Once in a while, a long-haired guest at the cats-only boarding facility will get a little messy in the caboose region (if you get my drift). Sometimes a spot-cleaning or a full bath can take care of the problem.
For repeat offenders, we often suggest a “sanitary clip” — a trim of the hair around the rump in order to help keep things clean. It doesn’t have to be a full shave — but with shorter hair in the nether regions, there’s less chance of a mess.
Some owners flat-out refuse to have any sort of trim done. They like the way the animal looks, and that’s that. I guess they don’t mind picking cling-ons out of the fur once in a while? Personally, I think a pet would be more comfortable without poop stuck to his or her rump!
My father is one of those adamant-about-no-grooming types. We once got Becca, my parents’ chow mix, a summer shave. My father was so horrified at how different she looked that she’s never been back to a groomer. And with her long hair, she does sometimes get cling-ons after a potty break. My dad’s solution is a steady supply of baby wipes… but I think Becca might be more comfortable with a little trimming.
I’ve run into the same mindset when it comes to matted fur, too. An owner won’t want their pet to look weird with a partial or full shave… and yet, they don’t realize how painful a mat can be. Matted fur can pull the skin and lead to painful sores — a mat of hair can actually pull away large sections of skin. Yeowch!
Personally, I most want to see pets be comfortable, clean, and healthy. Unless your pet is a purebred going to shows, looks really aren’t as important as health and well-being.