Have you noticed white flakes, bumps or redness on your cat's skin? Following dry skin preventive guidelines can help to rule out dry skin on your cat.
Causes of Dry Skin on Cats
- Weather can be a contributor to dry skin on outdoor cats.
- Bad nutrition is a common cause of dry skin. A cat that does not have proper nutrition will be at risk for health problems, including dry skin.
- Allergies to food and/or surroundings can contribute to a cat's dry skin.
- Cats that do not get groomed on a regular basis can also be subject to dry skin. Brushing, especially, is a very important aspect when it comes to keeping a cat well groomed.
- The worst case scenario for a cat's dry skin is parasites or illnesses. Taking your cat to the veterinarian is the only way to eliminate the possibility of parasites or illnesses.
Treating and Preventing Dry Skin on Cats
Taking your cat to a veterinarian is the smartest and safest way to ensure your cat's health and well being.
- Keeping cats indoors is an easy way to avoid dry skin and many other dangers cats will face outdoors.
- Feeding proper nutrition, such as an all natural cat food, is very important to keep a cat's coat and skin healthy.
- An all natural cat food that is hypoallergenic can be the answer to avoiding a cat's dry skin. Veterinarians and pet nutrition specialists are two great sources to provide you with information about what food is right for your cat.
- A nutrition supplement can help treat and prevent dry skin. A CatChannel veterinary expert, Arnold Plotnick, DVM, "recommends a supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids to treat dandruff." When looking for a supplement, always make sure that the tablet is safe for cats.
- Most supplements for a healthy skin and coat will have crude proteins, crude fats, crude fibers, salmon oil, omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9.
- Read the nutrition supplement instructions very carefully before purchasing and before giving to your cat.
- Grooming is a huge factor when dealing with dry skin. Using a cat friendly shampoo/conditioner rich in oatmeal and/or omega 3 and omega 6 will give your cat healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- All natural shampoos that are hypoallergenic will have the best results for your cat's skin and coat.
- Brushing your cat daily is also very important in treating dry skin. Pet stores carry many different types of combs for cats.
Information Pertaining to Dry Skin on Cats
Your cat having dry skin is not a matter to take lightly. Treating dry skin starts by making sure your cat is healthy internally. Feeding all natural, hypoallergenic cat food will keep you from questioning whether or not the food is causing your cat's dry skin.
Regular visits to the veterinarian will keep your cat healthy internally and externally.
If the above treatments do not help your cat's dry skin then further action is needed. A call to your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for your cat or to ask questions is the best decision.
Related Sources
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has tips on their website regarding Bathing Your Cat and many more cat care articles.
Call your local veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
Carly Duff - Carly Duff is a writer and has knowledge in animals, crafts, camping, hiking and backpacking. She has her Certificate of Journalism from ...
