Every cat parent desires a soft, glossy, and beautiful coat for their cat. Nonetheless, your cat's fur can become dull for various reasons. Today, our Little Elm vets discuss why some cats are softer than other, and offer tips on keeping your cat's fur soft, healthy, shiny, and clean.
How do I make my cat's fur soft & fluffy?
To keep your feline friend looking and feeling great, it's important to give them a good skin and coat care routine. Below are some tips to help restore shine and softness to your cat's coat. Incorporating these into your cat's routine will ensure that they look and feels amazing.
Choose a High-Quality Food Diet
A high-quality diet will help keep your cat’s coat soft and luxurious. High-quality cat food contains essential nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support healthy skin and fur, leading to a softer and shinier coat. When choosing cat food, look for brands that list meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn or soy.
Brush Your Cat Regularly
Regular brushing plays a significant role in maintaining a soft coat for your cat. Brushing your cat's fur helps remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, preventing matting and tangles. It also stimulates the production of natural oils in the skin, which coats the fur and makes it softer. Aim to brush your cat at least once a week, and more frequently if your cat has long hair or sheds heavily.
Bathe Your Cat
Bathing can help maintain a soft coat, but it should be done sparingly. Overbathing can strip the fur of natural oils, leading to dryness and a dull coat. Typically, bathing your cat every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. Use a cat-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent any residue that could make the fur coarse.
Cultivate a Clean Environment
The environment in which your cat lives can significantly impact their fur. A clean, stress-free environment with a comfortable temperature and humidity level is ideal. Dust and dirt in the living area can dull the fur. Regular cleaning of your home and providing your cat with a cozy, clean bed can contribute to a healthier and softer coat.
Give Your Cat Water and Supplements
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin and fur. Ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can lead to dry skin and brittle fur. Additionally, supplements like fish oil or omega fatty acids can be added to your cat's diet to promote a softer coat. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplements.
Be on the Lookout For Balding & Matted Areas
Look for thinning, balding, or matted areas on your cat's coat, which usually indicate the presence of a medical problem. Your cat may not be able to achieve the shiny coat you desire if they have skin or allergy issues. If you encounter any such areas, get ahead of the problem by having them checked by a veterinarian.
Attend Routine Checkups
During your cat’s regular checkups, your vet will examine the condition of your cat’s fur to look for oiliness or dandruff, which may indicate underlying health issues. These appointments are essential to maintaining your cat’s health, as vets can conduct diagnostic tests during routine exams to diagnose allergies, parasites, or skin infections. Keeping up with vaccinations, flea control, and deworming schedules can also prevent conditions that could damage your cat's fur.
Take Your Cat to a Professional Groomer
Having your cat professionally groomed can be beneficial to your kitty’s health, especially if they have long or dense fur. Our groomers are experienced in bathing and grooming cats of all breeds, coat types, and temperaments. While a bath will remove dirt and leave your cat’s coat cleaner and softer, a good brushing will help make your cat’s fur shine.
Regular grooming sessions can also help manage shedding, reduce matting, and keep the fur in optimal condition. Consider scheduling a grooming appointment every few months or as the groomer recommends based on your cat's needs.
Why are some cats softer than others?
Genetic factors, diet, grooming habits, environment, overall health, and hydration influence the softness of a cat's fur. By understanding these factors, cat owners can take steps to ensure their feline friends have the softest, healthiest fur possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.