# Will My Kitten Have Long or Short Hair? Kitten coat length comes down to genetics, and you can often get a good guess by looking at the parents and watching early coat traits. If both parents are shorthaired, your kitten will almost certainly be shorthaired, but two shorthaired carriers can still produce a longhaired kitten. Learning how to tell if my kitten will have long hair is mostly about reading the clues in the family tree and the first few months of growth. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Coat length is controlled mainly by recessive mutations in the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene, so a kitten needs two copies of a longhair variant to grow a long coat [1]. - Look at both parents first. If either parent is longhaired, your kitten has a real chance of being longhaired too. - Watch the tail, ear tufts, and neck ruff between 8 and 12 weeks. These areas often show the first signs of a longer coat. - A kitten that looks fluffy at 6 weeks may still shed out into a short coat, so wait until about 4 to 6 months for a clearer answer. - Longhaired cats need more grooming, and their coat health depends on good nutrition and regular brushing [2][3]. ## How to Tell If My Kitten Will Be Long Haired: Step by Step ### Step 1: Check the Parents The single best predictor is the parents. Long hair in cats is a recessive trait, which means a kitten must inherit a longhair gene from both parents to have a long coat [1]. If one parent is longhaired and the other carries the gene, some kittens in the litter can still be longhaired. If both parents are shorthaired but each carries a hidden longhair gene, you can also get a longhaired kitten. This is why two shorthaired cats sometimes produce a fluffy kitten that surprises everyone. If you know the father, ask about him. If you do not, look at the mother and any littermates. A mother who is longhaired or who has produced longhaired kittens before is a strong clue. ### Step 2: Look at Early Coat Traits Between 8 and 12 weeks, start checking these areas: - **Tail:** A longhaired kitten often has a fuller, plume-like tail. - **Ears:** Look for tufts of hair growing inside or at the tips of the ears. - **Neck:** A ruff or thicker collar of hair around the neck is a common early sign. - **Toes:** Longer hair between the toes can point to a long coat. - **Belly:** A softer, denser undercoat may show up before the outer coat lengthens. These traits are not guarantees. Some shorthaired kittens have slightly tufted ears, and some longhaired kittens look fairly short-coated until they are several months old. ### Step 3: Wait for the Kitten Coat to Change Kittens go through a coat change as they grow. The soft, fuzzy kitten coat often sheds out between 4 and 6 months. This is when a longhaired kitten usually starts to look clearly longhaired. If your kitten still looks fluffy at 6 months, you likely have a longhaired cat. If the coat has smoothed out and lies flat, you likely have a shorthaired cat. ### Step 4: Consider the Breed Some breeds are known for long coats, and some longhair traits are breed-specific. In Maine Coons, for example, a specific FGF5 variant contributes to the longhair look in about 3% of these cats [1]. If your kitten is a purebred, the breed standard can give you a strong hint. If your kitten is a mixed breed, the parents and early coat traits are your best guide. ### Step 5: Use a DNA Test If You Want a Firm Answer Genetic testing can identify known FGF5 variants linked to long hair [1]. This is not necessary for most owners, but it can be useful if you are curious or if you are planning to breed cats. Your veterinarian can help you decide whether testing makes sense. ## Coat Length Comparison Table | Feature | Shorthaired Kitten | Longhaired Kitten | |---|---|---| | Tail | Smooth, narrow | Fuller, plume-like | | Ear tufts | Minimal or none | Often visible | | Neck ruff | Little to none | Thicker collar of hair | | Coat at 6 months | Lies flat and smooth | Still fluffy and longer | | Grooming needs | Weekly brushing | Daily or every other day brushing | | Shedding | Shorter hairs, less matting | Longer hairs, more matting risk | | Common early sign | Coat smooths out by 4 to 6 months | Coat keeps growing longer | ## Grooming and Health for Longhaired Cats ### Brushing Schedule Longhaired cats need more brushing than shorthaired cats. Aim for daily brushing, or at least every other day. Pay extra attention to the belly, armpits, and behind the ears, where mats form most often. A metal comb and a slicker brush work well for most long coats. ### Hairballs and Digestion Longhaired cats swallow more hair during grooming, which can lead to hairballs. Regular brushing removes loose hair before your cat swallows it. If your cat vomits hairballs often or stops eating, contact your veterinarian. A cat that will not eat can become seriously ill quickly, and you can read more about that in [Cat Not Eating: How Long Is Too Long?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-not-eating-how-long-too-long). ### Nutrition and Coat Quality Coat health depends on good nutrition. Trace minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, and iron support skin health and haircoat quality [2]. A complete and balanced cat food should provide these nutrients. If your cat has a dull coat, dandruff, or excessive shedding, ask your veterinarian whether a diet change or supplement is needed. Do not add supplements on your own, because the dose depends on your cat's weight and health. ### Grooming Behavior Grooming is a normal maintenance behavior that takes up about 4% of a cat's daily activity [3]. Healthy cats groom in short bouts throughout the day. Hair length does not appear to change how long each grooming bout lasts [3]. If your cat grooms much more than usual, it may be a sign of stress, allergies, or skin problems. You can learn more in [Why Is My Cat Grooming So Much?