You’ve decided to get a cat, congrats! Whether male or female, your new furry friend will give you a lot of joy. Now, here’s the next question: Short hair or long hair? If you decide to choose a long haired cat, here are some tips about how to best deal with all that fur.
History
According to the Cat Fancier’s Association, Angora cats were the first long haired variety seen in Europe in the 1500’s. Following that, Persians and Angora cats were crossbred to develop another breed of long haired cat. Are you wondering what makes fur long as opposed to short? It’s a recessive gene. Both parents have to have that long-haired gene for their offspring to also have long Hair.
Personality
The difference between a long haired cat and a short haired cat is simply fur. It doesn’t matter what kind of fur your cat has –- her personality will be the same no matter what.
Grooming
This is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to cat fur. Some cats have double coats and even triple coats when it comes to the downey undercoat. Long haired cats require extra grooming and combing, which means you’re going to be doing more work. If you have an ultra long haired cat, you will want to do a vigorous combing with a firm wire brush 3 to 4 times a week to keep that fur from matting. Something else you’re going to want to consider when it comes to long haired cats is called a “vanity cut” in the hindquarters. Why? This will help prevent feces from becoming stuck in the long hair.
Allergies
If you’re someone who has allergies to pet dander, a long haired cat may not be a great choice for you. Long hair contains more dander and, therefore, a higher incidence of allergies and allergic reaction. One way to reduce an allergic reaction to a long haired cat is to combine a HEPA air filter with keeping your cat off your bed. Use a damp cloth to remove dander and wash your hands frequently.
Basically…
The best way to make a decision about whether you’re going to get a short haired or long haired cat is to follow your heart. Check the local animal shelters in your town to see if you can find one that speaks to you.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
