Why Are Cats So Soft?If you have a cat at home, you know there’s nothing like returning home and burying your entire face in their lovely fluffiness and silky furriness, especially the tummy area!
So, why are cats so soft?
The softness and silkiness of a cat’s fur are determined by the breed, genetics, kind of fur, and nutritional value of their diet. Your cat’s grooming habits, as well as their age, might influence how healthy and silky their coat is.
Read till the end to know why are cats so soft? Moreover, why are cats softer than dogs? Furthermore, Tips on How Can you Make your Cat’s Fur Soft and Shiny?
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Why Are Cats So Soft?
Being the wonderful creatures that they are, I’m sure our cats have a few beauty secrets up their furry sleeves when it comes to their fur. Our cat was ready to spill all the beans after a few treats, a long play session, and lots of cuddles. I’m here to share his silken wisdom!
1. They Have A Double Coat
The fact that your kitty’s fur contains more than one layer is the major reason it is so soft to the touch. Most cats have an undercoat, also known as down hair, that is considerably shorter and fluffier and helps keep them warm in the winter. You guessed it, there’s also an outer coat, sometimes known as guard hair because there’s an undercoat.
This layer contains the majority of the pigment and markings, and the hair is often rougher than the undercoat. It protects cats from UV radiation and repels water.
A third layer, known as awn hair, is also present. This layer is between the outer and undercoat layers. It aids the outer coat’s ability to protect the skin and repel water.
As well as the undercoat’s ability to keep the cat warm through a process known as thermoregulation. In which “your cat will move their hair follicles to either bring them closer together when they’re cold or further apart when they’re hot.”
During the winter, you may notice that your cat is unusually soft since the silky and fluffy undercoat is at its thickest. On the other side, as cats begin to shed in preparation for the hot summer months, their fur may become harsher and less fluffy.
2. It’s All in Their Genes
While our kitties’ layers of fur play a big part in why they’re so soft, we also have to consider their heredity. Some cats’ fur is inherently softer than others’, their undercoat is heavier since they’re used to living in colder climes, or they just inherited their parents’ softness.
Other cats, on the other hand, may have a shaggier and harsher coat. Which is perfectly OK; the rugged coat is merely a natural part of their personality. Certain varieties, like the Ragdoll Cat, are noted for their ultra-fluffy coat, as you can see in the video below.
The coat of the American Wirehair, on the other hand, is wiry, thick, firm, and bouncy. You should also examine the type of fur your cat has; longhaired cats are typically softer, whereas shorthaired cats are not always able to achieve the same level of fluffiness.
If you want to learn more about your cat’s heredity, a DNA or ancestry test is one option. It should tell you about your cat’s ancestors, which will help you figure out where they obtained their thick coat.
3. To Keep the Skin Safe
As I indicated at the outset, your cat’s fur is extremely important to their existence. It shields their skin from the sun and the cold, with the fluffier the better. A cat’s fur can also help them avoid being hooked in small situations, as each hair movement sends information via their skin, allowing them to navigate their flexible body.
Let’s not forget that a cat’s thicker coat protects him from scratches by acting as a barrier between him and whatever claw is going to get him.
While this protective role is beneficial to a cat’s survival in the face of predators, larger prey, or other cats. It is undoubtedly an aww factor for humans, increasing the desire to bury one’s face in glorious feline fluffiness!
4. Grooming
To have soft fur, one must not only be born with it but also maintain it, something cats are masters at.
If your cat’s fur is very soft, they likely spend a significant amount of time using only their tongue to detangle knots, remove debris, and distribute natural oils from their skin throughout their fur. If your cat’s fur appears messy, they may be neglecting their grooming responsibilities.
Many cat parents, including me, groom our cats once or twice a week. It removes dead hair that is clinging on for dear life and leaves the fur smooth and lustrous.
5. Good Nutrition
Genetics and grooming are two of the most important aspects of a cat’s beauty routine, but the food is equally important. The lack of nourishment in a cat’s diet shows up in their coat, which is dry, brittle, and full of hairs that break off and fall out frequently.
So, if you feed your cat a nutritious diet, you shouldn’t be surprised at how soft their fur is! Check out our guide to the best-tasting cat foods if you’re having difficulties choosing the proper food for your picky feline companion.
