Know Your Cat Coats: From Long To Hairless

Historically, cats only had two kinds of coats, either long or short hair. However, in the last 50 years or so, designer breeding has exploded and resulted in a range of cat coats with a number of different qualities. Depending on the type of coat your cat has, it might require a different grooming routine in order to keep it in tip-top shape. There are also things around your house that you will need to consider, like making sure that your long-haired cat doesn’t trap its fur in anything, and ensuring they are warm or cool enough throughout the year. The Russian Blue breed is known for its particularly thick coat.

Domestic Short Hair

This is by far the most common type of cat hair and most of the cats you will see will have a short coat. If you have a short-haired cat, it will likely take good care of its own coat and will need little interference from you. If your cat’s coat is quite thick, it will benefit from a weekly brush, not only to prevent your cat from developing hairballs but also to keep the excess fur off your furniture.

Domestic Long Hair

Any coat with a slightly longer than average coat is often described as a long-haired breed, but in the truest sense of the term, only Persian cats are known as long haired. Others might be referred to as semi long haired, such as the Maine Coon cat with its lion-like mane. Long haired cats will need help to keep their fur free from knots, so you will need to set aside 10 minutes every couple of days to tackle your pet’s fur with a fine toothed grooming brush or a slicker brush. You should also check inside their ears regularly, as matted fur can lead to unwanted infections.

Curly Haired Cats

Cats like the Cornish Rex or Devon Rex have sparse, curly hair that looks like it has been given a tight perm. The unique hair type is the result of a recessive gene mutation, so breeders have to work hard in order to keep this trait going. Since the hair is a little more sparse than a long or short haired cat, they will need to be kept indoors and given a cosy place to sleep in extremely cold weather.

Hairless Cats

The Sphynx breed is one of the most unusual and invited polarising feelings about its hairless state. In the 1960s, a mutation led to a little of cats being born without any hair, and this was the start of the Sphynx breed. Although they might appear hairless, they actually have an ultra-soft layer of very short hair that feels a lot like velvet. They won’t need any help grooming such a short coat, but they are prone to greasiness so they enjoy the occasional bath. Keep them out of the cold and make sure they are protected from the sun in summer as their delicate skin is more exposed.