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Why Nutrition in Cat Food Is Key for Shiny Coat
Why Nutrition in Cat Food Is Key for Shiny Coat

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Comprehensive Guide to Maintain a Shiny Cat Coat

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What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘cat’? It's probably a cat covered in smooth and shiny fur, right? Not only does it look majestic, but every time we pet a cat, it also feels like we are running our fingers through silk. A shiny coat is no less than a divine blessing. However, this heaven-sent beauty can lose its shine if you stop taking care of it. While grooming plays a vital role in maintaining healthy cat fur, there are multiple other factors that influence its look and feel. If you are not aware of how to care for shiny cat fur, continue reading. This article covers everything around cat fur health.
 

Why isn’t your cat’s coat shiny?

If your cat’s fur looks dull, instead of directly jumping on to quick fixes, try understanding its cause. Here are a few common reasons why cat fur loses its shine:
 

  1. Poor diet

    When it comes to maintaining a cat’s lustrous fur, diet is key. In fact, along with keeping your cat's coat shiny, a balanced and complete diet will also ensure its overall well-being. So, make sure that you go for cat foods that are loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
  2. Frequent bathing

    We have all seen our hair get damaged due to excessive washing. But did you know? Cats' fur too loses its charm after frequent bathing. That's because overbathing leads to the loss of natural skin oils that keep your feline friend's coat shiny.
  3. Age

    Cats are pretty self sufficient when it comes to grooming. As a caretaker, you do not have to bathe your purrfect pal regularly to follow basic hygiene. However, old-age affects their flexibility, which hinders cats' grooming sessions. So next time your cat chooses to put its natural grooming equipment to use, make sure you assist it. However, lack of flexibility isn't always a sign of old-age. Overweight cats too cannot reach every area of their body. If your cat is obese, create a healthy weight loss plan with your vet.
  4. Medical issues

    If none of the aforementioned factors have caused lacklustre to your cat's coat, the next plausible reason would be a medical condition. Cats lose their coat's shine due to serious health issues like diabetes, parasites, infections, and allergies. In case you suspect that your cat's dull coat is a sign of illness, consult a vet immediately.

How to make a cat’s fur shiny again?

Now that you know the causes of dull cat coats, you can work towards bringing its shine back. Here are a few ways to make cat fur shiny:

  • Brush the coat regularly: Brushing gets rid of dead strands and stimulates hair follicles. Moreover, it also helps spread natural skin oils to the coat, giving you a shiny cat fur.
  • Use the right shampoo: Picking the right shampoo is imperative, especially because the wrong ones can strip off a cat’s natural skin oil and damage the fur.

  • Avoid excessive bathing: Frequent bathing can lead to dry and flaky skin. Hence, do not make your cat take a dip unnecessarily.

  • Follow a healthy diet: We all know that hair strands are 90% protein. Hence, providing protein-rich meals becomes vital for maintaining a shiny cat coat. 
     

How and why nutrition is important for a cat’s coat and skin?

Skin is the largest organ. And with cats, this organ is generally fully covered with fur. They shed and regrow hair strands multiple times in their entire lifetime. However, a poor diet can slow down the regrowth process. Basically, lack of nutrition can eventually lead to bald spots. A diet that not only includes high-quality protein but also vitamins, minerals, good fats, and other nutrients will fast-track the hair growth process, maintain a shiny coat, and strengthen the immune system.

IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food is loaded with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to give your cat a shiny and healthy coat. Other essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals in this premium cat food support your feline friend’s overall health.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is my cat’s fur not shiny?
  2. Cats can lose their coat’s shine due to multiple factors. Here are a few common reasons why your cat’s coat is not shiny:

    • Excessive grooming and bathing
    • Poor diet
    • Wrong shampoo
    • Old age
    • Sudden weight gain
    • Diabetes
    • Allergies
    • Infection

  3. How can I improve my cat’s coat?
  4. Maintaining a healthy and shiny cat coat boils down to two things – hygiene and nutrition. As a cat parent, you must ensure that your feline friend doesn’t groom itself too frequently. However, you cannot neglect hygiene either. Based on its lifestyle and vet recommendation, make sure that your cat doesn’t over or under groom. Moreover, follow a nourishing diet that is packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only will it maintain your cat's shiny fur but it will also boost healthy hair regrowth.

  5. Can I put oil on my cat’s fur?
  6. Although applying oil on your cat’s fur might not do any harm, it is best to consult your veterinarian regarding the same.

