The “Lion Cut” Debate: Should You Shave Your Maine Coon?#

Walk into any Maine Coon forum and ask about “Lion Cuts.” You will start a war.

Some owners swear by it. Others call it cruel. The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle.

A Lion Cut involves shaving the body hair very short (1/8 inch), while leaving the head (mane), legs (boots), and tail (pom-pom) long.

For a breed defined by its coat, shaving it seems counterintuitive. But for some cats, it is a medical or lifestyle necessity.

The Cons: Why Purists Hate It#

Loss of Insulation: The coat protects against heat as well as cold. It traps a layer of air. A shaved cat is exposed to direct heat and sunburn.
Social Stigma: Cats communicate with piloerection (puffing up). A shaved cat feels vulnerable. Some cats become hiding/skittish after a shave because they feel “naked.”
Regrowth Texture: Sometimes, the coat grows back differently. The undercoat grows faster than the guard hairs, leading to a “cottony” texture that mats even faster next time.

The Pros: When It Makes Sense#

The “Matting Cycle”: If a cat is severely matted, shaving is the only humane option. Starting fresh allows you to train them to enjoy brushing as the hair grows back.
Senior Cats: Older cats with arthritis cannot groom their backs. They get greasy and matted quickly. A Lion Cut (or a “Comb Cut,” which leaves 1 inch of fur) restores their dignity and hygiene.
Heat Intolerance: While the coat insulates, some massive Maine Coons simply struggle in 100°F summers. Owners often report their cats become “kittens again” (more active) after a summer shave.

The “Comb Cut” Compromise#

If you don’t want the naked look, ask your groomer for a “Teddy Bear” or “Comb Cut.”

Instead of shaving to the skin, they use a snap-on guide comb.
It leaves 1/2 inch to 1 inch of fur.
Benefit: The cat keeps their protection and color, but the hair is too short to tangle.

DIY vs. Professional#

Do not try to Lion Cut your cat at home with cheap clippers.

The Skin: Maine Coon skin is incredibly elastic. It folds into the clipper blades easily. A novice will cut the cat (especially in the armpits).
The Temperament: Most cats require two people or professional restraints to tolerate a full body shave.

Conclusion#

Is a Lion Cut cruel? No. If your cat is matted, that is cruel. If your cat is miserable in the heat, that is cruel. While we love the long hair, the cat doesn’t care about breed standards. They care about comfort. If a haircut makes them happy, ignore the haters.

Resources & Further Reading#

National Cat Groomers Institute. (2022). Feline Clip Styles.
Veterinary Dermatology. (2019). Thermal regulation in double-coated breeds.