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Ultimate Guide to Skin & Coat Health for cats

Ultimate Guide to Skin & Coat Health FOR CATS

The Power of Your Cat's Skin:

Protection, Immunity, Hydration & More

  • Cat fur forms a sleek, flexible barrier against sharp objects, chemicals, and environmental hazards.

  • The skin is lined with sensitive nerves that detect heat, cold, pressure, and pain, alerting your feline friend to potential harm.

  • Acts as a natural defense against UV rays and chemical irritants.

  • A robust skin and fur barrier plays a key role in keeping infections at bay.

  • It supports the immune system in fighting off bacteria and parasites that could cause skin problems.

  • A compromised skin barrier in cats can lead to infections or allergic reactions.

  • A dense, insulating coat helps cats maintain a comfortable body temperature.

  • The body adjusts blood flow to the skin, balancing heat retention and cooling as needed.

  • In colder moments, shivering generates extra warmth.

  • Healthy feline skin helps conserve essential moisture, crucial for overall vitality.

  • Although cats do have sweat glands on their paws, their fur minimizes excessive water loss.

  • Keeping skin hydrated supports vital metabolic and physiological functions.

Tailored Food for Healthy Skin & Shiny Coats

Omega-Rich Protein

New Zealand King Salmon

Skin & Coat Support

New Zealand Salmon Meal 

Joint Health Support

Ocean Fish Meal 

Lean muscle growth

Cage-Free Chicken

Flavor Enhancement

Chicken Fat

Supports Eye Health

Green Peas 

Fiber and Digestion

Yellow Peas

Grain-Free Energy

Tapioca

Digestive Support

Potatoes

Plant-Based Protein

Pea Protein 

Omega-3 Boost

Flaxseed

Urinary Health Support

Cranberries

Thyroid Health Boost

Kelp Powder

Antioxidant-Rich Nutrition

Spinach Powder

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Blueberries

Lean Protein

Duck

High-Quality Protein

New Zealand Chicken Meal

Complete Amino Acids

Egg

Brain and Joint Support

Fish Oil

Healthy vs. Unhealthy cat Skin: What to Know

Skin Issues

  • Dry & Flaky

    Dandruff, rough texture, or excessive itching.

  • Red or Inflamed

    Signs of irritation, rashes, or hot spots.

  • Bad Odor & Sores 

    May indicate infections, allergies, or skin disease.

  • Bald Spots

    Patchy hair loss, often due to allergies, parasites, or underlying health issues.

Coat Issues

  • Excessive Shedding

    Hair loss, dull coat, or brittle fur.

  • Matted or Tangled Hair

    Clumped fur that can cause discomfort, skin infections, and restrict movement.

  • Uneven Fur

    Patchy or inconsistent coat texture, which may signal poor nutrition, stress, or skin conditions.

Healthy Skin

  • Smooth & Hydrated

    Skin is soft, moisturized, and free from dandruff or irritation.

  • Clear & Even-Toned

    Skin is free from redness, rashes, or inflammation.

  • Odor-Free & Clean

    Skin has no foul smell or sores.

  • Full Coverage

    No bald spots; even hair growth all over the body.

Healthy Coat

  • Shiny & Soft

    Fur is glossy, smooth.

  • Tangle-Free & Manageable

    Fur is easy to groom, with no knots or clumps.

  • Even & Thick

    Coat has a consistent texture and density.

Understanding Your Cat's Skin:

Key Layers and Functions

A cat's skin makes up around 12% to 15% of its total body weight. It consists of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

Understanding Cat Skin & Coat Health

  • Epidermis (Outer Layer)

    • Acts as a protective barrier against irritants, bacteria, and allergens.

    • Unlike dogs, cats have a more flexible epidermis, allowing for greater agility but also making them prone to minor cuts and scrapes.

    • Regular grooming and a diet rich in omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids support a strong, healthy barrier.

  • Dermis (Middle Layer)

    • Contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels.

    • Cats have more hair follicles per square inch than most animals, contributing to their thick and dense coat.

