The importance of cat nutrition for keeping a shiny coat

A cat’s outer furry shell protects them from the elements, and is one of the ways they ‘feel’ what’s going on around them.

It’s also a reflection of their overall health.

If your cat isn’t looking their best, then there’s a good chance they’re probably not feeling their best either.

Healthy coats should be smooth and silky to touch, shiny and striking to look at.

One of the main reasons behind a poor-quality coat is actually a poor-quality diet.

Nutrition plays a huge role in the condition of a cat’s coat with body-boosting nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals all working together to give your cat that catwalk look.

This article will look a bit more in depth at why that is while exploring what else may cause a dull or dry coat.

Common reasons why your cat’s coat isn’t as shiny as it could be

1. Diet & Nutrition. Diet doesn’t just have a positive impact on how a cat feels on the inside, but how they look on the outside, too. A cat eating foods lacking in essential nutrients will in time end up sporting a coat lacking in luster. You may even begin to see it change color as the fur matts and becomes more brittle. Nourishing foods containing high-quality animal proteins and packed full of whole goodness are key if we’re to see our cats maintain their shine.
2. Grooming. Cats generally take care of their own fur by self-grooming by using their tongues and paws to spread natural oils around their coat. They spend a large part of their waking hours grooming, which is why their coats remain in such pristine condition.However, some cats are better groomers than others so it’s up to pet parents to offer a helping hand when needed. Giving them a regular brush will remove knots, dead hair and dirt.  If your cat isn’t grooming as much as usual then it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Check for other symptoms, and seek medical advice.
3. Age. Cats may become more vulnerable to duller or matted coats as they age. This is because the older a cat gets, the tougher grooming can become. Lack of flexibility or conditions like arthritis can turn this once straightforward activity into a much more painful experience.Restricted twisting and turning also means there’s a good chance they may not even be able to reach parts of their body they once could. If you’ve noticed patches of your senior cat’s coat starting to look a bit bedraggled, use a brush to help them keep on top of these hard to reach grooming spots.
4. Bathing your cat too often. There’s nothing wrong with keeping on top of your feline friend’s hygiene. However, you need to be wary you’re not overdoing it. Bathing your cat too frequently can actually do more harm than good in some cases. Too many cat baths may strip away essential oils that help keep your cat’s coat gleaming. The occasional soak is fine, especially if your cat has managed to find themselves covered in dirt. But, in a lot of cat’s cases, regular bathing isn’t really a necessity with frequent brushing enough to maintain a coat’s sheen.
5. Does your cat weigh too much? Overweight cats can find it tricky reaching certain parts of their body, so the onus falls on us pet parents to keep on top of grooming…while they’re slimming down.Too much weight brings with it a host of potential heath issues. Ensure you’re feeding your cat a diet that’s complete and nourishing, with a focus on helping them shed those extra pounds. Work on increasing their activity levels through exercise and playtime, too. Overweight cats can be lazy, and lazy cats aren’t big fans of grooming either.
6. Stress and Anxiety. Cats will sometimes start excessively licking themselves in order to relieve anxiety. This form of over-grooming can actually lead to a cat’s coat losing its shine. Regularly check their legs and stomach for bald patches as these are the areas they will tend to concentrate on.Stress can also lead to some cats refusing to groom altogether, so it’s important we get to the bottom of whatever’s worrying them as soon as possible. While it can be notoriously difficult uncovering pet stressors, spending quality time with them is a good place to start.
7. Medical Conditions. Your cat won’t tell you when they’re feeling under the weather, but they are constantly dropping clues as to their general health and wellbeing. A poor-quality coat is one such sign, and could be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition.Allergies, parasites, infection, diabetes, kidney or liver disease can all affect the state of a cat’s coat. If you do think the reason for your feline’s disheveled appearance is medical, then you should take them to a vet for a thorough physical examination.

The Role of Nutrition

It doesn’t matter how old your cat is, or what breed they are; the role of nutrition should never be underestimated when it comes to a feline’s health, fitness and appearance.

A poor diet is without doubt one of the main reasons a cat’s coat may begin to lose its sparkle.

To bring flagging fur back to life, you will want to look for foods that are rich in protein, contain healthy fats and boast a range of vitamins and minerals.

Cats’ hairs are almost entirely composed of proteins, so protein-dense foods are imperative if fur is to remain strong and vibrant.

And without regular consumption of healthy fatty acids – like the omega 3 found in fish – coats will likely become dry and dull while skin may begin to take on a greasy look.

A large selection of Reveal’s complementary recipes – such as our Tuna Fillet With Salmon In Gravy Can, our Tuna Fillet With Seabream In Broth Can or our Sardine With Mackerel In Broth Pot – are packed with protein and brimming with omegas 3 and 6 to keep your cat healthy and their coat shiny.

The mouth-watering taste is an added bonus.

The healthier the diet your cat is on, the happier they will be…and not just because of their radiant coat.

High-quality diets comprising wholesome ingredients are vital for a cat’s long-term health.

If you are thinking about switching your cat’s diet to a more healthy one then this handy guide is a great place to start – How To Switch To Limited Ingredient.