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Why Are Cats Softer Than Dogs?
While many people believe that cats and dogs have nothing in common, they do share an ancient connection. They’re both members of the Animalia kingdom, which means they have pups and kittens and breastfeed them until they’re old enough to eat different foods.
They also belong to the Mammalia order, which means they have fur on their bodies to keep them warm.
Cats and dogs, of course, have distinct coats. Dogs have an undercoat for insulation and a top coat to repel water and protect them from dirt. But unlike cats, they lack the middle layer of awn hair, and many dog breeds have extremely short undercoats or none at all.
When it comes to softness, the undercoat plays a big role, which is why cats are so fluffy. However, many dog breeds have a coarser topcoat, which is known as wire-haired. When the guard hairs on a dog’s coat are rough, they’re also less flexible, and they feel like a solid mass that’s difficult to move when you pet them.
These dogs aren’t particularly soft to the touch, regardless of whether they’re long or shorthaired.
Dogs are also outdoor pets who live an active existence in less-than-sanitary conditions, relying on their owners to clean up after them. Cats, on the other hand, spend hours brushing their fur and keeping it silky, and most cat breeds have fur that is easy to run your fingers through.
Of course, this does not rule out the possibility of finding a dog breed with comparably soft fur. These dogs are often longhaired, with fluffy exterior coats and woolly undercoats, such as the Samoyed, which is formed entirely of pure white softness.
The list goes on and on. Take, for example, the Pomeranians, who are noted for their plushy double coat.
How Can I Soften and Shine My Cat’s Fur?
A responsible cat owner can do three things to improve their cat’s coat. If you’re currently doing them, your kitty is probably already as silky as they can be. There are a few things you may focus on if you’re not sure what’s holding your cat from attaining his full soft potential.
1. Proper Nutrition
Investing in a high-quality diet is, of course, the best method to improve your cat’s coat and overall health. “Adding omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and zinc in combination promotes coat shine and lowers dry, flaky skin (dander),” according to veterinarians.
Dandruff, thin and discolored hair, and, of course, excessive shedding are all symptoms of a Linoleic acid deficiency. Biotin and B vitamins, in addition to Zinc, are essential for a healthy coat.
Aside from a healthy diet, various vitamins can help your cat’s coat. When it comes to adding additional healthy fatty acids to your cats’ diet. Nordic naturals are without a doubt my first choice. Of course, before altering your kitty’s food, visit your veterinarian to see if your cat requires supplements and, if so, which kind.
While good cat food is important, you should also make sure your cat is well hydrated if you want them to be healthy and have a soft coat.
That’s half a day’s worth of water right there.” Meanwhile, remember to keep their food and water bowls separate because cats will avoid drinking near a food source. Moreover, consider investing in a lovely water fountain that may make hydration fun.
2. Regular Grooming
As your cat grows older, caring for his or her fur will become increasingly your responsibility. Overweight cats often require assistance in reaching the back fur, which can become oily and matted.
Brushing requirements will vary depending on your cat’s fur. Since short-haired cats and long-haired cats have varied requirements, the latter requires frequent grooming to not only assist them to transform into a ball of soft fur. Moreover, it also prevents overall shedding.
3. A Healthy and Happy Environment
As previously discussed, the mood may have a significant impact on your cat’s coat, turning it from silky and lustrous to drab and ragged. According to feline specialists, if we want our cats to be happy, we must give them the appropriate surroundings.
Cats require nutritious food, plenty of water, and a clean litter box to begin with. But they also want to scratch posts to stretch their back muscles and trim their claws, as well as human attention and games.
Finally, regular vet visits are essential for your kitty’s health, contentment, and silky fur. So, if you notice that your cat’s fur is dull, patchy, or something doesn’t seem quite right, get advice from your veterinarian before making any changes to their nutrition, grooming routine, or environment.
That’s all it is! We’ve looked into why cats are such cuddly creatures, as well as which breeds are the actual kings of softness.
What we should take away from this is that all cats are different, and while we should feed them premium foods and look after them, we shouldn’t expect them to have the softest fur. But rather accept their fur as it is. Only in this way will they have a soft space in their hearts for us!
Tell us if your cat is gentle to the touch or if they are naturally hairy and ragged.