You cut your cat's fur in AZ? Never heard of anyone doing that though my brother and family live there. They are more dog and horse people. We never cut the hair in KS. although I never owned a really long hair cat.

My Siamese sheds year round. This past month his fur was flying everytime I pet him. I usually take him outside in nice weather and brush him. In the winter I do it in the bathroom. My short haired kitty never sheds that much to brush.