Do you know what fur type your kitty has? Different breeds of cats have different types of coats. Some cats have short hair, some have long. There are tabby patterns while some only have a solid color. No matter if you are looking for a new kitty or learning about cat care, it is always helpful to know the types of cat furs.
Types of Cat Fur
Hairless Cats
While many cats are known for their furry, soft coats, some are famous for their “naked” look. A hairless cat is not totally bald. They have very short hair that is like suede and feels like velvet. Hairless cats are sensitive to temperatures. If it is getting cold, protect them with warm clothing (and give them hugs since they love to snuggle when they lose heat). And if the sun comes, keep them indoors. Due to the lack of fur, hairless cats don’t have enough hair to absorb oils from their skin. That is why they need regular baths. Common breeds of hairless cats are Sphynx, Peterbald, and Donskoy. Learn more about how to care for a sphynx cat.
Short-haired Cats
If you want a low-maintenance kitty, a short-haired cat may be your perfect choice. Short-haired cats have coats that are no longer than 1.5 inches. They generally shed less. They don’t require as much grooming as long-haired cats and don’t usually get tangles on their fur. The short-haired breed is the most common one. Examples are American Shorthair, Bengal, Bombay.
Long-haired Cats
If you would like a soft, fluffy ball of fur, you might want to look for a long hair cat. Depending on the breed, the coat of a long-haired cat can grow between 1.5 and 5 inches with different colors and patterns. These cats have plush and luxurious coats that are silky and soft to touch. However, their hair can tangle easily and they normally shed all the time. Thus, long-haired cats need to be groomed more often than short-haired ones to make sure their coats are mat-free and knot-free. Popular examples of this type are Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Persian.
Curly-haired Cats
How to identify cat coat type that has curly fur? This kind of feline is very rare and great for you if you are looking for an unusual cat. Crimped fur is the result of a genetic mutation, which alters the hair structure. Curly-haired kitties can have short or long hair and different texture due to a different genetic mutation. It is only found in a few cat breeds such as Selkirk Rex, LaPerm, Devon Rex, and Cornish Rex.
