What do cats do with their fur? - briefly
Cats groom their fur to keep it clean, remove loose hair, and regulate body temperature, while also distributing natural oils for skin health.
What do cats do with their fur? - in detail
Cats interact with their fur in various ways, primarily through grooming, which is essential for their health and well-being. Grooming involves licking their fur to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, ensuring cleanliness and preventing mats or tangles. This self-cleaning behavior also helps distribute natural oils produced by their skin, which keeps their coat shiny, waterproof, and insulated. Additionally, grooming helps regulate body temperature by spreading saliva over their fur, which evaporates and cools them down in warm weather. In colder climates, their fur acts as an insulating layer, trapping body heat to keep them warm. Cats also use their fur as a form of communication; for instance, when they puff up their fur, it signals fear, aggression, or an attempt to appear larger to deter threats. Shedding is another natural process where cats lose old or damaged hair to make way for new growth, often influenced by seasonal changes. Furthermore, cats may groom themselves or others as a social bonding activity, reinforcing relationships within their group. Overall, their fur serves as a multifunctional tool for hygiene, temperature regulation, protection, and social interaction.