Did you know that your cat’s fur is more than just decoration? That pretty fur helps kitties gather information, such as wind speed and direction; protects them from weather and elements; and acts as a buffer, protecting cats from getting easily scratched on things like thorns. Fur even helps kitties with the creation and processing of specific nutrients. Your cat’s fur can also help you tell how healthy she is. In this article, your veterinarian Jensen Beach goes over some of the basics of cats’ fur.

Shininess

Healthy kitties that are on proper and nutritious diets should have fairly shiny fur, though some kitties are just naturally shinier than others are. Sometimes, however, a cat’s fur looks dull. There could be several reasons for this. Illness is a major possibility, as cats often stop grooming themselves when they are sick or stressed, and it doesn’t take long for the neglect to show. If you are bathing your cat, you might be stripping your kitty’s fur of essential oils and actually making her fur too dry. Obesity is another possibility. Sometimes when kitties get too chubby, they can no longer reach every spot on their body when grooming themselves, and this can result in greasy, matted-looking fur.

Grooming

Cats are pretty good about keeping themselves clean. Your furball may spend several hours a day grooming herself. Bathing cats is generally not necessary, though it’s not a bad idea to get Kitty used to being bathed, just in case she ever needs one. That said, Kitty may appreciate a little help. Brushing will not only help with tangles, it will remove dead fur, dirt, and dander, so they end up on the brush rather than in Fluffy’s stomach. We all know what happens when Kitty swallows too much fur! Some cats enjoy being brushed, some tolerate it, and some want absolutely nothing to do with it. If your furball hates being brushed, you may be able to win her over by incorporating treats and cuddles into grooming time.

Shedding

There’s no way to completely stop Fluffy from shedding, but there are some things you can do to ensure that less fur ends up on your furniture. Making sure she is getting proper nutrition is key. Cats with outdoor access are more exposed to temperature extremes and seasonal changes which trigger shedding, so keeping Kitty inside may help minimize her shedding. Brushing will also help, especially at peak shedding times like spring and fall.

If you have any questions about caring for your cat, please do not hesitate to contact us. As your vet clinic Jensen Beach, we are here to help with all of your pet care needs.