When it comes to cat haircuts, some people flinch with terror. Everyone knows how capricious cats are. They seem to be ready to do only whatever they feel is right.
Not many cats realize that they need a haircut while the owners are sure they do! If you are one of the cat lovers, who think that your cat needs some styling, you might want to ask a professional groomer’s advice.
Trying to give your kitty a cut can mean disaster for your hands and face. Only professionals with experience know how to do the job right.
How to Choose The Right Haircut for Your Cat
Choosing the right haircut for your feline friend can be a hair-raising adventure, but don’t let it make you “paws” in worry! Here are some fun and practical tips:
Know your cat
Every cat is as unique as their owner. Some cats, like the luxurious Persian, have thick, long fur that might require a bit more maintenance.
On the other hand, breeds like the Siamese have short, low-maintenance fur that requires less grooming.
Pay attention to your cat’s grooming habits and adapt accordingly. The haircut you choose should respect your cat’s individual personality and fur type.
Consider the climate
If your kitty is living the high life in sunny California, a full shave might make them the coolest cat in town. This could work especially well for cats with thicker coats like Maine Coons.
However, if your fur baby resides in frosty Alaska, you’d be better off letting its natural, insulated coat, like that of a Norwegian Forest Cat, do its job.
Check the calendar
Keep an eye on the seasons. A full-on shave for a long-haired cat like a Ragdoll right before winter may leave them shivering.
On the other side, letting your short-haired Burmese’s fur grow out during a hot summer might have them panting. Align your grooming schedule with the weather.
Respect your cat’s vanity
Cats are some of the most self-grooming animals. So, consider their feelings when you choose a haircut.
Remember, your Persian may not appreciate a lion cut as much as you do! Instead, opt for haircuts that retain their dignity and comfort while easing their grooming process.
Listen to your groomer
Professional groomers have seen it all. They’re experienced in dealing with different breeds from the feisty Bengal to the mellow Scottish Fold.
They can guide you on the best haircut for your cat, considering its breed, personality, and lifestyle. Trust their advice, even if it means that your dream of turning your Tabby into a Tiger has to wait.
The goal is to make your cat comfortable, not just aesthetically pleasing to you or your Instagram followers. It’s a haircut, not a personality change! At the end of the day, a purring cat is a happy cat, and that’s what truly matters.
Most Popular Cat Haircuts
Here’s a table showing the cat haircuts and the breeds that can receive them:
| Haircut Name | Cat Breeds |
|---|---|
| Lion Cut | Persian, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragamuffin, Somali, Himalayan |
| Comb Cut | Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Devon Rex, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair |
| Panther Cut | Sphynx, Siamese, Bengal, Oriental, Savannah |
| Kitten Clip | Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Siberian, Manx, American Curl |
| Teddy Bear Cut | Persian, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Chartreux, Selkirk Rex |
| Belly Shave | Siamese, Scottish Fold, Birman, Cornish Rex, Tonkinese |
| Hygiene Cut | Scottish Fold, Sphynx, American Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Egyptian Mau |
Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is a popular style where your cat’s fur is shaved short on the body but left longer on the head, legs, and tail tip. It makes your furry friend look like a mini lion! This cut is great for keeping your cat cool and reducing hairballs and matting.
Cat Breeds: Persian, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragamuffin, Somali, Himalayan
Comb Cut
The Comb Cut involves shaving your cat’s fur to about 2-3 inches long. This gives your cat a fluffy appearance without the hassle of managing a full-length coat. It’s a wonderful way to manage shedding and keep your cat comfortable.
Cat Breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Devon Rex, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair
Panther Cut
The Panther Cut is a full shave, leaving your cat’s skin exposed, like a panther. It’s often chosen for cats in warmer climates or cats that struggle with regular grooming.
Cat Breeds: Sphynx, Siamese, Bengal, Oriental, Savannah
Kitten Clip
The Kitten Clip is a short cut, leaving about 1-2 inches of fur, that makes your cat look like a cuddly kitten again. It’s a good choice for cats with long fur that’s prone to tangling and matting.
