The outer fur of a cat is called the guard hairs. Guard hairs are longer and thicker than the fur underneath, and they help to protect the cat from the elements.
domestic shorthaired cats with a 'regular coat' of guard hairs (the protective outer coat) and undercoat (the soft fine layer found under the guard hairs that provides additional insulation)
It's called the guard fur which is the outermost part which is seen on the surface. It's slightly coarse than the rest of the fur. It keeps the cat from soaking right away.
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