Cat Coat Calculator
Predict your cat’s coat type, pattern and care needs
Parent 1 Coat
Parent 2 Coat
Cat Coat Types Explained
A cat’s coat is determined by genetics — specifically genes controlling hair length, texture and curl. Our cat coat calculator gives a simplified prediction of kitten coat types based on parents, along with grooming guidance for each coat type.
Cat Coat Types & Grooming Guide
| Coat Type | Brushing Frequency | Shedding Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | Weekly | Low-moderate | Siamese, Burmese |
| Medium | 2-3x per week | Moderate | Maine Coon (young) |
| Long | Daily | High | Persian, Ragdoll |
| Curly/Rex | Twice weekly (gentle) | Very low | Devon Rex, Cornish Rex |
| Hairless | Weekly skin wipe | None | Sphynx, Peterbald |
The Genetics Behind Cat Coat Length
Coat length in cats is primarily controlled by the FGF5 gene. Long hair is a recessive trait — both parents must carry the long-hair allele for kittens to have long coats. A short-haired cat can carry the long-hair gene without expressing it, which is why two short-haired parents can sometimes produce long-haired kittens.
For coat colour prediction, visit our cat genetics calculator.
FAQs
Can two short-haired cats have a long-haired kitten?
Yes! If both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene, there is a 25% chance each kitten will have a long coat. This is why mixed-breed cats often surprise their owners with unexpected coat lengths.
Do long-haired cats shed more?
Long-haired cats shed individual hairs just as often as short-haired cats, but the hairs are longer and more visible. Daily brushing prevents matting and reduces the amount of hair on furniture.
Conclusion
Use our cat coat calculator to predict kitten coat types and get a tailored grooming guide. For complete cat care, combine it with our cat calorie calculator and cat age guide.
What coat type does your cat have? Share in the comments!