When it comes to skin care, we often think of what works best for us in order to prevent acne or other skin conditions for us, but what about for our pets? Our pets’ skin is sensitive, just like ours, and as a result must be taken care of as well. For example, cats can suffer from dandruff just like we can, as well as just about every other skin condition we may experience. Your cat’s fur is one of the easiest ways to check on their skin health and if you are able to figure out what different conditions may look like or be shown through you will be able to help keep your cat’s shiny and soft coat for their entire life.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves to ensure their skin and their coat are in perfect condition, and on top of that brushing, preventative care, and even some baths are needed for guaranteeing perfect skin health. In addition to these methods, one of the most effective methods of ensuring healthy skin is through their diet. Cats benefit majorly from different nutrients when it comes to their skin health. Nutrients and dietary changes such as high-protein diets and other methods are key to keeping their skin and coat looking perfect.
Filling your cat’s diet with high-quality protein ensures that your cat can produce enough keratin to maintain their luscious coat. This high-quality protein is also necessary for maintaining muscle and skin health since your cat sheds skin cells daily and needs to regenerate them. This protein in their diet can be found in some plant products, but since cats are primarily carnivores they should be fed coldwater fish, chicken, turkey, and other relatively lean meats. This diet is low in carbohydrates and incredibly high in protein which makes it the perfect food source for your cat.
Omega 3s and Your Cat
With these foods, there is another key ingredient in healthy skin. Cold-water fish carries Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical in your cat’s skin health. These fatty acids are absorbed by the cat’s cells and help retain the skin’s elasticity while also limiting itchiness, redness, and swelling. While Omega 3 fatty acids like ALA (which is found in fish) is helpful for their skin, DHA also will help with their vision and various other health issues that could potentially arise over their lifetime. By adding Omega 3 rich foods to your cat’s diet, you provide them with chemicals that their bodies do not produce, therefore providing nutrients that they must consume to benefit from.
When paired with a selection of vitamins and minerals such as zinc and vitamins c and e, these work to keep your cat’s skin and fur looking and feeling smooth and healthy. Thankfully, a high quality food can provide these vitamins and minerals in addition to often carrying the Omega 3 acids they need. This means that most cats can potentially get their full nutrition through quality food, but for those that might lack the Omega 3 input that some brands do not include there are supplemental foods that add in DHA Omega 3s such as ZipZyme™ Omega.