Cats would usually have healthy and shiny skin. After all, that is what makes them look lovely and tempts us to cuddle and play with them. But cats can also have dry skin due to specific causes. The worry will be real for pet parents in this scenario. So, to get this sorted, we should first know the reasons behind this.
How can I know if my cat has dry skin?
Firstly, it is vital to understand that any breed of cat is prone to dry skin, irrespective of its nature, and genes. Next, there are few symptoms to interpret that your cat has dry skin, including flaked, patched, and spotty skin coat. You will often find your kitten scratching or licking its skin, especially near the nose, ears, tail base, and backside of the body. The patchy skin will usually mimic dandruff. The skin coat will not be shiny and will instead look dull.
Why does my cat have dry skin?
Though the causes would differ according to the health of your feline, there are few common reasons behind the dry skin of the cats, which are as follows.
- Imbalanced diet: It can be due to a deficiency of certain nutrients in your cat. It might not be getting enough vitamins and minerals, or it is not hydrated and supple. Feeding your cat with an excellent balanced and nutritious diet would resolve this issue.
- Weather: Just like in humans, the chill weather causes dry skin in cats too. Applying cat creams or oils can get your cat out of dry skin in this scenario. Cats can quickly develop allergies, so any change in their accessories, the sleeping place, or food materials can cause them allergies. Also, it will ultimately reflect as dry and patched skin. Visit your vet to know about the exact reason or allergy behind your cat’s skin and provide appropriate treatment.
- Ticks and fleas: An infestation of fleas, lies, or any parasites can also lead to dry skin in cats. Providing proper antibiotics and applying the prescribed creams can help your cat get out of this issue.
- Over-grooming: If your cat is a beauty queen and spends more time grooming herself, it can also lead to dry skin. Due to grooming, the natural moisture of the skin will get reduced progressively and thus would lead to dry skin. So, watch your cat’s activities and teach her not to overdo things.
- Fungus: Certain infections like fungus, Yeast can also cause dry skin in your cat. Proper diagnosis is required to provide appropriate treatment in these cases. So consulting a veterinarian is suggested.
- Health issues: In the least cases, severe specific health problems like Hypothyroidism and diabetes might cause dry skin in cats. Suppose your cat is getting a bit old and is slowly developing dry skin. In that case, it is wise to visit your veterinarian and get things sorted out as per the prescription.
What are the brief steps to be taken if I am sure that my cat has dry skin?
If you are sure that your cat has dry skin, firstly try to interpret the reason behind it. But also remember not to delay much, because taking this for granted might worsen certain severe conditions and put both you and your pet in trouble.
Fortunately, find out the right reason behind your cat’s dry skin, and the reason seems to be little. You can go with the first line conservative remedies, including improvising the diet of your cat, keeping your cat hydrated, preventing it from over-grooming, ensuring it is not shivering in cold weather instead of being warm. Remember to keep their skin soft and supple by applying essential moisturizers like oils or a good cat cream.
Suggested measures to treat your cat’s dry skin:
What are the reasons for dry skin in cats? |
How can you treat it? |
| Malnutrition | Getting a diet plan customized for your cat by your veterinarian will help a great deal. Providing both wet and dry foods, alternatively in a day, can improvise your cat’s health. Essential fatty acids can have a significant impact on your cat’s skin. So make sure you include Omega 3 fatty acids in your cat’s diet. |
| Weather | Since cold weather can leave your cat skin dry and itchy, it is essential to keep your cat warm. You can do this by providing your cat with a cozy place to sleep and snuggle at least after the evening time to save it from the coldness of the night. Provide your cat with hot milk and hot soups to keep it warm inside out. |
| Lifestyle | Make sure your cat is active as a lack of blood supply can also reflect on the skin. And also ensure it is not over-grooming. You can prevent this by periodic grooming and educating your kitty that scratching its skin is not a part of the routine; instead, you will groom your kitty periodically. |
| Hydration | Playful or even lazy cats are more likely to skip their water bowls, as they would be busy playing or sleeping. So it would help if you practiced your cat to drink the water often by directing towards the water bowl. Later the cats themselves will develop that as a habit in a while or so. |
The above table gives a clear picture of when you need to start paying attention to your cat skincare.
Conclusion
Remember that dry skin is not a negligible scenario & your cat needs proper attention for this too, like in other ailments or abnormal situations. You may still be unsure about the cat’s behavior while it is licking and itching. Immediately make an appointment with your vets before the condition gets worse. You love your cat and you may hate to see it uncomfortable. Even though they are self-groomers, never ignore the dry skin issues.
