Keeping a cat’s skin healthy is essential for many reasons. When properly cared for, this layer of tissue ensures proper hair growth, and in turn, protects your pet from losing too much body heat, attracting bacteria, and aggravating dermatological issues. Since feline fur can cover skin up pretty well, it isn’t always easy to know what kind of care it needs. That’s why Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie du Chien, WI, recommends the following pet grooming tips to ensure your cat develops a healthy coat.

5 Ways To Keep Your Cat’s Skin Healthy

1. Keep Fleas Far Away

Apart from introducing the risk of disease, fleas are incredibly uncomfortable for cats. These parasites cause incessant itching, which can cause felines to scratch excessively. Over time, this scratching can cause severe irritation, as well as infection. Fortunately, there are several treatments available, such as topical formulas, collars, or sprays, to prevent fleas from nestling into their fur.

2. Make Brushing a Habit  

Brushing your cat’s coat on a regular basis helps prevent mats—clumps of hair that can pull on the skin and cause infection. Regular pet grooming will also help spread natural oils over the skin and hair to promote a more beautiful coat.

3. Nourish With Nutrition  

Providing your cat with a balanced diet will help protect their skin from the inside out. Specifically, the right nutrition, with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, will give your pet the correct amount of vitamins, protein, minerals, and fats that are necessary for healthy cell growth, hydration, and hair loss prevention.

4. Defend Against Dryness  

Just like humans, a cat’s skin can become dry and itchy when it doesn’t receive a lot of moisture—especially in the winter when the air is drier. If your cat’s skin is dry and flaky, investing in a humidifier can help maintain the right amount of moisture. Additionally, it can also help give your pet more water, as dry skin can be a sign of dehydration.

5. Don’t Avoid Abnormalities  

When you practice pet grooming, it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in skin health. If you notice patches of missing hair, infections, ulcers, or other abnormalities, visit a veterinarian for a pet exam as soon as possible; dermatological changes can be a sign of an underlying health problem that requires treatment.

If you have questions about your cat’s dermatological health, the specialists at Tender Care Animal Hospital can help. Serving the Prairie du Chien area for more than 15 years, this veterinarian offers the expertise necessary to correctly diagnose skin problems and offer safe, effective treatment. In addition to treating skin health issues, they also provide full-service pet grooming to ensure your cat’s coat is kept in good shape. To learn more about their grooming services, visit them online or call (608) 326-7101 today.