Dry Skin – Cat Diet & Food Advice

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Dry skin on cats is never a good thing.

Not only can it be extremely uncomfortable, if untreated it may eventually lead to infections.

A common cause of cat dry skin is actually what’s in their food bowl.

For felines to maintain healthy skin, they need to be eating a balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients and includes fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids play a vital role in skin health, maintaining the moisture barrier and supporting natural defenses.

Reveal’s Chicken Breast In Broth Pouch, along with our Tuna Fillet With Salmon In Gravy Can and Chicken With Pumpkin In Broth Can are made with real animal protein, contain no artificial flavorings or additives, and are rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

The added moisture in our wet food should also help keep your cat’s skin hydrated.

Feeding your cat a wholesome diet packed with goodness will not just take care of their skin, it will contribute to their overall health as well.

Common causes of dry skin in cats

  • Poor nutrition. A low-quality diet means your cat is not getting all the essential nutrients they require for soft, supple skin and a shiny coat. Nutritional deficiency is one of the most common causes of dry skin on cats, but it’s one that can be easily rectified with a carefully managed, well thought out diet full of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Artificial flavorings and additives can also trigger reactions like dry and itchy skin, so it’s best to serve up recipes made from tasty natural ingredients. Any changes to a cat’s diet should be made gradual in order to give them time to adapt.
  • Overall hygiene. For a cat’s skin to remain healthy, soft and smooth, regular grooming is a must. Most cats will take care of this naturally, however conditions like obesity and arthritis can make it difficult for them to perform this necessary self care. If you do feel the need to begin bathing your cat, don’t overdo it. Too much bathing can lead to dry skin itself as well as cause your feline unnecessary stress. Overgrooming poses a similar problem. Stress and anxiety can cause some cats to start excessively licking themselves, resulting in dry, flaky skin.
  • Weather. Changes in the weather can wreak havoc with a pet’s skin. As the temperature outside begins to drop, the heating inside gets turned on. With less moisture in the air, your cat’s skin can soon start to lose its elasticity. Humidifiers are a good way of counteracting this. Dry air outside or prolonged exposure to sun can also cause problems. Make sure your cat isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures for any lengthy period of time. Dried out skin can easily be a precursor to heatstroke. Always ensure fresh water is readily available.
  • Parasites. Fleas, worms, lice and ticks are no friends to cats. Even a few small bites can lead to dry, flaky skin, while an infestation can cause excessive scratching which in turn may contribute to larger, drier patches, and quite a bit of soreness. If you’re struggling to get an infestation under control through home treatments like shampoos and ointments, contact your vet. Don’t leave it too long though as infections can quickly develop. Once you eliminate the troublesome irritant, your feline’s skin should return to normal fairly quickly.
  • Medical conditions. While on the surface dry skin may seem like a minor ailment, it can often be a red flag alerting you to any number of medical conditions. Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, heart condition, kidney and liver disease; the list is substantial, and potentially very severe. Dry skin tends to be an early indicator, so keep an eye out for other symptoms. Older cats are particularly susceptible to these diseases. If you believe your cat may be suffering from an underlying medical condition, contact your vet immediately.

Can a poor diet cause my cat to have dry skin?

Pet parents should never underestimate the importance of a high-quality diet.

A cat’s overall physical and mental well-being depends on healthy, well-rounded nutritional intake.

You would be forgiven for thinking dry skin and diet are not that closely linked. However, poor nutrition isn’t only sometimes a contributing factor to dry skin, it can often be the sole factor. This is because proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals – that mouthwatering menu of essential nutrients – all play a huge role in promoting healthy skin and shiny coats.

At Reveal we focus on recipes that contain real animal proteins, omega-6 fatty acids (vital for protecting the skin’s water barrier), and of course, succulent taste.

Our cats deserve the very best. And dishes like our Tuna with Shrimp in Broth Pouch, Chicken Breast in Gravy, Chicken with Pumpkin in Broth Can give them just that.

Certain additives, flavorings and preservatives can trigger adverse skin reactions in cats.

Our truly limited ingredient cat food is 100% natural and grain-free, meaning the only reaction you should be seeing from your feline is a purr of satisfaction.

If you have any questions about changing your cat’s diet or you’re worried about introducing new ingredients, speak to a vet who should be able to alleviate any concerns.

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