I was worried I might be tugging out the new fur as well, but I’m not. I went in and checked all of the spots and the new hair seems to be growing in fine, just much shorter. In every spot where I was able to tug out the old hair, new hair was already there in its place.
Since she is tooth purring during the light tugging, I figure she may even like it. It pulls out really easily. I only started doing this because after five minutes of brushing the same spot, there was still hair. It’s a pretty intense molt, and her hair is quite long. My guess is that the hair on her back is groomed by her less often than her sides, and this is why there is so much loose hair in that particular area.
I don’t even attempt to touch her furry Lionhead-skirted bum anymore… hahaha… the grey butt-tufts never comb out, and I’m guessing the wool there is permanent. Thumper will always act like a queen, no matter how hairless her back is. =P At least it’ll keep her a little cooler during the warm weather we’re having!