Lion Cut For Cats: Pros and Cons

Arguably one of the most popular and familiar styles for cats, the lion cut consists of a very short trim from the shoulder blades down the back, sides, thighs, and underbelly. Normally, the tail is clipped close as well, leaving a tuft on the end.

The legs may be clipped about half way down, leaving the lower legs fuller and looking a bit like the cat is wearing fluffy boots. The fur on the neck, head and chest is left full, resembling a lion’s mane.

Pet owners often request variations on this theme. For instance, some choose not to have the tail clipped, or to clip more of the neck and chest, reducing the amount of long mane that is left.

There are a number of pros associated with giving your cat a lion cut. Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea.

If the cat’s coat has become very matted—something long-haired cats may be prone to—then having the fur closely clipped is usually the kindest and safest way to remove the tangles. Mats and tangles are uncomfortable for the cat, pulling on and potentially damaging its skin, so removing them is necessary.

A lion cut removes much of the length of the body coat, which dramatically reduces the amount of hair that a cat can ingest when self-grooming.

Hairballs can be more than a nuisance; they can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages, and some veterinarians recommend shortening the cat’s coat if the pet is prone to repetitive hairball issues.

Some cats do not do a good job maintaining their coats. Occasionally, I meet a cat who just seems to be missing the gene that programs cats to be fastidious about their fur.

These unusual cats tend to look rather scruffy, and putting them in a lion cut helps them maintain a neat appearance between professional grooming appointments.

The lion trim is easy to maintain between professional grooming appointments. If your cat (or you!) dislikes the process of combing and brushing, the lion cut could be a nifty solution to your problem.

As cats age, some begin to experience stiffness and lack of flexibility. This can prevent them from maintaining their fur as they once did. In this case, a short trim can keep them looking nice and tidy in their golden years.

Although your cat will still shed after a lion cut, they will shed shorter hairs, so it will seem like there are fewer fuzzy tumbleweeds blowing around your home.

A well-executed lion cut for cats makes them look quite stylish. If you are a pet owner with panache, this could be appealing to you.

A lion cut is not for every cat (or cat owner). Here are reasons why it might not be a good option.

Clipping the hair very short exposes the cat’s skin to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Without its dense fur to protect it, cats may experience sunburn. This is particularly true for white or light-colored felines.

Very short hair can affect the way cats thermoregulate, causing them to become chilled or overheated once their coat is clipped. If your cat has a chronic illness or is elderly, you might ask your veterinarians advice before having a lion cut.

Your cat’s fur helps to protect its skin from being damaged in tussles with other cats, or being scraped by thorns and such if it goes outside.

Occasionally a cat has a negative reaction to having their hair styled in a new ‘do. If your cat hides for days, hisses when touched, changes its eating habits, or acts unhappy after having its coat clipped, I would recommend you avoid future lion cuts for that pet.

Some cats object strenuously to having buzzing, vibrating cat hair clippers on or even near their body and in that case, a lion cut should probably be ruled out.

Cats require specialized handling techniques to keep them safe, healthy and happy when being groomed. It’s important to find a groomer who is familiar with handling cats if you decide to have your pet put into a lion cut.

To find a cat groomer near you, ask for a referral from your veterinarian, cat owning friends, or check out an organization such as The Professional Cat Groomers Association of America. Their website lists affiliated groomers by state.

A lion cut can be useful when a cat’s coat is very matted, when grooming at home is difficult, or when an older cat can no longer maintain their coat as they once did. It may be a poor fit for a cat who is frightened by clippers or an elderly cat with medical issues. 

When in doubt, talk to your vet or professional cat groomer before choosing a full lion cut for your cat. 

Some people argue that if the cat’s coat is clipped closely, it may not grow back properly. I have clipped thousands of cats over the span of my career and have never experienced a case when the coat did not grow back to its full glory on a healthy pet.

I recommend that the hair not be clipped using anything shorter than a #10 blade, and that the fur be clipped with the lay of the hair, not against it.

A lion cut can be appropriate for some cats, but there are some potential drawbacks, including increased exposure to the sun, heat or cold; less skin protection since a cat’s coat provides a physical barrier; and stress for cats who are fearful of clippers. 

A lion cut may help reduce the amount of hair a cat ingests while self-grooming because much of the body coat is clipped short.