Different breeds of cats have different types of coats. A feline’s fur plays an essential role in her body and health. Their coat serves as an insulating layer between the external environment and their skin. It helps protect the cat’s body from the change in temperature, acts as a barrier to exterior injuries, and helps hide from prey and predators. What should a healthy cat coat look like? Learn the most important signs!
Kinds of Cat Fur
A cat has an average of 60000 hairs per square inch on the back and 120000 hairs on the underside. There are four kinds of cat hair:
- Guard Hair. It is the outermost and the longest layer of fur. It protects the cat from the cold and keeps water from drenching the fur right away.
- Down Hair. It is the thick undercoat of a cat and is shorter and softer. It provides warmth and blocks the cat’s body from extreme weather.
- Awn Hair. It is the secondary hair between the guard and down hair. It is where your kitty’s coloring and pattern are displayed. Awn hair helps protect its undercoat and insulate the cat.
- Vibrissae or Whiskers. Whiskers are the long, thick, tactile hairs that grow from a cat’s muzzle, above the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the outer sides of the lower legs. Whiskers help cats gauge openings, find their way in the dark, and may help them sense the scent.
Image from Journal of Genetics by A. G. SEARLE AND A. C. JUDE
These layers offer protection and have important functions for your cat. They play an essential part in your cat’s integumentary system. No matter what breed your cat is and what type of hair coat your kitty has, the condition of their fur and skin is a good indicator of their health. Learn how to know if your kitty has a healthy coat and what can influence your cat’s fur condition.