Cat Breeds: Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Siberian, Manx, American Curl
Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut leaves your cat looking like a plush toy! The fur is trimmed to about 2 inches, giving your cat a rounded, fluffy appearance. It’s a cute style that’s also practical for reducing shedding and mats.
Cat Breeds: Persian, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Chartreux, Selkirk Rex
Belly Shave
The Belly Shave involves shaving the fur on your cat’s belly, leaving the rest of the coat intact. This can help to prevent matting and knots on the underbelly and make it easier for your cat to clean themselves.
Cat Breeds: Siamese, Scottish Fold, Birman, Cornish Rex, Tonkinese
Hygiene Cut
The Hygiene Cut is a practical trim, typically around the rear end of your cat, to keep this area clean and free from any mess that might get caught in the fur. It can be especially helpful for long-haired breeds.
Cat Breeds: Scottish Fold, Sphynx, American Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Egyptian Mau.
You can save the below cat haircuts vs cat breed image in case you need it.
Cat Breeds That Need Frequent Haircuts
Persian – The Lion Cut
Persian cats are known for their long, luscious coats that add to their regal aura. This beautiful coat is prone to tangling and matting if not regularly groomed. If mats are left untreated, they can lead to skin irritation and discomfort for the Persian.
Additionally, Persians may have difficulty self-cleaning, leading to hygienic issues. Because of their high-maintenance fur, Persians require daily grooming and could benefit from professional trims every few months.
A popular haircut style for Persians is the Lion Cut that keeps their coat manageable and healthy.
Maine Coon – The Comb Cut
Maine Coons, the gentle giants of the feline world, possess thick, shaggy double coats. Their fur, especially around the belly and hindquarters, can mat if not brushed regularly, causing discomfort and potential skin problems.
Trims, particularly in the warmer months, can help the cat stay comfortable and manage their abundant fur better. A Comb Cut is a suitable style for Maine Coons, keeping their fur tangle-free and manageable.
Regular grooming sessions: once or twice a week.
Ragdoll – The Puppy Cut
Ragdolls are beloved for their soft, plush, medium-long coats. Their fur, however, can knot and become unruly without proper care, leading to potential skin infections. An unkempt coat can also interfere with their ability to self-clean.
Regular brushing is recommended at least twice a week and trims every 2-3 months can help keep their fur manageable and tidy.
The Puppy Cut is a popular choice for Ragdolls, allowing them to maintain their adorable appearance with less grooming hassle.
Himalayan – The Teddy Bear Cut
Much like Persians, Himalayans have long, thick coats that can quickly become a breeding ground for mats and tangles. If not groomed, these cats could suffer from skin issues due to the trapped dirt and oils in their fur.
Regular grooming is crucial to prevent these issues. Occasional trims around the face, lower body, and areas that mat will help them stay clean and comfortable.
One of the most popular cat haircuts, the Teddy Bear Cut leaves the fur around a Himalayan’s face longer than the rest of the body.
Norwegian Forest Cat – The Line Cut
These hardy cats have a dense, water-resistant double coat designed to withstand cold climates.
However, this coat can become uncomfortably hot in warmer weather and can mat if not regularly groomed.
Therefore, a trim typically every 3-4 months during the warm months is recommended. Regular grooming (once a week) will also help maintain their fur’s health.
The Line Cut is a good option for Norwegian Forest Cats. It reduces the bulk of their coat while still maintaining its natural shape and protection.
Turkish Angora – The Hygiene Cut
Turkish Angora has short fur compared to other long-haired breeds. Still, their fine, silky coats might get tangled.
If people do not groom them, these tangles can develop into mats. These cause discomfort and skin irritation for Turkish Angora.
A professional haircut every 3-4 months maintains their coat in top shape. The Hygiene Cut suits Turkish Angoras well. This involves trimming the fur around the back end to stop dirt and matting.
Haircuts for Different Cat Breeds: A Guide for Cat Owners
Contrary to the popular belief that cats groom themselves, many of them require their owner’s attention. This mostly goes for pedigree cats with long fur. They don’t feel comfortable during the summer days and need a trim.
