The main difference between hair and fur is where it grows, not what it's made of.
When sweat evaporates, it cools the skin, and panting releases heat through the mouth. So how do cats keep from overheating if they don't seem to sweat or pant?
Not many people remember that Franklin was an inventor . . . and a good one, too! He also did some pioneering work in physics.
Have you ever wondered why some dogs have solid colored coats and some have spots? Find out why on this Moment of Science.
Thanks to its thick coat of fur, its tough hide, and a four inch layer of blubber, a polar bear is extremely well insulated.
Sure your cat's whiskers are cute but do they serve a more practical purpose?
Remember Bill the Cat? He was a cartoon cat who was forever barfing on the rug. Felix or Sylvester would never be caught dead doing such a thing. However, as any cat owner knows, throwing up is something cats actually do frequently. It can be somewhat distressing, especially if you have nice rugs. Learn more on this Moment of Science.
There's a good chance that hair patterns are determined by our genes.
Changes in sunlight cause the cat’s brain to signal its hair follicles to respond appropriately. When there’s less sunlight, cats start growing short, fluffy secondary hairs whose job is to provide insulation. And when there’s more sunlight, cats start shedding.