Shaving Kitty ?

I was told that to avoid matts and shedding in the summer months, I should have my MLH cat shaved.
What do you all think of this? Is it really the solution to this?

Cat's coats act as insulation - which can also help keep heat out. In the end, the decision is up to you - as there are members here who get their kitties fur trimmed for summer. But I think you should try proper grooming first. Comb/brush daily and see if that helps with mats.

While shaving would eliminate the problem of matting.. it won't stop them from shedding. I don't understand why so many people think it does. They will just shed shorter hair. I second trying to keep up with proper grooming instead, if at all possible.

I had my ragdoll shaved on the chest this year only because she ended up with a huge matt which was more stressful trying to get out, and she is groomed twice a day with a comb and a brush, unless you have a bad matting problem regular grooming does help.

The only reason any of my cats have been shaved (I've had four medium to long hairs over the past 9 years) was prior to a surgery. For the most part, my cats don't even get regular brushing--I've rarely had a problem with mats. When I do find a mat, I'll try to brush it out or just trim the mat off if it's too stubborn. My parents did have a Maine Coon mix that would get frequent mats--they had to give her the lion cut one summer because she had too many to be groomed out. If you have a cat who is prone to mats and has several already, then I would consider shaving. Otherwise, just start a brushing routine to prevent future mats.

If you need ideas and keeping your cat cool in the summer, check out this article:
http://www.thecatsite.com/Care/9/Keeping-Cats-Cool.html