Cat haircuts can vary greatly. Some are designed to make the animal feel better while others are aimed at the owners, who want their pet to look unique.
Whatever the case with you, you can take advantage of the below options that are created to make your cat’s next grooming session fun and exciting.
| Cat Breed | Haircut Name | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Persian | Teddy Bear Cut | 2 inches |
| Maine Coon | Lion Cut | 1 inch |
| Sphynx | Hygiene Cut | 1/2 inch |
| Ragdoll | Comb Cut | 2-3 inches |
| British Shorthair | Kitten Clip | 1-2 inches |
| Siamese | Panther Cut | Bare skin |
| Scottish Fold | Belly Shave | Bare skin |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Lion Cut | 1 inch |
| Russian Blue | Comb Cut | 2-3 inches |
| Bengal | Panther Cut | Bare skin |
| Siberian | Kitten Clip | 1-2 inches |
| Abyssinian | Teddy Bear Cut | 2 inches |
| Birman | Belly Shave | Bare skin |
| American Shorthair | Hygiene Cut | 1/2 inch |
| Ragamuffin | Lion Cut | 1 inch |
| Devon Rex | Comb Cut | 2-3 inches |
| Oriental | Panther Cut | Bare skin |
| Manx | Kitten Clip | 1-2 inches |
| Chartreux | Teddy Bear Cut | 2 inches |
| Cornish Rex | Belly Shave | Bare skin |
| Turkish Angora | Hygiene Cut | 1/2 inch |
| Somali | Lion Cut | 1 inch |
| Burmese | Comb Cut | 2-3 inches |
| Savannah | Panther Cut | Bare skin |
| American Curl | Kitten Clip | 1-2 inches |
| Selkirk Rex | Teddy Bear Cut | 2 inches |
| Tonkinese | Belly Shave | Bare skin |
| Egyptian Mau | Hygiene Cut | 1/2 inch |
| Himalayan | Lion Cut | 1 inch |
1. Maine Coon – The Lion Cut
The Maine Coon is a breed well-known for its dense, shaggy coat.
When given the Lion Cut, your fluffy friend will sport a short, sleek body coat and a full, round mane that rivals the king of the jungle himself!
It’s an adorable, fun look, and also helpful for keeping your cat cool in the summer.
Grooming Tips: Always keep your clippers sharp and well-oiled. Start by trimming small sections at a time to ensure your cat feels comfortable.
2. Scottish Fold – The Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut can transform your Scottish Fold into a living plush toy! This cut keeps the fur short and fuzzy, accentuating the round face and folded ears that Scottish Folds are known for.
Grooming Tips: Brush your cat’s fur regularly to prevent matting. Also, make sure to clip slowly and gently to keep your feline friend relaxed.
3. Siamese – The Comb Cut
The Comb Cut trims down the coat length of your Siamese cat, leaving it neat and velvety. This cut maintains the breed’s sleek appearance while reducing shedding.
Grooming Tips: Use a comb attachment on your clippers for a uniform length. A regular brushing routine will help keep your cat’s fur silky and healthy.
4. Persian – The Shell Cut
For Persian cats, the Shell Cut trims the fur close to the body, leaving it longer around the face. This gives your Persian a distinct, bobblehead-like appearance, while also reducing the high maintenance associated with their long hair.
Grooming Tips: Ensure a gentle touch while clipping around the face. Brush your cat’s coat daily to prevent tangles and matting.
5. British Shorthair – The Hygiene Cut
The Hygiene Cut trims the fur around the rear of your British Shorthair, keeping them cleaner and more comfortable. This is a practical cut, especially for older or overweight cats that have trouble grooming themselves.
Grooming Tips: Use rounded scissors for this sensitive area. Regular brushing can keep the coat smooth and free of debris.
6. Bengal – The Line Cut
The Line Cut is a simple trim along your Bengal cat’s belly line, designed to reduce shedding and hairballs. It keeps your cat looking sleek while making grooming a bit easier.
