Should I groom my long-haired cat?

Q

My cat has quite long hair. Should I be grooming her in the summer?

A EMMA SAYS

Long-haired cats – and dogs – are more likely to overheat in hot weather. But a good grooming routine can help to avoid this. Remember, it’s not so much about the length of the hair, more the thickness of the coat, especially the downy undercoat which provides insulation. Long hair doesn’t necessarily need to be clipped short, although that can reduce matting if your pet is prone to it.

Just a simple daily brush will reduce the thick undercoat and remove any excess fur, allowing air to circulate more freely and helping to keep your pet cooler. A professional grooming can help if things have got a bit out of control, then after that you can keep on top of it yourself. Choose a reputable groomer – they will know not to cut your cat’s hair too short, which can increase the risk of sunburn. Some animals aren’t comfortable with grooming, though, and need a degree of sedation, which can be done at the vet.