
It is especially important in summer months to ensure that your cat always has a ready supply of cool water and some shade to rest in if she's outside. Cats are a little more comfortable in high temperatures than humans, but if you think your cat is uncomfortable with her coat in the heat, then by all means have some of it clipped by your vet.
It may not be a problem, but you can never be too cautious when it comes to your cat's comfort and health :)
as a groomer I know that people get their cats shaved down for several different reasons, one of which is that the cats mind the heat. While it is true that cats can handle higher temperatures better than people can, some cats (just like some people) have a harder time coping with the heat. if you think she is uncomfortable, do not hesitate to take her to a cat groomer and have her clipped.
When my RB Bear (a SHORT hair cat) was still alive, the higher temperatures made him very uncomfortable and I shaved him and he really WAS more comfortable.
I think it might be a good thing to have her "trimmed" too, Wayne. It was nice and sunny here yesterday, but still a little on the cool side (mid 60's or so). I took Tubby out in the backyard. Surprisingly, after about 5 minutes out, he wanted to come up on my lap. I couldn't believe how hot his fur was already, after just being in the sun for 5 minutes or so. Tubby loves the sun, and adores lounging in the sun, but I can see how Mopsy would get too warm since her fur is much longer than Tubby's. Also, when it gets really warm out (over 80 or so) Tubby is more than happy to stay in the air conditioning as he does get too warm, even if he's in the shade outside. So, considering how Tubby takes the heat, and considering that Mopsy's fur is much longer than Tubby's, I think she would be much more comfortable during the summer months with a haircut. :) And I'd love to see a picture of her with her haircut, because it seems when longhaired cats get trimmed, they look like little lambs with the small, thick curls, and she would make a really cute black sheep of the family. ;) :D
We shave some of our long hairs twice a year. They love it. The only thing you have to be careful of is sunburn once shaved. Yours may not go outside at all, in this case you wouldn't have anything to worry about. Ours has the outside cat run, but we have covers on the top so they're not in the direct sunlight!
I've never "shaved" Max but I think this year I will get him trimmed. I've already trimmed a bit of his beard because it kept getting in the way of his cleaning his chest. Although it really doesn't get that hot here in the summer (30 deg cel. max) I'm sure he'd be more comfortable.