Skin problems are relatively common among our feline friends. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your cat’s skin in good shape throughout your pet’s life. That means a pristine coat of fur and a happy, healthy pet! Here are five quick tips for taking good care of your cat’s skin:
Weekly Inspection
Sit down with your cat about once a week to give her coat and skin a thorough inspection. Run your hands through Fluffy’s coat and take note of any bumps, abrasions, bald patches, scratches, or anything else that seems abnormal. If you think you’ve found something that warrants a professional check-up, call your vet’s office right away.
Quality Diet
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your cat’s skin healthy is by feeding her a high-quality diet that is well-suited for her age. A balanced, nutritionally complete food choice will provide your cat with all of the necessary nutrients to keep the skin—not to mention other body systems—healthy. Consult your veterinarian if you would like a recommendation on a great diet choice.
Dietary Supplements
For some cats, dietary supplements can help the skin and fur stay healthy and moisturized. Omega-3 fatty acids, certain oils, and other products may be used. As a general rule, don’t give your cat a dietary supplement without approval from your veterinarian.
Brushing
Although your cat is an excellent self-groomer, it doesn’t hurt to give them a little help. Running a brush through your cat’s fur on a regular basis is a great way to help keep the skin healthy—brushing removes grime and dirt from underneath the coat, and it helps to spread your cat’s natural skin oils through the fur to give it a healthy shine. Plus, brushing reduces the amount of hair that your cat ingests while grooming herself; this means fewer unsightly hairballs for you to clean up! If your cat’s coat still appears dull, consider reading our article on Dealing With Your Cat’s Dull Coat for more tips.
Bathing
Cats typically don’t need bathed very often, but the occasional bath is a great way to make sure that Fluffy’s skin and coat stay clean. Always make sure to use a shampoo formulated specifically for cats, as human shampoos or shampoos made for other animals may irritate your cat’s skin. Ask your vet for advice on how frequently you should bathe your cat.
Would you like more insight into your cat’s skin health or grooming needs? Give us a call, your local animal clinic in Live Oak, FL today! You can also visit our Pet Allergies & Vet Dermatology page to explore how we can help address any skin and coat issues your cat may be experiencing.
