The Ultimate Cat Fur and Coat Guide for Cat Owners

As a fellow cat owner, you’ll know the joy of cuddling up with your feline companion, stroking their soft fur. But when cats age or if they are unwell, their fur can lose its lustre and become matted, greasy, and unkempt. That’s why I’m going to cover everything you need to know to keep your cat’s fur soft and luxurious well into their old age.

Understanding Cat Fur

Cat’s fur isn’t just for our enjoyment as owners. As much as we like stroking them, their fur is vital for their well-being. It insulates them against temperature changes, it provides protection for their skin against the sun’s rays, and it can help them communicate their emotions to both you and other cats.

Grooming plays an important part in keeping your cat’s coat healthy. It not only makes it look nice, but it also distributes natural oils across the coat, helps remove dirt and parasites, and prevents bacteria from causing skin infections.

Some cats can groom themselves with no additional help required, while others need some assistance from their owner. The amount of grooming your cat’s coat requires will vary depending on their age, whether they are a short- or long-haired breed, and their lifestyle. Grooming can also be a pleasant bonding experience for both the cat and the owner.

Alopecia in Cats

Alopecia refers to the partial or complete loss of fur. Rather than being a disease, alopecia refers to the symptom. There can be several causes for alopecia, including hormonal imbalance, overgrooming, bacterial or fungal skin infections, and autoimmune disorders.

If you notice that your cat is losing fur and has bald patches, you should take them to the vet immediately. One of my cats was frequently overgrooming to the point of having bald, red patches on his arms and chest where he had licked himself raw. 

Although the vet was unable to identify any allergies, he prescribed his steroid, and within a couple of weeks he had stopped overgrooming and his fur had returned to normal. 

How Long Does Cat Fur Take to Grow Back?

A cat’s fur grows in cycles and can take several weeks to fully regrow. If you’ve ever had to take your cat for surgery, you’ll know that the shaved patch takes a long time to fully regrow. For long-hair breeds, it can even take as long as a year to fully regrow their fur. 

However, if the initial hair loss is a result of injury or infection, there is a possibility that the area will never fully regrow. Infections or injuries like burns can damage the underlying hair follicles and prevent new hair from growing. If your cat ends up with a permanent bald spot on them, this area will be at greater risk of skin cancer from direct sun exposure. If this is the case for your cat, you should buy some cat sunscreen and apply it before letting your cat outdoors in the summer. 

Proper grooming techniques 

Grooming is an essential aspect of caring for your cat. Here are the steps I recommend when grooming your cat. 

1. Have the right tools 
   Start by gathering all the items you will need to groom your cat. A cat brush, a flea comb, and cat shampoo (if you are also bathing your cat). 

2. Create a relaxing environment 
   The best time to groom your cat is when it is already relaxed. I keep a box with the cat grooming tools next to my favourite chair so that when I’m sitting there and one of my cats comes and sits on my lap, I can reach over and get them without disturbing the cat. If your cat is relaxed and purring, they are more likely to let you groom them than if they are excited or nervous. 

3. Brushing 
   Start by gently brushing your cat’s fur to remove loose fur as well as any dirt or debris that may be trapped in their fur. Removing loose fur for your cat instead of letting them do it can help reduce the chance of your cat developing hairballs. Always brush in the direction of your cat’s hair growth and pay special attention to any areas prone to matting, such as the back of their neck and under the arms. 

4. Bathing (if necessary) 
   Cats rarely require baths unless they have come into contact with a sticky substance or they have a skin condition. If you do need to bathe your cat, use lukewarm water and a mild, cat-friendly shampoo. 

5. Positive Reinforcement 
   During and after the grooming treatment, offer praise, strokes, treats, and lots of love to your cat. Grooming (and particularly bathing) can be more stressful for some cats than others, and you want to reinforce the idea that this isn’t something to be scared of. 

Dietary considerations for maintaining healthy fur in cats 

Your cat’s diet can affect the quality of its coat. Here are some tips for dietary changes that can help to improve your cat’s coat. 

• Protein 
  Protein from meat provides your cat with essential amino acids that are necessary for their skin and fur health. 
• Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty acids 
  Fish oil capsules can help provide the fatty acids your cat needs to maintain a healthy coat. I sometimes cut open a capsule of cod liver oil and mix it into my cats’ food. This will also help with their eyes and their general health. 
• Hydration 
  Water is vital for maintaining a healthy coat. If your cat eats wet food, it is probably getting enough hydration, but if your cat is eating only dry food, you should provide additional water in a bowl for it to drink when it is thirsty. 
• Limit Treats and Keep Weight Under Control 
  When cats are overweight, it is harder for them to groom themselves. Keeping your cat at a reasonable weight will help it keep its coat in good condition as well as help with its overall health. 

Common Fur Issues in Cats 

There are several things that can be wrong with your cat’s fur. These are some of the most common cat coat issues and what might be causing them. Always consult with your vet first before attempting any treatment yourself. 

• Cat pulling its fur out or overgrooming 
  This can be caused by stress (known as psychogenic alopecia) but can also be indicative of an underlying skin condition or allergy. 
• Cat fur looks separated or lumpy 
  Cats’ hair appearing separated or “tufty” can indicate a lack of grooming. This can also be caused by stress but also by underlying conditions like ringworm. Older cats will often groom themselves less, so you may need to step in and help them groom if they are unable to do it themselves. 

Final Thoughts: How To Keep Your Cat’s Fur Healthy

I’ve covered some of the most common issues that cats have with their fur, the importance of healthy fur, and how you, as a cat owner, can help your cat maintain its coat. 

Hopefully, you are now better equipped to look after your cat. I also have other blogs on how to properly groom your cat and other blogs about improving your cat’s nutrition. These may also be useful if you are looking to improve your cat’s fur and overall health. 

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your cat’s diet, medication, or lifestyle.