How to grow my cat’s hair?

A shiny hair is the goal of any cat caregiver, as it is a guarantee of the well-being and health of our cat. A mantle in excellent condition protects our cat and is the reflection of good health.

But, sometimes, this coat can have a bad appearance, generalized hair faults or in certain areas or a slow growth. In this article we are going to deal with this last situation, when the hair does not grow, to explain the reasons for this lack. In addition, we will offer information about cHow to grow my cat’s hair.

The importance of an optimal coat

Although hair may seem a minor issue in and for the health of our cat, the fact is that the mantle fulfills a series of important functions, so it is essential to keep it in good condition. These functions are the following:

• Thermal insulation: the coat protects our cat from high and low temperatures, as well as from the sun’s rays that could burn them.
• Mechanical insulation: the hair is a first barrier to avoid damages such as wounds, scratches, bites or bites.
• Communication: the hair of cats is part of their body language. For example, a cat about to attack will bristle the hairs on its back to look bigger and thus impress its enemy.
• Sense of touch: the hair is also involved in this sense, being for the cat a very valuable source of information of the environment.

As we see, the importance of hair is indisputable, hence the need for good care and concern that the mantle is damaged or does not grow. In the following sections we will see how to grow a cat’s hair.

The hair cycle

The hair goes through several phases during its growth, Which are the following:

• Anagen phase: is the phase in which the hair grows quickly.
• Catagen phase: it is a transition phase in which the hair stops growing.
• Telogen phase: it is a phase in which the hair falls (changes). When the new hair pushes the old one, the cycle begins again.

Cats usually experience a couple of hair falls per year, which we know by the name of “changes“Although living in the interior may not be as intense or we only identify it once a year. Spring and autumn are often the critical moments for hair. Its renovation takes place in mosaic, that is to say, in a gradual way, so that no hairless areas remain.

Occasionally, in cats subjected to high stress (whatever the cause) occurs what is called “telogen effluvium“, Which is a disorder in which the anagen phase does not start, the hair cycle being interrupted in the telogen phase. When the cause of stress disappears, new hair is formed again and all that was in telogen phase is eliminated. The result is a generalized alopecia that does not require treatment, just wait for the hair to grow back.

How long does it take to grow a cat’s hair?

The answer is not exact, since different factors intervene in the growth, but the mantle can be expected to return to its usual length in several weeks and even months. Sometimes the absence of hair is produced by shaving to practice veterinary interventions such as surgery, the placement of a line in a vein or a blood draw. We will see in the next section how to grow a cat’s hair.

Hair growth

The information that we will share below is not a magic formula for growth, but are recommendations to encourage this growth occurs and, in addition, hair look healthy. If, however, the hair still does not grow, we should consult with our veterinarian, since we could be facing a systemic disease. The basis for growing our cat’s hair will be in the cat’s diet, so we will have to pay special attention to the following nutrients:

• Proteins: they participate in the growth and structure of the hair. A very slow growth can be explained by an insufficient supply of proteins. That is why the amount we offer to our cat is very important, but, much more, its quality, since its bioavailability will depend on it, that is, the ease with which the organism can take advantage of them. In addition, the proteins we supply must have amino acids that are essential for hair growth, such as lysine.
• Minerals: highlights zinc, which intervenes in the growth of hair and its deficiency, among other symptoms, causes a delay in this growth and even its loss in some areas.

In addition, other nutrients are necessary to avoid hair and skin problems, such as:

• Vitamins: there are many necessary for a good appearance of both the skin and hair and its deficiency is causing alopecia, baldness, infections, etc.
• Essential fatty acids: they highlight the Omega 3 and the Omega 6, that the cat will not be able to synthesize by itself.

A deficiency of these nutrients can be produced by a diet not adapted to the needs of the cat or, with a correct diet, by a problem in the use of these nutrients.

The basics for an 10 hair

Recapitulating, how to grow a cat’s hair and keep it in optimal condition is based on the following aspects, which will serve as prevention:

• Stress management, which can avoid telogen effluvium as well as other dermatological problems. Stress affects the immune system, lowers the defenses and this can cause the conditions.
• The brushing of the cat helps to eliminate dead hair, which facilitates its renewal, especially during moulting.
• An adequate diet to the needs of the cat and quality, to ensure proper nutrition of the skin and hair.
• Deworming is essential, because the attack of parasites can cause injuries and alopecias that can be prevented using the best deworming products.
• We must go to the vet to any suspicious signs that concern the skin or hair. Regular veterinary reviews will help detect diseases in the early stages, which will make it easier to stop them and thus avoid, as far as possible, the loss of large extensions of hair.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to grow my cat’s hair?, we recommend that you enter in our Beauty Tips section.