What To Do For A Cat With Dry Skin

Here'south What Causes Your Cat'due south Dry out Pare (and Home Remedies to Endeavour)

A instance of dry skin isn't unremarkably serious, but it can make your cat super uncomfortable! Hither'south how to nix the itch.

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Just similar united states, cats can sometimes suffer from dry skin. This often occurs during the wintertime, when the cold air outside and increased heating utilize inside dries out the air, but it can happen other times also. The skilful news is, occasional balmy itchiness and dandruff due to dry out skin is nix to worry about. But if your cat has persistent dry skin or is also showing other symptoms of a skin problem or affliction, she should exist seen by your veterinary.

Mutual Causes of a Cat's Dry out Skin

Dry out Air

Your cat'southward skin requires a certain amount of moisture to maintain its elasticity and resilience. A low-humidity environs can cause the skin to dry out out. This most ofttimes happens in the winter when the air is colder and we are turning our heat on more (forced-air oestrus in particular can actually dry your home). Arid climates also accept very low humidity.

Use a humidifier to help increase the humidity in your home to keep your cat's skin happy. (When using a humidifier, use caution if incorporating essential oils, equally they tin be dangerous for cats!)

Grooming Challenges

Regular training is an important office of your cat's skin and coat health. If she is unable to groom normally, the oils that her peel secretes will build up and dead hair won't be removed. This causes greasy hair and tin can lead to mats.

Obesity and arthritis are two of the most mutual reasons for a cat to not groom herself adequately. Overweight cats are physically unable to bend to reach their unabridged bodies, and arthritic cats may experience hurting when doing so. Even young adult cats will finish preparation if they are ill and don't feel well.

Help your cat by profitable with preparation until she is able to do it on her own over again. Brush your cat once a day, especially in hard-to-reach areas similar her back end, abdomen, and behind her ears. Many cats enjoy existence brushed and it is a prissy bonding activity. Occasional baths may too be needed to help go on your cat's pilus and peel at its all-time.

man brushing catdeimagine / Getty

Credit: deimagine / Getty

Nutritional Needs

Your true cat's diet plays a function in maintaining skin health. Feeding a low-quality or imbalanced diet tin lead to nutritional deficiencies that may atomic number 82 to dry out peel and other wellness problems. Make certain that your cat'south diet has an AAFCO Statement on the characterization ensuring that it has the right nutrients for your cat. If you are feeding a home-cooked diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist to brand sure that yous are providing everything your cat needs.

Diets with a college fat and protein content can exist beneficial for skin wellness. Yous tin likewise add a fatty acid supplement with omega-3s and omega-6s to your cat'south food to help go on her skin supple and coat shiny. Exist cautious when choosing a supplement, as supplements are non subject to the same regulations and oversight as medications. Choose a supplement that has been approved past the National Animal Supplement Council or is recommended past your veterinarian.

Improper Bathing

Thank you to their natural grooming tendencies, virtually cats only demand to be bathed on rare occasions. Bathing besides frequently, using a shampoo that was not formulated for cats, or using h2o that is too warm tin all dry out out your true cat's pare.

For the all-time results, use an oatmeal-based shampoo that will combat any dryness, utilise h2o that is warm only not hot, and rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue. If you find yourself bathing your true cat frequently, consult with your veterinarian to make sure a more serious skin status isn't the cause.

Parasites and Illnesses

More serious conditions can cause your true cat to have dry pare, including parasites like fleas and mites, ringworm, allergies, fungal and bacterial infections, over preparation (an obsessive-compulsive beliefs), hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. All of these atmospheric condition volition take other symptoms present in addition to dry out skin.

If your cat is experiencing moderate to severe itchiness, cherry inflamed skin, pustules, crusts, open sores, chronic ear infections, hair loss, weight loss, lethargy, increased drinking and urination, or an aberrant appetite, information technology is time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Treatment will depend on the condition(s) and symptoms present.

Domicile Remedy Treatments for Skin Dryness on Cats

Thankfully, for cases of dry out skin with only balmy itchiness and skin flaking, at that place are several treatments yous tin can try at home to help your cat feel more comfortable again.

Use a humidifier to increment the humidity in your domicile.
Feed your cat a loftier-quality, vet-recommended diet with high fat and protein levels.
Add together a fat acrid supplement. Remember that not all supplements are created equal, then choose a product that has the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal or is recommended by your veterinarian.
Brush your cat regularly to help distribute the oils from her skin throughout her coat and to remove dead hair.
If yous have to bathe your cat, be certain to utilize a cat-condom product. Oatmeal shampoos are a great choice for soothing dry or sensitive skin.

If your cat's dry skin persists or becomes chronic, brand sure to consult your cat's veterinarian for adjacent steps toward a solution.