Feline Types of Hair

The coat length and texture of felines, especially domestic cats, are determined by a combination of genetics, evolution, and selective breeding. Let's dive into how genetics play a role in determining a cat's coat and then discuss how different breeds have been developed with distinct coat types.

1. Genetics of Coat Length

The genetics behind coat length in cats is based primarily on a couple of key genes.

• FGF5 Gene: The primary gene that determines coat length in cats is FGF5. Cats with long hair have a mutation in this gene. The short hair (or short coat) allele is dominant, while the long hair allele is recessive.      This means that:

  • Two short-haired cats can produce a long-haired kitten if they both carry the recessive gene.

  • Two long-haired cats will always produce long-haired kittens.

2. Genetics of Coat Texture

Coat texture, on the other hand, is a bit more complex and is likely controlled by multiple genes. Some examples include:

• Rex Coats: Some cat breeds have curly or wavy hair due to mutations that affect the structure of the hair shaft. Examples include the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex, which have mutations in different genes giving them their distinct curly coats.

• Wirehair: The American Wirehair breed has a coarse, springy coat due to a spontaneous mutation that affects the texture of the hair.

3. Specific Breeds and Their Coats

Different cat breeds have been developed over time through selective breeding, leading to a variety of coat lengths and textures.

• Short-haired breeds: These include the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Bengal, and Siamese, among others. Their short coat is sleek and lies close to the body.

• Long-haired breeds: Breeds like the Maine Coon, Persian, and Ragdoll have long, flowing coats. Often, these coats can be prone to tangling or matting and require regular grooming.

• Hairless breeds: The Sphynx cat is the most well-known hairless breed. Though they appear hairless, they actually have a fine layer of peach-fuzz-like hair covering their body. The gene responsible for this is a hereditary mutation and is recessive.

• Special textured coats: As mentioned, the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex have curly coats, while the Selkirk Rex has a coat that is both curly and long.

4. Evolution and Environment

It's worth noting that the original variations in coat length and texture that appeared in cat populations were likely due to natural mutations. Over time, these mutations may have provided certain advantages or disadvantages in specific environments. For example, a long, dense coat might be beneficial in colder climates, offering better insulation against the cold.

5. Selective Breeding

Once humans began selectively breeding cats for specific traits, including coat length and texture, these genetic variations became more pronounced. Breeders would select cats with the most desirable coat features to produce offspring, leading to the wide range of coat types seen in different breeds today.

A feline's coat length and texture are a fascinating blend of genetics, evolutionary adaptation, and human intervention through selective breeding. The diverse range of coat types across different cat breeds is a testament to the rich genetic tapestry of the domestic cat.

Different types of felines coat(s)

1. Curly Hair

   • Origin: Curly hair in cats arises from specific genetic mutations that affect the structure and growth of the hair shaft.

   • Texture and Appearance: The hair is typically wavy or curly, with curls that can range from tight ringlets to loose waves.

   • Examples: While the term "curly hair" isn't a specific breed, it describes the texture found in breeds like the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, though they have different genetic origins for their curly coats.

2. Wirehair

   • Origin: The wirehair mutation in cats is a spontaneous genetic mutation that affects the texture of the hair.

   • Texture and Appearance: The hair of wirehaired cats is coarse, springy, and dense. It can stand out from the body, giving the cat a somewhat "crimped" appearance. The whiskers are often curly or kinked.

   • Examples: The American Wirehair is the most well-known breed with this type of coat. This breed originated from a spontaneous mutation in a litter of kittens born in New York in the 1960s.

3. Rex Coats

   • Origin: "Rex" is a term often used in animal genetics to describe a curly coat. Different rex mutations have appeared spontaneously in various cat populations.

   • Texture and Appearance: Rex coats are soft and curly. However, the type of curl and the part of the hair affected can vary.

     • Cornish Rex: This breed has a mutation that affects the middle layer of the hair (the cortex). Their coat is very soft and wavy, often described as feeling like crushed velvet.

     • Devon Rex: This breed's mutation affects the outer protective layer of the hair (the cuticle). Their hair is short and curly, and they have a softer, looser curl than the Cornish Rex.

     • Selkirk Rex: This breed can have both long and short hair, but the defining feature is the curly hair, which is thicker and plusher than that of the Cornish or Devon Rex.

   • Examples: As mentioned above, the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex are primary examples of rex-coated breeds.

4. Longhair

   • Origin: The longhair trait in cats is due to a recessive genetic mutation in the FGF5 gene. This mutation reduces the active phase of hair growth, resulting in longer hairs.

   • Texture and Appearance: Longhaired cats have long, flowing fur that covers their entire body. The texture can vary from silky to dense and fluffy. Many longhaired breeds also have a pronounced ruff around the neck, tufts of hair in the ears, and bushy tails.

   • Maintenance: Longhaired breeds usually require more grooming than shorthaired breeds to prevent matting and tangling.

   • Examples: Breeds like the Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, and Siberian are classic examples of longhaired cats.

Each of these coat types offers a unique tactile experience and aesthetic, which can influence the preference of potential cat owners. The variety is a testament to the intricate play of genetics and the impact of selective breeding in the world of domestic cats.

5. Short-haired Cats:

Origin: Short hair is the dominant trait in cats. It's the "default" coat length that has existed in wild populations for millennia.

Texture and Appearance:

1. • Coat: Short-haired cats have a coat that lies close to the body. The hairs are short, as the name suggests, usually only a couple of centimeters in length.

   • Density: While the hair is short, the density can vary among breeds. Some short-haired cats have dense, plush coats, while others might have a sleeker, thinner coat.

   • Feel: When you pet a short-haired cat, the fur feels smooth and provides an even tactile sensation.

Examples: Breeds like the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Siamese, and Bengal are examples of short-haired cats.

Maintenance: Generally, short-haired cats require less grooming than longhaired cats. However, they still shed, and regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose fur and promote a healthy skin and coat.

6. Hairless (Bald) Cats:

Origin: The hairless trait in cats is a result of a genetic mutation. It's not the natural state for felines, but has been perpetuated through selective breeding.

Texture and Appearance:

1. • Coat: Hairless cats aren't truly "bald." They typically have a fine layer of downy fuzz covering their bodies. This gives them a soft, suede-like texture when touched.

   • Warmth: Despite the lack of a full coat, these cats often feel warm to the touch because there's no fur insulating their body heat from your hand.

   • Skin: Without the protection of a full coat, the skin of hairless cats can be more susceptible to sunburn, cold, and injury.

Examples: The Sphynx is the most well-known hairless breed. Another less common hairless breed is the Donskoy.

Maintenance: While you might assume hairless cats require less grooming because they don't have a full coat, they actually have their own unique grooming needs:

1. • Bathing: They often require regular baths to remove the buildup of body oils, as they don't have fur to absorb and distribute these oils.

   • Sun Protection: If they're exposed to direct sunlight, they may need sun protection to avoid sunburn.

   • Warmth: In colder environments, hairless cats might require clothing or a warm place to rest to keep them comfortable.

While short-haired cats and hairless cats both might seem like low-maintenance choices in terms of grooming, they each have their unique characteristics and care requirements. The main distinction is the presence of a noticeable fur coat in short-haired cats versus the nearly naked appearance and unique skin care needs of hairless cats.