The condition of your cat’s skin and fur are the most visible signs of their health. A healthy cat will have shiny and smooth fur, and skin that’s supple and clear. Coarse or brittle hair, or bumpy, greasy, or flaky skin can be a sign that your cat’s health is not at its best. So, how can you give your cat healthy skin and a glowing coat?

Make sure they’re eating right

Nutrition is one of the most important factors for skin and coat health for cats, as well as their overall wellness. Therefore, it’s important you’re giving them a well-balanced diet that supplies all the essential nutrients that are vital for them to thrive.

Your cat’s diet should consist of the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. These nutrients are the building blocks for the healthy growth of your cat’s fur and for keeping their skin in its best condition. When a cat doesn’t have an adequate source of nutrients like proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins – including Riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin B – their hair is more likely to break or lose colour, and their skin can become flaky, dry, greasy, or itchy.

If you think your cat’s diet may be behind their deteriorating coat and skin condition, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They’ll be able to advise the best diet and food choices to bring them back up to ideal condition. If your cat is already on a healthy diet that should cover their nutritional needs, they may need special skin-specific food, so chat to your vet about this.

What if it’s not their diet?

It’s good to keep in mind that nutrition isn’t the only factor that should be considered if you want to give your cat healthy skin and a glowing coat. Grooming can also help, as it removes loose hair and dead skin cells, and distributes natural oils throughout their coat.

Cats with longer hair need frequent grooming to ensure their hair doesn’t become matted and cause them discomfort. On the flip side, over-grooming can also damage your cat’s hair and skin, especially if you’re bathing them and using products like soaps or conditioners.

Too much water may remove the natural oils that form a protective barrier for their skin, and some products – even those formulated especially for cats – may be an irritant. So, check the products that you’re using, and only bathe them if they really need it.

Additionally, make sure to keep your cat’s flea and worm treatment up to date. Cats will bite and scratch when irritated by fleas and, if it’s severe enough, this can lead to them pulling out their fur and irritating their skin.