Cat behavior after shaving

by CONNIE BRYAN
(LINWOOD, KS)

I had my long hair cat shaved and now she is acting very hyper. We have had her shaved before and this has not happened but the groomer really shaved her close to the skin this time. It seems she just can't stay still. My cat is a very good lap cat and she can hardly sit for long at all. Could this be a result of the shave or should I be worried about something else? This behavior started immediately after the shave.


Dear Connie,

It is certainly possible that your cat is uncomfortable, itchy, or sensitive in some areas of her skin due to her recent shave, however, without more information, a physical exam and possibly even bloodwork, there is no way to say for certain.

You didn’t mention how old your cat is, and that could be relevant to her recent increase in energy. Feline hyperthyroidism often presents with an increase in your cat’s energy level, and depending on your cat’s age, bloodwork to rule this out, as well as any other underlying feline health problems may be recommended by your veterinarian.

Was your cat shaved because she had matted fur? If so, depending on the severity and location of the mats, and how long she was matted, her behavior may actually be the result of feeling better because the mats are no longer pulling on her skin and/or she may even have more mobility.

Is your cat otherwise eating, drinking, and using her litter box normally? If she is, this cat behavior is not likely an emergency, but a trip to the vet for a check-up would be recommended, both to rule out medical problems and for peace of mind.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely