The undercoat of the cat (lower level) – What is it and how do you take care?

The fur is an ornament for pets. In addition to its aesthetic function, it also informs its health. An important part of the fur is the lower layer: the fine and soft hair. Most dogs and cats have it. The exceptions are, for example, the Krat cat, the Balinese cat or the Bombay cat and, between dogs, Yorkie, Majorca or Bulldog dog.

Hair is found only in mammals. There are two main layers of hair in the fur: these are protective hair and hair under the fur. They consist of guiding and Bavarian hair and, respectively, transient and soft hair. VIbissae (pointed hair on the face or nostrils of an animal) I am the fifth type of hair, they are sensory hair that do not belong to any of the above groups, they are a sensory organ. The species that have a dense undercoat require that they are taken care regularly to prevent the formation of ghosts.

How many hair types are there?

There are four main types of hair in cats and dogs. In addition to the basic layer, the external layer consists of protective hair, also called guide. They build the external layer of the fur. They are the longest, straight, fairly rigid, which narrow up to the end. They are the «first defense line» against humidity and temperature, both low and high (an excessive exposure to sunlight can be harmful to delicate skin). There are bone hair below them. They are shorter and thinner than the ground. Together I decide the color of the fur. All because of the pigment they contain. Rigid hairs are particularly important for thermoregulation. The transition hair combines the functions and characteristics of the previous types of hair and complete the hair.

Let’s not forget that there are breeds of dogs or cats that do not have all the elements of the bank. And what is the fifth type of hair found in fur? We cannot forget VIbrissae. These are sensory hair that constitute the organs of tactile sense. VIbrissae They are deeply rooted, rigid, very bloody and innervated. The thickest, which form the cat’s mustache, are found on the cheeks, but also the vibrisse are located above the eyes, on the bottom of the paw and on the lips.

What is the lower fur?

The lower fur is also known as soft hair. Under this term there is a short, wool and soft hair, which is located right next to the animal’s skin. The undercoat forms a sort of substrate for the external layer, called the upper layer. His most important tasks are the protection against humidity and heat insurance (thermal insulation function). What is the reason for the excellent capacity of the substrate to retain the heat? At first glance, straight hair looks like an wavy microscope. They form waves that keep the air inside, which is an excellent insulating material. The quantity of fluffy hair varies considerably throughout the year. In the spring there are an increase in falls: loss of the lower layer. In autumn, the amount of puffed hair increases again: the body is prepared for lower temperatures.

How is the lower layer of the fur?

In the online store there is a wide selection of fur care accessories. The tool must be selected according to the type of hair. The classic poodle brush can be used to comb the layer of lower hair. It is normally used to organize and smooth the fur. In addition, the accessories for tangle teezer are also suitable for removing the dead layer of lower hair, which also massage the skin.

As for the lower fur bath, regularity is important. Dogs and cats must be combed once a week and a little more often during the fur change period. Large breeds with abundant lower hair or long hair should be combed even more often. Why is it important to comb the lower fur layer? First for cleaning the house. If the fallen hair is not removed, they will be deposited on the floor, furniture and clothes and will give an unpleasant appearance. Secondly, the cat, for example, risks swallowing a lot of hair during daily hygiene routines. When they reach the digestive tract, they gather with hair swellings.

Olga Dąbska

Karolina łuszczyk

Photo: Canva.com