Your cat’s skin and coat is a reflection of their health, so you want to keep it in good shape!
You want your feline friend to have a healthy coat not only so that it looks nice, but also because it is a reflection of their overall health as well. If you notice skin problems in your cat, that is typically a sign of something more serious. Here are some tips to help you keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy.
Key Nutrients
It is important that you are feeding your cat a balanced and complete diet, ensuring they are getting all of the nutrients they need. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are both essentials for healthy skin in your cat. Whether you are giving them dry food, wet food, or a combination of both, be sure to incorporate those fatty acids into their diet.
Flea Prevention
It is safer to keep your cat indoors for a variety of reasons and fleas are one of them. Fleas are one of the most common causes of itchiness and irritation in your cat’s skin. If they scratch or lick too much, it can cause wounds and even baldness in certain areas. There are flea treatments specifically designed to protect your feline friend’s coat from those pesky fleas.
Grooming
It is important to keep your cat well groomed in order to keep their skin and coat healthy. Though cats don’t require baths very often, they should be combed or brushed on a regular basis. Long-haired cats will require more frequent grooming than a short-haired cat. Fur can become matted if it isn’t combed or brushed, leading to discomfort and possible skin infections.
Stress Level
Just as stress can affect a human’s health, it can affect your cat’s health as well. When a cat gets stressed out, they might start to lick themselves excessively. If you notice this occurring, it could be a sign that your feline friend is experiencing stress and is trying to cope in the best way they can. Though they will rarely over-groom themselves to the point of skin damage, it is still a problem that should be addressed as soon as you notice it.
Contact Catonsville Cat Clinic Today!
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
You can get in touch with the Catonsville Cat Clinic by giving us a call at 410-869-0800 or visiting our contact page. For more updates and advice, be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!