Cat Coat Types: A Guide to Feline Fur Varieties

Until comparatively recently, cats were commonly known to have just two coat types: short-haired and long-haired. This observation still holds true for many ordinary pet cats, often described simply as Domestic Shorthaired Cats or Domestic Longhaired Cats. However, over the last half-century, the proliferation of different cat breeds has dramatically increased the diversity of feline coat types, each requiring specific care. Understanding these coat varieties can help prospective and current cat owners provide the best grooming and care for their feline companions.

Short Haired Cats

Short haired cats remain the most common and familiar among pet owners. Their coats are generally smooth, sleek, and manageable, allowing most cats to maintain themselves with natural grooming habits. However, some short haired cats exhibit a thicker, plush coat that benefits from regular owner grooming to prevent mats and knots. A good example is the Russian Blue, which may develop a dense undercoat requiring weekly brushing to keep it in top condition. Neglecting grooming in these cases can lead to matting, a problem typically associated with longer coats.

Long Haired Cats

Cats with longer fur than the typical short coat are often described as Domestic Longhairs in non-pedigree cats, but among pedigrees, the term usually denotes Persian cats. Other long-haired breeds are classified as semi-longhaired. These cats have luxuriant, flowing coats which require consistent grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Whereas a longhaired moggie might be fine with a weekly grooming session, Persian cats need intense daily brushing, sometimes twice a day. Owning a Persian is a significant time commitment; failure to manage their coat often leads to rehoming due to the challenges involved in their upkeep.

Semi-Longhaired Cats

Semi-longhaired cats include breeds such as the Maine Coon, Birman, Somali, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Ragamuffin. Their fur length lies between short and Persian longhairs, with a different texture that is not as prone to heavy matting. Owners who are fond of the longhaired look but have limited time for grooming often prefer these breeds. Semi-longhaired cats usually need grooming from every few days up to weekly, depending on their individual coat type and breed characteristics.

Rex Cats – Cats With Curly or Wavy Hair

Rex cats have a distinctive curly or wavy fur resembling a perm. Several Rex varieties exist, typically due to a recessive mutant gene responsible for the unique coat texture. Popular breeds include the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Selkirk Rex. Other Rex variations have come and gone historically, with at least 17 different Rex types recorded over the decades.

• 1946: Curly-coated German Rex discovered post-WWII (no longer preserved).
• 1950: Italian Rex (vanished after one generation).
• 1950: Wavy-coated Cornish Rex, bred in Cornwall, UK.
• 1953: Ohio Rex (not developed as a breed).
• 1959: Oregon and California Rex cats (with limited impact).
• 1960: Devon Rex from Devon, UK, distinct genetic lineage from Cornish Rex.
• 1972: Victoria Rex from London.
• 1985: Dutch Rex with coarse waves.
• 1987: Selkirk Rex discovered in Wyoming with a thicker curly coat.
• 1988 onwards: Rex characteristics reported in Maine Coons and new crosses creating Longhair Rex and Poodle Cat in the US.

Most Rex cats are low maintenance in terms of grooming except the longer-haired Selkirk Rex, which requires occasional brushing. However, some Rex cats have very sparse fur and need protection from cold weather indoors.

Sphynx Cats – Cats With No Fur

The Sphynx is the most well-known hairless breed, appearing nearly naked but actually covered with a fine, velvet-like down. Originating in Britain in the 1960s from a natural mutation, they have since been bred as an official breed. Sphynx cats do not require traditional grooming but benefit from regular baths to manage skin greasiness. Protection from cold and sunburn is essential due to their lack of insulating fur.

Why Knowing Cat Coat Types Matters

Understanding the different cat coat types helps owners anticipate the grooming commitment required and ensures their cat’s coat remains healthy and comfortable. Additionally, coat length and texture can influence allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some allergic cat lovers find certain coat types like Rex breeds or hairless cats more tolerable, though this can vary. Choosing the right cat breed and coat type is crucial for both animal welfare and owner satisfaction.

For those interested in finding a cat with a particular coat, it is wise to seek out reputable breeders who prioritise responsible breeding practices and the health of their cats. This ensures a well-socialised and healthy pet and supports ethical cat breeding standards.