In brief
THE medium cat approximately 60,000 hairs per square inch on the back and 120,000 hairs per square inch on its underside, totaling between 15 million and 20 million individual hairs for a typical 7 pound cat. The number of hairs varies depending on breed and coat type.
Cat Hair Density
- Average number of hairs: A typical 7-pound female tabby cat has between 15 million and 20 million individual hairs
- Hair density: The cats are approximately 60,000 hairs per square inch on the back and 120,000 hairs per square inch on their underside
- Breed variations: The exact number of hairs may vary depending on the breed and coat type of the cat.
Factors Affecting Hair Count
Coat Length
- Long-haired breeds: Cats like Maine Coons and Ragdolls have long, dense fur due to mutations in FGF5 gene
- Short-haired breeds: Breeds like the Siamese and the Russian Blue have short, thin coats
- Hairless breeds: Some breeds, such as the Sphynx, do not have a coat due to mutations in the KRT71 gene
Seasonal changes
- Loss Patterns: Many cats experience heavier shedding during spring and autumnwhich can affect their overall hair count
- Winter coat: Some breeds, like Siberians, have a thicker undercoat during cold months
Hair growth and maintenance
- Grooming frequency: Short-haired cats need to be brushed at least once a weekwhile long-haired cats need daily grooming
- Professional grooming: Medium and long-haired cats may require professional grooming for up to four times a year
- Bathing: Most cats do not need frequent bathing, as this can strip their skin of natural oils
Health Issues Affecting Hair Density
- Alopecia: Various health problems can lead to partial or complete hair loss in cats
- Psychogenic alopecia: Some cats may experience hair loss due to excessive grooming caused by stress or anxiety.