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/why-is-my-cat-grooming-so-much). ### Stress and Coat Health Stress can affect a cat's coat and overall health. Hair cortisol testing is one way to measure long-term stress, and research shows that hair color can affect cortisol levels in the hair [4]. Black hair contained significantly higher cortisol concentrations than white hair in one study [4]. This is a research tool, not a routine test, but it shows that coat health and stress are connected. ## Signs That Something Is Wrong A long or short coat is normal. What matters is whether the coat and skin are healthy. Watch for these signs: - **Patches of missing hair:** Could be parasites, allergies, or stress. - **Constant scratching or chewing:** Often points to fleas, mites, or a skin infection. - **Dull, greasy, or brittle coat:** May signal a nutritional problem or illness. - **Mats that will not come out:** Can pull on the skin and cause pain or infection. - **Bald spots on the belly or flanks:** Sometimes linked to overgrooming or stress. - **Skin redness, scabs, or odor:** Needs a veterinary exam. If your cat is losing hair, read [Why Is My Cat Losing Hair?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/why-is-my-cat-losing-hair) and [Cat Hair Loss: Causes and When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/online-vet-and-care-costs/cat-hair-loss-causes) for more detail. ## Common Mistakes Owners Make - **Judging coat length too early.** A 6-week-old kitten is still in the fuzzy stage. Wait until 4 to 6 months for a clearer answer. - **Assuming a fluffy kitten is always longhaired.** Some kittens look fluffy and then shed out into a short coat. - **Skipping brushing because the cat seems fine.** Longhaired cats can develop painful mats quickly, even if they groom themselves. - **Using human shampoo or random products.** Cat skin has a different pH, and some products are toxic to cats. - **Ignoring sudden coat changes.** A coat that changes texture or starts falling out is a health clue, not just a grooming issue. - **Overfeeding supplements.** Too much of some minerals can be harmful. Let your veterinarian set the dose based on your cat's weight and health. ## Supplies and Setup That Matter A few basic supplies make a real difference for a longhaired cat: - **Metal comb:** Gets through the undercoat and prevents mats. - **Slicker brush:** Removes loose hair from the topcoat. - **Cat-safe shampoo:** Only use products made for cats. - **Nail clippers:** Longhaired cats may need more frequent nail trims. - **Litter mat:** Helps control tracked litter and hair around the box. - **Vacuum or lint roller:** Longhaired cats shed more visible hair. Keep your cat's grooming area calm and quiet. Short sessions work better than one long session. If your cat hates brushing, start with one minute a day and build up. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can tell you for certain what your individual kitten's coat will look like. Genetics, breed, and age all play a role, and every cat is different. Your veterinarian can examine your kitten and give you personalized guidance. Contact your veterinarian right away if you see: - **Same-day visit:** Sudden hair loss, open sores, severe itching, or a cat that stops grooming completely. - **Emergency now:** Trouble breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting, or a cat that will not eat for more than 24 hours. - **Routine visit:** Gradual coat changes, mild dandruff, or questions about grooming and nutrition. If you are bringing a new kitten home and your resident cat is upset, that is a behavior issue, not a coat issue. You can read about it in [Cat Hissing at New Kitten: How Long Will It Last?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/cat-hissing-at-new-kitten). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a shorthaired cat have a longhaired kitten? Yes. Long hair is a recessive trait, so two shorthaired cats that each carry a hidden longhair gene can produce a longhaired kitten [1]. This is why a fluffy kitten sometimes appears in a litter of shorthaired cats. ### At what age can I tell if my kitten will be longhaired? Most owners can get a good idea by 4 to 6 months, after the kitten coat sheds out. Early clues like ear tufts and a fuller tail may show up between 8 and 12 weeks, but they are not always reliable. ### Do longhaired cats shed more than shorthaired cats? Longhaired cats shed longer hairs, which are more visible on furniture and clothing. They also mat more easily, so they need more brushing. The amount of shedding varies by cat, season, and health. ### Is a DNA test worth it to find out coat length? For most owners, no. A DNA test can identify known FGF5 variants linked to long hair, but it is not needed for routine care [1]. It can be useful for breeders or for owners who are simply curious. ### Does coat length affect my cat's health? Coat length itself does not cause disease, but longhaired cats are more prone to mats, hairballs, and skin problems under tangled hair. Regular grooming and good nutrition help prevent these issues [2][3]. ## Related Articles - [Why Is My Cat Losing Hair?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/why-is-my-cat-losing-hair) - [Cat Hissing at New Kitten: How Long Will It Last?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/cat-hissing-at-new-kitten) - [Cat Hair Loss: Causes and When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/online-vet-and-care-costs/cat-hair-loss-causes) - [Why Is My Cat Grooming So Much?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/why-is-my-cat-grooming-so-much) - [Cat Not Eating: How Long Is Too Long?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-not-eating-how-long-too-long) - [Cat Not Pooping: How Long Is Too Long?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-not-pooping-how-long-too-long) ## References 1. [Identification of a novel missense mutation in the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene associated with longhair in the Maine Coon Cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34599367/). Human genetics, 2021. 2. [Effect of Supplemental Trace Mineral Source on Haircoat and Hair Loss in Adult Cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007910/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2025. 3. [Exploring Normal to Abnormal Variations of Grooming Behaviours in Cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42504124/). Veterinary dermatology, 2026. 4. [Coat color and other factors influencing hair cortisol concentration in domestic cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41058158/). Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)