What Is the Difference Between Cat Hair and Fur?

As a cat owner, you might encounter the terms "cat hair" and "cat fur." Although they are often used interchangeably, do they actually mean different things?

All mammals have hair, which differs in appearance, feel, and purpose across species. For cats, what we often call fur is essentially just thick body hair. Calling it hair or fur is correct. 

However, it's the structure of your cat's hair—whether it's sensitive whiskers, protective guard hairs, a fluffy undercoat, or soft awn hairs—that matters, as it plays a crucial role in their overall health and comfort. Understanding these differences helps you better care for your cat and keep them happy and healthy.

Hair vs. Fur

All mammals have hair, whether they're humans, whales, pigs, elephants, cats, dogs, or monkeys. However, the hair's appearance, feel, and purpose vary depending on the species.

There are no real differences between hair and fur. Technically, the term fur is usually reserved for mammals with very thick body hair, while humans have sparse body hair, which is not typically called fur. In cats, you often see body hair called fur. For some "hairless" breeds, such as the sphynx, the short, downy stuff that is almost invisible is usually called "hair."

Terms like "hairballs" are to describe the fur cats swallow and then hack up, while people affectionately refer to their cats themselves as furballs or furkids.

Consider "cat hair" as an individual strand and "cat fur" as a collective. For instance, cat hair is what you find on your black sweater; there may be many, but they aren't massed together like fur on your cat. When grooming your cat, you might "comb its hair" or "brush its fur." 

Adding complexity, breeders often describe the overall appearance of a cat's fur as its coat. This term is used almost exclusively in breed standards, but "hair" is also mentioned, as in "longhair" or "shorthair" breeds or divisions.

Ultimately, it's correct to refer to the fluffy, fuzzy material covering your cat as hair, fur, or coat. Use whichever term you find most comfortable.

Types of Cat Hair and Coats

Like all hair, cat hair originates in the epidermis (under the skin), and the type of hair determines its structure. A muscle next to the root, just under the skin, is highly sensitive to temperature. In cold weather or when a cat is frightened or alarmed, this muscle contracts, causing the hair to stand straight up, creating the familiar "Halloween cat" look. Cats may have one to three types of hair in their coats, referred to as "double coat" or "triple coat," in addition to their distinctive whiskers, which are also hairs.

Whiskers (Vibrissae)

Whiskers are long, thick, tactile hairs extending from the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, above the eyes, and the outside of the lower legs on cats. They are extremely sensitive and help cats gauge openings and navigate in total darkness. Whiskers may also have scent-sensing abilities and play an important role in expressing cats' body language.

Guard Hairs

Guard hairs are the longer, stiffer hairs that extend beyond the "base coat" (awn hairs). These hairs usually determine a cat's basic color and help repel water, keeping a cat dry.

Undercoat

The undercoat, also called down, consists of softer, fluffier hair that provides warmth. It tends to mat if a cat is not groomed regularly. 

Awn Hairs

Awn hairs, which can vary based on the cat breed, usually form the basic coat. In some breeds, the finer awn hairs may be the same length as the guard hairs, while in others, such as the Manx, the guard hairs are longer.

Vellus

Vellus consists of sparse, baby-fine hairs, like those found on the sphynx cat. (Humans also have vellus on most body parts.) 

Curly Hair vs. Straight Hair

Like in humans, curly hair in cats has flattened shafts, while straight hair has round shafts.

Cat Hair and Allergies

The primary allergen in cats is a tiny protein particle found in their saliva, which they transfer to their hair while grooming. It then dries into microscopic flakes, known as dander. Long or thick cat hair retains more dander, leading to the misconception that the "hair" is the allergen. Dander can be found throughout the house—in the air, bedding, carpets, and drapes. Fortunately, allergies to cat dander can be controlled.