Cat Shiny Coat

What it Takes to Get a Cat’s Coat Shiny

For cats, a shiny, lush, clean and soft coat gives the impression of health and good grooming. Although cats that are often seen on TV and in commercials always tend to display a perfect coat, in real life a cat’s coat can often appear dull and lifeless. Cat owners can often address dull coats by paying more attention to the nutritional, cleaning and grooming needs of their cat.

Nutrition

The right nutrition is vital for improving the appearance of a cat’s skin and coat. Cat Omega Fatty Acids, such as Omega-3’s are very beneficial for relieving skin problems that affect the appearance of a cat’s coat, specifically Cat Itching, flaking skin and dull coats. The supplements are available in liquid or capsule form and can be added directly to a cat’s food. Usually improvements in the shine and health of a cat’s skin and fur can be noticed after roughly six weeks of consistent use. The food that a cat is given is another important issue that influences a shiny coat. Cats that are only given a homemade diet may not be getting enough nutrients to keep their coats shiny. The same goes for cats on special diets, such as low-fat ones. To reduce the chances of cats suffering from dandruff or a dull coat, choose a high-quality pet food.

Cleaning

There are a variety of different shampoos and conditioners on the market, made just for cats. As cats naturally groom themselves regularly, cat owners have to be careful that they do not end up over washing their cat, which can strip the skin of natural oils and promote dry skin and a dull coat. Look for moisturizing or shine-boosting shampoos, conditioners and natural soaps to bring the life back to your cat’s coat. Varieties are also available to treat specific conditions that influence the appearance of a cat’s coat, for instance, oatmeal based shampoos and conditioners are available that can soothe itchy, inflamed skin, allowing the cat’s skin to heal and promoting an overall healthier coat. Detangling shampoos may also be a great idea for long haired cats, such as the Persian cat. When using these products make sure to completely rinse them from your cat’s skin and hair; leftover soap residue can dull the appearance of hair and promote further itching.

Grooming Tools

Combs are useful for detangling your cat’s hair and getting out tufts of shedding hair. Regular brushing is also vital to getting a shiny coat as it naturally distributes the oil found in skin and hair while preventing matting and removing dust, shedding hair and debris, all of which affect the look of cat hair. If severe matting is noted, than a visit to a professional groomer might be in order. A professional cleaning and cut can dramatically enhance the shine of a cat’s coat.

Flea Remedies

If Cat Fleas are biting a cat and causing Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis, the scratching, itching and licking they do as a result can be the reason behind their lifeless coats. A monthly flea medication may be the trick to restoring a cat’s normal shiny coat. Do not use a flea treatment designed for dogs on cats, or vice-versa, cat owners can make sure their cat gets the proper dosage by seeing a veterinarian or using an holistic alternative.