Cat shaving in Berlin: Process, limits and alternatives

A cat is shaved when they can no longer keep themselves clean. Typical reasons include old age, obesity, limited mobility after surgery or severely matted fur. We work without anaesthesia, in stages and with breaks. Every cat gets their own quiet time slot with us, with no dogs in the salon. We leave healthy, combable fur as it is. Cat grooming starts at 99 €.

When does it make sense to shave a cat?

Shaving makes sense when a cat's self-grooming is permanently no longer enough. The PDSA notes that older cats often struggle to reach difficult spots and then need to be brushed more frequently. They list armpits, legs, tummy and tail as danger zones for matting. If solid mats form there despite brushing, shaving becomes a practical solution.

Three situations most commonly lead to a shave with us:

1. Senior cat: The cat grooms themselves less often, and the fur on their back and hind legs gets matted.
2. Limited mobility: After surgery or due to joint problems, the cat can no longer reach its torso.
3. Overweight: The cat can physically no longer reach its belly and hindquarters.

The PDSA also advises checking the paws of older cats and those with limited mobility weekly, as their nails get too long without enough scratching. We include nail clipping in every cat grooming appointment. As a standalone service, this costs from 15 €.

What clipping options are there and how much coat is left?

There are three common options, and the shortest one is by no means suitable for every cat. We don't shave right down to the skin, but leave a few millimetres of length depending on the coat's condition.

With a lion cut, the fur on the head and neck is intentionally left long, which is where the mane gets its name. How quickly and in what texture the coat grows back depends on the breed, age and skin condition. That's why we can't guarantee a specific length after twelve weeks.

How does shaving without anaesthesia work?

Without anaesthesia means: the cat stays awake, we work in sections and take breaks. Sedation is a veterinary decision and is not done in our salon.

1. The cat arrives in its carrier. We open the box and let them come out on their own.
2. We check the armpits, belly, britches and tail, and show you which areas we'll be working on.
3. We then give you a binding price for the appointment before the clippers are turned on.
4. The shave is done using Aesculap clippers, guided flat and calmly along the body.
5. If the cat allows it, this is followed by a bath in the Hydra tub using pH-neutral natural products.
6. Finally, we blow-dry and comb through the remaining coat.
7. Finally, we trim the nails and clean the eyes and ears.

If the cat shows too much stress, we stop and discuss the next steps with you. You can find the full range of services on the Cat Full Groom page. For an overview of how a cat appointment is structured, see Cat groomer in Berlin.

When do we advise against clipping?

If the coat is healthy and combable, we advise against it and prefer to give it a thorough brush. The PDSA recommends daily brushing for long-haired breeds like Persians, Birmans and Ragdolls, and several times a week for semi-long and short coats like British Shorthairs or Siamese. If you keep up this routine, you can usually avoid clipping.

• Shorthaired cat with a healthy coat: Clipping offers no benefit here; regular brushing is enough.
• Summer heat: It's best to discuss with your vet whether clipping will help your cat in the summer. We don't make any promises regarding temperature and well-being.
• Cat resists strongly: We don't work against the cat. Sometimes we just do a small partial clip in the most necessary areas.
• Unclear skin changes: Have it checked by a vet first, then groom.

Matting or clipping: which way to go?

Matting and clipping are two different starting points. Loose knots can often still be combed out, but solid mats sit close to the skin and hardly budge. The PDSA strongly advises against tackling matted patches yourself at home and recommends a reputable groomer for this. In the salon, we first check if combing is still possible and only clip the areas that can no longer be detangled.

We charge for dematting from 15 € per 15 minutes started. If your main concern is an already matted coat and how we remove mats, you'll find the details in the article Matted cat, what to do. This text here focuses on the clipping itself.

How much does it cost to clip a cat in Berlin?

Cat grooming starts at 99 €. The final price depends on the amount of coat, coat condition and the time required. We look at the cat before the appointment and then give you a binding price. All starting prices are on the price overview. You pay on collection, in cash or by card, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. We don't take advance payments.

How to prepare for the appointment

Leave the carrier open a few days beforehand in the room where your cat likes to spend the most time. This way, the box becomes a familiar piece of furniture. Put a towel inside that smells like home. On the day of the appointment, don't forcefully comb at mats, just bring the cat as they are.

We are here for you Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 18, the address is Giesebrechtstraße 2, 10629 Berlin in Charlottenburg. Getting here: U7 Adenauerplatz (4 minutes on foot), U1 and U9 Kurfürstendamm (10 minutes), you can park on Giesebrechtstraße and Brandenburgische Straße. For a spot in our quiet cat grooming slot, you can book an appointment online directly.