What is a Lion Cut on a Cat?

You may have heard of a lion cut for a cat and wondered what is that, exactly. Does the cat actually look like a lion with a big, flowing mane? Well, almost!

Let’s take a deeper look into what a lion cut on a cat is.

What is a Lion Cut on a Cat?

A lion cut on a cat is when the fur all over the body is clipped very short while the fur on the cat’s head is uncut. This gives the cat an appearance similar to a lion, with short hair over their body and the appearance of a fluffy mane.

How Do You Give a Cat a Lion Cut?

Because a lion cut requires use of clippers and has the possibility of nicking or cutting the cat’s skin or body, it is recommended that only professionals do a lion cut.

When a professional does a lion cut on a cat, they use clippers to shear the cat’s fur very short on its body, belly, and chest. They leave the hair long on the cat’s legs, most of its tail, and its head, since these are especially delicate areas.

Why Give a Cat a Lion Cut?

The main reason people give their cats a lion cut is if the cat’s fur has become matted. Giving a lion cut is a safer option than attempting to cut out the matted hair with scissors, or accidentally pulling on the cat’s skin by attempting to detangle a matted knot of fur.

The lion cut might be given preemptively to avoid matting, as well.

Sometimes, a cat might be given a lion cut because of allergies or excessive shedding.

Are Lion Cuts Safe for Cats?

As long as the lion cut is done by a trained and experienced professional, lion cuts are safe for cats.

Be aware that the lion cut leave the cat feeling cold more easily, so if the cat is in colder temperatures, blankets or a sweater should be provided for the cat to keep it comfortable.

Why Could a Lion Cut be Bad for Cats?

If a lion cut is attempted by someone who is not properly trained, then there is a high possibility that the cat could get cut by the clippers, especially if parts of the person attempts to shear delicate areas such as the cat’s legs.

If it is a cold time of year or the cat is exposed to cold temperatures without a sweater or blanket, then a lion cut could be bad for the cat for this reason, as well.

Additionally, if a cat is elderly, sick, or at all combative, aggressive, or anxious, getting a lion cut could be dangerous. These cats may be at a much higher risk of becoming stressed or getting cut during the trimming process, and so should probably not be given a lion cut.

It’s best to talk to your grooming professional to see if a lion cut is safe or recommended for your cat in its current condition.

How Long Does a Lion Cut Last on a Cat?

On average, for a short-haired cat, a lion cut will last about three months until the fur is fully grown back to its original length.

For a long-haired cat, the average length of time for a lion cut to fully regrow to its original length is about four to six months.

The very distinctive lion cut look, however, will last for about eight to twelve weeks, on average, for most cats.

How Often Does a Cat Need a Lion Cut?

How often your cat needs a lion cut depends greatly on the reasons the cat is getting a lion cut in the first place.

If it is due to matting, having the cat on a regular grooming schedule may greatly reduce the need for future lion cuts.

If your cat is very prone to matting even with regular grooming, then your groomer may recommend a schedule for lion cuts in order to prevent matting.

Some people may choose to combine this with offering relief from very hot summer months, or might do a lion cut purely for this reason. If so, they would do a lion cut about once a year.

On the other hand, there are some cats who will never experience a lion cut. It’s always best to check with your grooming professional to see what is the best grooming schedule and recommendations for your particular cat and its current circumstances.

What is a Cat’s Lion Cut?

A cat lion cut is when the cat’s fur over the body is shaved very short while the fur on its head is uncut. The cat then looks similar to a lion, with a fluffy main but short hair over the rest of their body.

avatar Noah
I’m Noah, chief editor at VIVO Pets and the proud owner of a playful, energetic husky (Max). I’ve been a volunteer at Rex Animal Rescue for over 2 years. I love learning and writing about different animals that can be kept as pets. read more...

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