Grooming Tips: Trim carefully and slowly. Regular brushing will keep your Bengal’s coat healthy and shiny.
7. Summer Trim
If your cat has long and thick fur, you can give it a surface summer trim that involves cutting about 1/8th of an inch. You might want to leave the facial hair intact since touching the face is disturbing for the animal.
8. Lion cut
The lion cut is the most famous way to make the cat look funny and delightful. You need to keep the hair on the head and trim the fur on the body. Some owners might decide to shape the tail fur as well.
9. Shape it up
Some cat haircuts involve a little trimming in order to shape the fur. You might want to give your cat a round (or even a square!) shape to make it look more interesting and worthy of as pageant title.
10. Kitten style
It’s not recommended to give your cat a haircut when it’s still a kitten. Kittens are nervous creatures and have trouble keeping calm during a cut. Sedating a kitten might cause health problems in the future.
11. Egyptian style
Egyptian cats with large ears look beautiful but they might have long fur that ruins the image. Ask a professional groomer to create a short haircut for your Egyptian cat to make it look even more classy.
12. Tail grooming
Cutting the tail fur is one of the most complicated cat haircuts since the felines really don’t like it when you touch their tails. However, furry cats have trouble keeping their tails clean and might require your help.
13. Frilled front
A short-haired cat can benefit from a frilled front hairstyle. It involves shaping the hair on its chest into a circular form. Some owners play around with various shapes, including the heart.
14. Ear trim
Cats often have hairy ears, which don’t match their overall silky appearance. If you want to get the hair on the ears cut, you might need to sedate the animal. Don’t touch the hair inside the ears as it may affect the animal’s hearing.
15. Natural look
Kittens don’t usually have a fur problem so the only reason you might want to cut their hair is if they have a problem. Hygienic and belly cuts are allowed for the kittens but in most cases, they should stay natural.
16. Styling
Don’t be upset over being unable to give a cat haircut to your kitten. You can do some styling instead. Ask a groomer about hair products you can use on your cat to create fashionable hairstyles.
17. Dragon style
This is an interesting mix of lion and dragon styles. You can create such cat hairstyle if your animal has long enough fur. Make sure you go for this choice only when it’s hot outside so your cat doesn’t freeze.
18. The real lion
This real lion hairstyle is a wonderful choice for owners who want their cat to make an impression. Pay attention to the paws and the tails as they complete the image. Keep the cat as warm as possible.
19. Grey lion
The furrier the cat is, the more amazing a lion hairstyle can look on it. Enjoy the way your cat sports the new style. When creating a mane, keep some fur on the cat’s neck and down the back for a more voluminous look.
20. Time for a cut
Extremely furry cats suffer from hairballs and lack of grooming. They are just not flexible enough to get all the grooming done on the regular basis. If your cat looks like this, it’s asking for a haircut.
21. Sleek buddy
Feline with short hair will be unhappy with almost any cat haircut you offer them. So if you can’t wait to do something about your cat’s fur, you can consider a belly cut. Short-haired animals should be left alone for the most part.
22. Black panther
If your pet is black and you want to make it look like a sleek black panther, you need to give its fur some trim. Ask the groomer if it’s possible to take about 1/8 to ¼ of an inch from the fur to make it look smoother.
23. Enhanced pattern
If your cat has an interesting fur pattern you can outline it by trimming the fur along the pattern lines. In this example, you can see how the white fur is slightly trimmer to outline the gray and black pattern.
24. Lower body
Most of the time older cats have trouble reaching their lower bodies for trimming. That’s why you might want to consider giving your old pet a cat haircut that will make the self-grooming easier.
25. Pedigree cat
If you are lucky enough to become an owner of a short-haired pedigree cat, there is no need to tamper with the fur. You can cut away an occasional stray hair or deal with some fur knots but leave the fur alone.
26. Sphynx cat
If you are not a fan of cutting the cat’s hair or have allergies, you might want to consider a Sphynx cat. These felines won’t have you worrying about the cat haircuts. Just make sure to keep them warm.