  7. What food helps a cat's coat?
  8. Cats’ fur can say a lot about their overall health. If your feline friend is nourished and healthy from within, it will be reflected through its skin and coat. So make sure that your cat receives nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids in the right quantities to help maintain a cat's coat.

  • Kitten and cat adoption basics
    Kitten and cat adoption basics
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    All You Need To Know Before Adopting A Cat

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    Adopting a cat can see you develop one of the most beautiful bonds of your life as you connect with your feline friend. Cats are playful creatures who can be very affectionate and form a strong relationship with you. Every time you play with your cat or simply spend time with them, you may notice a significant drop in stress levels and experience a boost of happiness. However, it is important to remember that cat adoption is a big decision which comes with a lot of responsibilities. Your home will become the cat’s home and you become their family. To ensure they get the best possible future with you, there are a few things that you need to understand before proceeding with cat adoption.
     

    Things to consider before cat adoption

    Whether you are opting to adopt a kitten or a grown cat, here are some things you need to consider before going through with the entire process.

     

    1. The cat will need to be spayed/neutered:

       If the cat has not been spayed or neutered already at the time of adoption, you will need to get this done. If you are adopting a kitten, you will need to get them spayed/neutered once they are of suitable age. Do talk to the shelter house and a vet for more information on the procedure.
       
    2. Proceed with cat adoption only after reviewing your routine:

      If you lead a busy lifestyle, you will need to consider how you will make time for your cat. This includes taking care of your cat and maintaining their feeding times. You will need to dedicate your time to planning the right food, serving meals at proper intervals, and ensuring that you can make time for play too.
    3. Adoption is a long-term commitment:

      Adoption is a permanent duty and a bond that lasts for a lifetime. When you bring home a rescued cat or adopt one from a shelter, you are providing the animal with new hope. The cat will be a member of your family and you will need to treat them as such. The lifespan of cats generally ranges from 12 to 20 years, and this is how long your commitment will be. Only once you have considered the enormity of your decision and are ready for it, should you go through with cat or kitten adoption.

     

     

    Providing favorable conditions for the adopted cat

    Before you bring home an adopted or a rescued cat, you will need to make a few changes in your house to create favorable conditions for them. You can begin by doing the following:

     

    1. Remove items that can be toxic to a cat, like certain plants or chemical agents.
    2. Cover up exposed electrical wires in a way that the cat can’t reach them (since they might try to chew up the wire, which can lead to a severe accident).
    3. Prepare your kids and teach them the basics of being responsible around a cat.
    4. Keep a special room or space for the cat, so they can feel safe and get a sense of belonging.
    5. Find a vet near your area where you can take the rescued cat for regular check-ups.

     

    What are some benefits of cat adoption?

    Adopting a cat also has many benefits such as:
     

    1. You help a cat in need:

       If you adopt a cat instead of buying one, you will be helping a cat in need. You will be giving a rescued cat much-needed shelter, their own space, and a family that loves them.
       
    2. The cat will most likely be trained:

      A cat that is adopted from a shelter will already be trained in basic activities like feeding from a bowl and using a scratching post.
       
    3. You can adopt a cat based on their personality:

      One of the biggest benefits of adopting a cat from a shelter is that they often have an already established personality. This makes it easier for people to adopt a cat that best suits their lifestyle.

     

    Factors to keep in mind when adopting a cat

    When adopting a cat, here are a few factors you should keep in mind:

     

    1. Presence of other pet cats:

      If you have other cats at home, you will need to adopt a cat that likes their company. You can talk to the shelter home about this, so they direct you to cats who bond well with other cats.
       
    2. The inevitable costs:

      Adopting and taking care of cats means having to bear quite a few costs – costs of regular vet visits, medicines, foods, toys, and more. Moreover, if you are bringing home a rescued cat, they may require even more care and attention from a vet. So, do consider these costs before proceeding with the adoption.
       
    3. Your routine:

      When you adopt a cat, you should be able to make time for them and give them proper care and attention. You can also consider adopting a cat whose lifestyle matches yours. For instance, a cat who likes being independent can be a perfect choice for someone who is often busy.
       

     Essentials to purchase for your cat

    To give your cat the best life, ensure that you have all of the following essentials:

     

    1. Food and water bowls
    2. Litter box
    3. Scratching post
    4. Toys
    5. Cat nips
    6. Cat grooming equipment
    7. A durable carrier or crate
    8. Cat bed
    9. Collar with an ID tag 

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