We all want our cats to look their best, but if grooming isn't helping and we're not supposed to bathe them, what can we do to restore the shine to a cat's coat?
Factors like health, diet, and fitness can all come into play regarding the appearance of your cat's coat. Read on to learn more about how these elements can affect your cat's coat health both positively and negatively and what you can do to keep your cat's fur looking its best.
Why your cat's coat might lose its luster
Before digging into how you can help keep your cat's coat looking its best, let's look at some common factors affecting the health and appearance of a cat's fur.
· Nutrition: If your cat isn't eating enough of the proper nutrients, their coat could suffer. Cats who eat low-quality food might not receive enough of the protein and omegas that they need to keep their fur looking sleek and shiny.
· Grooming habits: Some cats cannot groom themselves effectively, whether due to age-related mobility issues or injury. This means dirt and debris may build up in their coat and cause it to lose its usual shine.
· Your cat is overweight: Obesity is common among domestic cats, and it can cause health and mobility issues. If your cat is looking rounder than usual, encouraging them to lose weight could help restore luster to their coat (along with other health benefits)!
· Illness or disease: Conditions like autoimmune diseases and other illnesses can also affect your cat's coat. If the body's energy is busy fighting an illness, nutrients are directed toward internal processes rather than external ones, such as their fur.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat's Coat Healthy
Often, making simple adjustments to your cat's diet or grooming routine is enough to improve the overall health of their coat.
Feed a protein-rich diet
Cats are carnivores, and their optimum diet contains a high percentage of protein. Protein contains essential amino acids and fatty acids that support the health of a cat's skin and coat. On a molecular level, your cat's fur is made up of protein, so eating a protein-rich diet will help maintain or restore the health of a cat's coat.
Incorporate healthy fats
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are vital components of a cat's diet. These fatty acids improve the health of your cat's skin and hair follicles, which ultimately helps reduce shedding. Omegas also help improve the overall appearance of your cat's coat, making it look more sleek and shiny. A common source of omegas for cats is fish such as salmon and tuna.
Groom your cat regularly
Cats are known to spend up to 50 percent of their time grooming themselves, but occasionally that's not quite enough. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors or is physically unable to groom themself effectively, they might need help from you. Spending a few minutes each week brushing your cat will help remove any excess dust or debris and keep their coat looking sharp! If your cat has long hair, they may need help removing mats and tangles too.
The Bottom Line
There's nothing more majestic than a cat with a sleek, shiny coat. Since nutrition is critical for maintaining coat health, a balanced diet is essential. Snappy Tom cat food is high in protein and omega fatty acids that will help keep your cat's coat looking healthy and smooth! Consider adding some of our tasty recipes to your cat's diet!