Since their birth, cats have hair on them – unless they belong to a hairless breed such as the Sphynx. But, with time, this hair might fall either due to natural reasons or due to the personal preference of their human parents, such as for preparing for an operation or shaving to get rid of matted and tangled fur.
Regardless of the reason, cat lovers are eager to see the fluff grow back on their feline pals as soon as possible. It simply makes them more like a pet – a hairy and adorable creature everyone wants to fondle. But how long does cat hair take to grow back? Well, hold your horses – it does not take too long!
How Long Does Cat Hair Take to Grow Back?
There is no rule of thumb for it. On average, shorthaired cats take around 12 weeks to grow their hair back, while longhaired cats may take as long as 6 months to have their hair fully grown.
Just as in the case of human beings, cats’ hair growth rate also differs from cat to cat: some cats may grow hair quickly while others might not have it that simple. Nevertheless, the main factors that decide this rate are a cat’s health, breed, length of the coat, and how short the hair has been cut.
How to Make Cat Hair Grow Back Faster?
If you are crazy for longhaired fluffy cats, you will be anxiously waiting for your fluffball to grow its hair back. Fortunately, some ways can speed up the growth of your cat’s fur.
They are:
E-Collars
When new hair starts growing, it can cause itchiness which can lead to the cat biting the area of growth. Doing so, however, is not good for the hair trying to grow back. As a result, certain small hairless patches will appear over her body. This is where e-collars come to the rescue: while cats may not like to wear them, they can prevent excessive grooming and, thus, ensure proper hair growth.
Calming Products
Calming products offer a great way to keep a nervous cat happy. When a cat is anxious, it may end up overgrooming her body which is not suitable for hair growth. Nevertheless, if you go for edible calming products such as cat treats, make sure not to feed too much, or you might risk your cat gaining excessive weight.
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Supplements
Feline food supplements are specially designed for cats by adding nutrients that are beneficial for their overall health. Such products also contain ingredients like omega fatty acids that are good for coat health. Using them, hence, can contribute to hair growth besides maintaining the neat and clean look of the coat.
Regular Bathing and Brushing
Regular grooming of your cat’s fur can keep different parasites at bay and keep the coat healthy, thus avoiding unnecessary hair loss. It is, hence, recommended to brush your cat at least once a week. You should bathe your cat once every month, but if your cat is afraid of water, you can slightly decrease the bathing frequency.
What Can Hinder Cat Hair From Growing Back?
Your cat might not grow her hair back due to the following reasons:
Allergies
Both environmental and food allergies can cause alopecia in cats. Even seemingly benign allergies like pollen or dust, for instance, can cause significant hair loss.
Dermatophytosis (Ringworms)
It is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin. Generally, the face, ears, and other extremities are the most affected areas. Ringworms cause itchiness to cats, and they might end up licking the area too much, causing the fur to fall off. Moreover, the fungal infection itself can also make it difficult for the hair to grow.
Fleas and Ticks
As in the case of ringworms, fleas and ticks can also hinder hair growth due to itchiness and resultant excessive grooming. You can either try home remedies to get rid of cat fleas, or you could get your vet to prescribe some flea-repellent or flea-killing products.
High Body Temperature
If the body temperature in cats gets higher than normal, i.e., 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they may start losing their fur. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the temperature of your home if you own a pet cat.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances are commonly the culprits behind hair loss in cats. For example, a high steroid level in cats can damage their hair follicles, leading to the inability to grow new hair.
Immune Diseases
Immune diseases can weaken a cat’s body. Eventually, the coat also starts losing its strength, and hairless patches appear over it. One of the most devastating cat immunity diseases is Feline Immune Virus (FIV).
Scabies
It is a common health issue in domestic cats that is caused by mites. It can cause coat shedding from different areas and restriction of new hair growth.
Shedding
Molting occurs in cats during different times in the year to lose excess fur and keep them cool in hot weather. However, as the season changes, the hair should grow back. If it does not happen, there might be some medical reason behind it requiring vet attention. Also, note that shedding occurs in a consistent manner all over the body. Therefore, if you find your cat’s coat to be thinner only in certain areas, it is a sign of concern.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can lead to excessive grooming in cats, eventually causing hair loss. Besides grooming with a tongue, a cat may also scratch different body areas with her claws.
Should You Shave Your Cat’s Hair?
Though the cat hair growth rate does not change, and neither is it cruel to shave a cat. However, generally, it is not recommended unless it is an absolute necessity, such as due to skin disease or as preparation for surgery. The reasons why you should avoid shaving your furry pal are listed below:
- Unlike dogs, cats do not like to be shaved. They may come under stress and eventually have mood swings. Showing an aggressive demeanor is also a possibility.
- Shaving can expose the skin to harmful sun rays, which can cause heatstroke or, in the worst-case scenario, skin cancer.
- Cat skin is fragile, and the close contact between it and the shaving machine can increase the risk of injuries.
However, note that, unlike shaving, clipping can be a better choice. It is easy and devoid of the harmful effects associated with shaving. It is, nonetheless, advisable to seek the help of professional cat groomers. On the other hand, if you still choose to groom your cat yourself, always use a comb because it will act as a barrier between the skin and the scissor, thus reducing the chances of injuries.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does Cat Hair Take to Grow Back?
In general, cats with short hair take up to three months, while those with long hair take up to six months before their hair is fully regrown. Although it depends upon various factors, health problems can decrease the hair growth rate significantly. Fortunately, however, if you want your kitty to be hair-packed all the time, there exist ways to counter those issues and boost hair growth.