Q about Siamese Coat

I have noticed that Simon's coat feels differently than my others, both long and short hair domestic.

So I thought I'd ask: is there a breed reason for this, or is it just because he's got great hair?

Best-
Michele

It's hard to tell, although it could just be genitics. I raise Persians and they all have different coats. Some are cottony, some never mat, some have more undercoat than others.

Most cats have two coats of fur; an undercoat, which is the downy fur close to the skin and a top coat, which is what you can see and feel on the surface. Siamese only have ONE coat; the top coat. When you take away that downy undercoat, the top coat can lie very flat and close to the skin and gives the feeling of being silky and softer than other cats.

I don't know anything about particular breeds, but my cats coats couldn't be more different.

Oliver is a beautiful gray & white tuxedo cat. His gray fur is not shiny, but it sparkles in the sunlight. I can actually see several different colors including purples and blues. His white fur is softer and shiny.

Tripod is a black/brown & white tabby cat. He has a very shiny, glossy coat. It is incredibly soft.

Molly, my mix, has the oddest fur, come to that, it's short, but tipped, it's so strange.. but the tipping leaves a sort of coarse texture to the hair..

Ghibli has the softest fur, semi-long with no undercoat.. it's like silk.

Originally Posted by gayef

Most cats have two coats of fur; an undercoat, which is the downy fur close to the skin and a top coat, which is what you can see and feel on the surface. Siamese only have ONE coat; the top coat. When you take away that downy undercoat, the top coat can lie very flat and close to the skin and gives the feeling of being silky and softer than other cats.

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Ah. I see. He really has a luxurious coat. His coloring is neat, too...like another poster says, it's not exactly shiny, rather it's sparkly in the right lighting.

I was just wondering. I thought I had read Siamese had only one coat somewhere, but thanks for confirming that.

BTW, because they only have one coat, do they get cold easier? (Silly, I know, but that's the next logical thought...)

Best-
Michele

Originally Posted by noni

BTW, because they only have one coat, do they get cold easier? (Silly, I know, but that's the next logical thought...)

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Yes, they do get cold more easily and they are also more prone to sunburn and skin cancer too. This is a part of the reason why most, if not ALL Siamese cat breeders require that their kittens be indoor-only pets ... it is only a small part of why though - of course the dangers of an outdoor environment are too numerous to mention here.

~gf~

Worry not, Simon (and all my cats) are indoor only.

I guess getting colder easier would account for his crawling between the blankets and snuggling between my legs when I sleep.

I have to get photos up of him...he's 6 1/2 months old now!

Best-
Michele

Hi Noni,

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. Bijou and Mika both feel like velvet. Their fur on their feet and legs actually looks velvety. We are always amazed when we pet them at how soft their fur is.