Healthy Skin & Coat for Cats

A Dull Coat Needs Attention from Humans

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Hey! We cats always think we are the best looking animal around. Sometimes we need humans to notice when things aren't quite right.  Like a dull coat.

Often, a dull coat is a result of the food we eat. We need lots of protein. (More than--OK, I'm going to say it--dogs.)

We don't have the same nutritional needs as humans either, so a "low-fat" food may really be harming our body. We need fat. Fat "lubricates" our coat and gives it tone, plus it keeps our skin supple without dry flakes. I think you humans call it dandruff. If your cat is a bit plump, try cutting back on carbohydrates rather than fat.

Here are some other signs of dry coat:

• Too many baths! Baths strip the skin of important oils. Unlike dogs (there, I said it again) cats don't need a bath unless something really sticky, or smelly is beyond our ability to clean by ourselves.
• Overweight kitty. A very plump kitty may not be able to reach all the parts of his body. This can lead to an unkempt coat, and in super fluffy cats, snarls and tangles.
• Getting older. Yep, it happens to cats, too. When we become less flexible it can limit movement and our ability to groom.
• Medical conditions. You really, really need the vet for these. Kidney problems, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and other illnesses. Your vet is your cat's friend.
• Parasites. They are more than annoying. Fleas, ticks and worms can affect the skin and coat. 

If a little change in your cat care and feeding doesn't help. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for possible causes.

The Brush

Brushing your cat on a regular basis helps to stimulate the follicles. Plus, brushing helps distribute the natural oils along the entire hair. 

So aside from getting rid of surface dust and dirt, those regular brushings help keep our coats glossy. Plus, we love the attention.

Your cat will look as awesome as she feels.

If you like cats, be sure to come to our Book Party this Saturday, August 22. Join in the fun. My co-author, Tim Hammill, will read from my stories.

Max

Water Time

Cats and Water

Yep, That's Me in the Tub

The widely accepted thought that cat's have an aversion to water is only partially true. OK, most of us don't like full body immersion. On the other hand, we love to watch the flow and play with the drops. So, here I am playing with water in the tub. 

But, and that's a big one, unlike the Turkish Van, I'm not fond of getting my entire body wet. Turkish Vans love to swim. I'll leave them to it. 

Some cats like to take a shower. Here's David Amerland's Nike drying out in the sun after her morning shower. 

What about a cat bath?

Yeck! and No! is my response. That's when I exhibit an extra portion of Maxitude. Normally cats stay clean with natural grooming. But sometimes your cat gets into something awful. And then, I hate to say it, it's time for a bath. 

Animal Planet has some cat-friendly advice about the dreaded bathing.

Place him in an empty tub or sink, speak reassuringly, and run a washcloth wet with room-temperature water over his fur -- just enough to get him damp. If he's calm enough, start filling the bath or use a tumbler or pitcher of warm water -- never hot -- and slowly pour this over his fur. You can also try a hose attached to the faucet to saturate his coat. Working from head to tail, apply a small amount of diluted feline shampoo and work up the suds, cleaning the cat's fur and skin. Be sure to rinse more than once to prevent shampoo residue from irritating his skin, or getting into his mouth when he tries to lick himself dry. Dry him with a clean, fluffy towel, praising him for braving bath time. 

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/do-cats-really-hate-water/



My advice is stay clean and avoid human induced baths!

Head bumps!

Max