Healthy Skin, Happy Cat: How to Boost Your Cat’s Coat Health
Is your cat’s coat looking a little less than purrfect lately? Whether you’ve noticed a lack of luster or even excess shedding or dandruff, keeping your cat’s fur and skin healthy is crucial to their comfort levels and overall health. We’re here to share a few tips on how to keep your feline feeling and looking their best.
Regular Brushing
One of the easiest things to add into your cat’s routine for a healthy, shiny coat is regular brushing. Not only does brushing get rid of loose fur and reduce shedding, but it also spreads natural oils from your cat’s skin throughout the rest of their body. This can reduce dry skin and dandruff in your cat if you notice them itching a lot or little white flakes of skin in their coat. If you have a long-haired cat, they may require daily brushing, while short-hair cats can be brushed once or twice a week.
Nutrient-Rich Diet
Healthy, shiny fur starts from within, meaning your cat’s coat will reflect their diet and internal health. The best way to make sure your cat maintains a nice-looking coat is by feeding them high quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. Look for cat foods that list real meat as the first ingredient, like Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein kibble or canned paté. You might consider adding supplements to your cat’s diet, such as salmon oil for added omega-3, but consult with your vet first before implementing changes into your cat’s diet.
Staying Hydrated
Making sure your cat is drinking enough water can be tricky, since most cats tend to not be great at keeping themselves hydrated. If your cat is one of them, try to switch to a water fountain instead of a water bowl, as most cats prefer running water (and staying hydrated is good for their kidney health). If you need to get more creative, provide a couple spots for fresh water throughout their living space and even consider adding a bit of water to their food. Switching to a paté-based diet or Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein homestyle pouches is an easy way to incorporate added hydration into your cat’s meal.
Bathing Frequency
Although it might seem counterproductive, cats are actually experts at cleaning themselves and don’t need frequent baths to stay clean. If you bathe your cat too much, it can dry out their skin and strip it of the natural oils that it produces to keep the skin moisturized. However, if your cat gets into something messy or has a medical condition that requires it, use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo and follow your vet’s recommendations.
Underlying Issues
If your cat’s coat still seems dull or if they have persistent dandruff, itching or excessive shedding, it might be time to check in with your vet. Skin and coat problems can sometimes be signs of underlying health issues, like allergies, parasites or thyroid problems. Early intervention can prevent bigger problems down the road. If your cat is prone to allergies, try using Dr. Elsey’s R&R Respiratory Relief litter to help combat symptoms in your pet — it’s hypoallergenic and low dust, making it the perfect fit for cats who struggle with allergies.
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