Expert: Norman Auspitz - 12/10/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello
I adopted a male orange tabby kitten who is now approximately 19 weeks old. His mother, I think was a white angora cat.  I noticed that his fur texture has changed from a coat that was quite fluffy -medium length (appeared to have an undercoat)to short haired around his neck and medium length (with no undercoat)on his body.

My question, will this become his adult coat or is his coat still maturing?  

Any light you can shed (pun intended) on this would be helpfull.
Thanks
Sandra

ANSWER: Sandra,

It might be helpful to have a picture, but adult coat usually does not come in until around 8 months to a year of age. Meanwhile, kitten coat can go through a number of changes as the various coats come in. Cats have 4 kinds of coat: undercoat, awn coat, guard hairs, and vibrissae(whiskers). The undercoat helps to insulate the cat from the temperature.  The awn coat is the major coat, and the guard hairs help protect the cat from rain & snow.

Most longhaired cats in the feral population are "semi-longhairs" wherein the coat is often shorter around the shoulders and gets longer as you go down from the shoulders and back from the shoulders.

Without a picture it is hard to see what we are talking about.

Best regards... Norm.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Norm,
Thank you so much for your email. I really appreciate the information - it is very informative. I wasn't aware that cats actually have 4 coats. I hope you don't mind, however, I have as per your email attached a current picture of Copper. I hope that you will be able to see his fur. Any additionally comment(s) are much appreciated.

Additionally, one thing that is interesting about Copper (and different from any other cat, that I have owned) is that his appearance has 'changed' or rather continually changes, perhaps, that sounds strange, however, I have many photos of him and honestly, you would think you were looking at a different kitten/cat. He is definetly, camellion-like in his appearance. Your comments are appreciated.  

Norm, once again, thanks for your time and expertise!

All the best,

Sandra

Answer
Sandra,

This will continue until he is about 18-24 months. I would guess that by then he will be about as long as he is going to get.  He should then begin to bulk up a bit until he is between 3 and 5 years of age.  There is so much genetic diversity in the feral population, it is hard to be sure exactly how any of the adopted cats will develop.

My best guess is that he has many traits of the Maine Coon breed.

He sure is a handsome looking fellow and I expect he will be continue to be gorgeous as he continues to grow and develop.

Seasonal regards... Norm.