All cats have different fur types, and it’s essential to understand what makes one cat’s fur softer than another’s.
In general, though, cats’ fur tends to be soft and thin. Since they’re so gentle, you won’t necessarily notice any changes to their fur unless you examine it closely.
So, why are some cats fur softer than others?
Cat fur is composed of two layers: hair shafts and underfur.
Underfur is softer than hair shafts, so cats with thicker underfur tend to have softer fur than cats with thinner underfur. Furthermore, cats that produce thicker underfur tend to have thicker fur overall.
This is because fur grows from the follicles underneath the skin, and thick underfur makes the follicles thicker and grow thicker fur.
Finally, cats with thicker underfur tend to have thicker fur all over their body, including their tails and ears.
Since these body parts aren’t used for warmth, they don’t need to be as thick as the rest of their fur for warmth.
Why Are Some Cats Fur Softer Than Others?
Genetics
Ragdolls are well-known for having some of the softest coats in the entire world.
Their luxurious locks are the result of recessive genes which cause them to produce much finer hair than other breeds of cat.
Their genes also cause them to be less prone to shedding than other breeds of cat.
Continuous Baths
Some cats may not get regular baths. As a result, their hair may become matted and dirty over time. This can cause them to lose some of their natural softness as a result.
Grime is a normal issue for cats with dirty coats, but regular baths can help get rid of this.
While cats have naturally beautiful hair, their grooming habits may be less than desirable at times.
Bathing the cat to keep him or her clean can help prevent unwanted odor and health issues as a result.
As long as you do this and maintain a schedule, you should be able to keep your pet happy and healthy at all times.
Potential noises and/or motions that lead a cat to stress or fear during bath time should be avoided at all costs.
If at all possible, make the bathing process a stress-free event for the pet by enlisting the help of another person.
To Keep Your Skin Safe
It shields their skin from infection and bacteria while making the skin soft.
A cat’s fur may also assist them avoid becoming tangled in thorny bushes or tall grasses when out roaming the wilderness.
Grooming Schedule
Regardless of the cat’s genetics, regular brushing sessions can make a world of difference. Brushing not only keeps a kitty clean, but also helps to distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
Oils help to keep the skin and coat healthy while encouraging hair growth and reducing shedding at the same time.
A high-quality brush can cut down on shedding and make a cat’s coat soft and shiny in no time.
Regular brushing is especially important if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors or enjoys playing with other cats that shed fur frequently.
A cat with silky hair usually requires less grooming than a cat with a thick, double-coated fur, but it still needs to be brushed regularly to keep it healthy and tangle-free.
This is if they have spent too much of their lives without human contact and need to be socialized with people and other pets.
You should get on the cat’s level and start petting it gently while saying its name to get its attention.
Your Kitty Is Well-fed.
A silky and fluffy coat is a sign of good health in cats because well-nourished kitties have shiny coats and skin.
It’s because the health of their coat depends on their diet: they need more protein and more fat than cats with short hair or double coats, for example.
A badly fed cat, on the other hand, will have dull fur that can become matted quickly, as well as a poor appetite that’s often accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
This condition makes your cat more prone to illnesses such as fleas and parasites, and to skin infections caused by scratching too much.
If you want your cat to have a shiny and healthy coat, you need to feed it the right diet.
You may also seek the help of your veterinarian for supplements that will improve the quality of your kitty’s fur.
Should I Worry If My Cat’s Fur Isn’t Soft?
Overall, don’t be concerned if your cat’s fur isn’t soft to the touch – as long as it isn’t shedding excessively either.
Each cat breed has a unique coat texture that’s genetically determined. Your vet can tell you more about the breed of your kitty so you can understand its specific traits better.
However, if your cat’s silky hair is dull looking, dry and brittle, then it might be time to book an appointment with your vet just to be sure there’s no underlying health issue at play here.
Your cat may have an underlying health problem that’s causing the fur to be dry or dull looking.
The coat of a cat is kind of like hair on your head – it grows out constantly and needs to be taken care of in order to look its best.
To avoid additional damage to your kitty’s coat and skin, never use human shampoo on your feline friend.
Also Read: Why Is My Cat’s Fur So Soft?
Final Words
Genetics, grooming, and diet can all affect the overall appearance of a cat’s hair – including its softness – so try not to worry if your feline friend doesn’t fall into a specific category.
If all of this is in play, the cat will obviously be less likely to shed.
