Expert: Tomay - 7/8/2004

Question
I have an 8 months old cat and I recently took him to the groomers. He got a lion cut. They shaved his hair off. It's summer and it's really hot where I live so I figured it'd be for the best. He's still the same except that he won't stop chasing his tail. Anyhow, this is really giving me a headache. He's gotten so hyper. When will his hair grow all the way back?

Answer
hello Mara,
Thank you for your inquiry.  It is funny that you should mention this tail chasing issue, as I recently shaved down my own cat,  just leaving the 'lion' puff on his tail, and since he has discovered this new 'toy' , he does the same thing with chasing his tail..I personally think it is hysterical, but if it is a bother to you, then you may consider having your groomer just shave off the rest of the tail, so the 'poof' part won't be so inticing.  I am not sure if this will help, as all cats react differently, but perhaps it might take some of the fun out of it for him.  Cats that have been clipped down become much more affectionate and active, as they can actually feel things more.  It will take probably 3 maybe 4 months for the furr to grow back, depending on how  short the groomer clipped it.  
Hope this has been helpful.
Thank you again for your inquiry.
Tomay