There are three major differences in human hair and animal hair or fur. These would include the follicles of the hair; composition of the hair itself, and growth patterns.
First, is the follicular difference. The follicular core of an animal allows for the coating of the animanls fur, thus providing insulation. The follicle for humans is the only part which is "alive". The follicle produces the color of our hair. While we may not use follicles to provide insulation, the follicle still acts as an ancient weather warning of sorts. If we are very cold, we speak of having "goosebumps". That is the short hairs of the arm being raised by the follicles in order to trap heat. It may not keep you as warm as a Polar Bear, but it will nudge you to get a jacket.
The second difference is growth patterns. Human hair grows independently. As a hair is lost, one is replaced (hopefully!). In animals, hair replacement is synchronized, usually with the seasons. This is why your animal is constantly shedding for the warm seasons, and gaining more hair (my cat always looks 5 pounds heavier!) during the winter months.
Finally, the hair between the species has a different type of composition. Human hair tends to have the same texture all around. It would look a bit odd to have fine, flyaway hair on top of coarse, thick hair. Well, that is exactly what your animal does. It has a tougher outer coat to withstand daily life; and a short, soft under fur. The under fur also contributes to cooling the animal.
So, those are the major differences between human hair and animal hair: composition, growth patterns and hair follicles.
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