    • Sebaceous glands secrete natural oils, which keep the coat soft, waterproof, and slightly self-cleaning.

    • A diet rich in animal-based proteins and essential fatty acids supports dermal health.

  • Hypodermis (Deepest Layer)

    • Made up of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and flexibility for jumping and climbing.

    • Cats with poor diets or excessive weight loss may have reduced fat layers, leading to dry, brittle fur and increased sensitivity to temperature changes.

    • Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring proper hydration supports this layer.

Key Factors Affecting Cat Skin & Coat Health

Diet & Nutrition

High-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and key nutrients like Vitamin E, Biotin, and Zinc support a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Allergy Management
Cats with food or environmental allergies may exhibit itchiness, redness, and excessive grooming, requiring dietary adjustments or vet care.
Hydration 
Cats have a low thirst drive, so ensuring adequate water intake (via fresh water sources or wet food) helps prevent flaky, dry skin.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections, so regular parasite control is essential.
Regular Grooming
Brushing helps distribute natural oils, remove loose hair, and prevent matting, reducing hairballs and skin irritation.

Supplements

Omega-3s from fish oil can reduce inflammation, itching, and dry skin, promoting a soft, healthy coat.

Support Your cat's Skin & Coat

with the Right Food

  • Duck Royale Entrée Cat
  • Salmon Bleu Cat
  • Duck Royale Entrée Cat
  • Salmon Bleu Cat

Suitable For

Cats of all life stages

Who Should Buy This?

Cat parents looking for a novel protein with premium duck as the main ingredient

Key Protein

New Zealand Duck

Key Benefits

Made with New Zealand duck, Aloe Vera, and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and overall vitality

Grain-Free

Yes

Taurine-Enriched

Yes

Added Supplements

Vitamins A, D3, E, probiotics

Omega-3 & 6 Source

Flaxseed, fish oil

Bag Sizes Available

4lb

Suitable For

Cats of all life stages

Who Should Buy This?

Cat parents seeking a fish-based diet rich in omega fatty acids

Key Protein

New Zealand King Salmon

Key Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, supports heart and brain health

Grain-Free

Yes

Taurine-Enriched

Yes

Added Supplements

Vitamins A, E, B-complex, prebiotics

Omega-3 & 6 Source

Salmon, fish oil, flaxseed

Bag Sizes Available

4lb, 10lb, 20lb

Cat Skin & Coat Care:

Your Top Questions Answered

Why does my kitten have flaky skin even though I groom them regularly?
Over-grooming or excessive bathing can strip away natural oils, leading to dry, flaky skin. Kittens have delicate skin barriers, so avoid frequent baths and use gentle, cat-safe shampoos with aloe vera or oatmeal. If flakes persist, check for mites, fungal infections, or food allergies.
My senior cat’s fur is turning brittle and patchy—what can I do?
A brittle, thinning coat is often a sign of nutrient absorption issues in senior cats. As they age, their ability to absorb key nutrients like biotin, zinc, and Omega-6 fatty acids declines. Upgrade their diet with high-quality animal proteins, fish oil, and vitamin E. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and improve circulation.
Can diet affect my kitten’s skin allergies?
Absolutely! Many kitten skin allergies stem from food sensitivities, particularly to chicken, dairy, grains, or artificial additives. Instead of relying on medicated shampoos, try elimination diets with novel proteins like venison, duck, or rabbit. Probiotics also help strengthen gut health, which in turn reduces allergic reactions.
What supplements can improve my kitten’s skin barrier?
For kittens with sensitive skin, look for:

  • DHA & EPA (Omega-3s) – Found in fish oil, crucial for reducing inflammation.
  • Zinc & Biotin – Supports keratin production for stronger fur.
  • Colostrum & Probiotics – Helps build immunity against skin irritants.
  • Evening Primrose Oil – A natural anti-inflammatory for itchy skin.
My senior cat has more skin infections than before—why?
As cats age, their immune system weakens, and their skin barrier thins, making them more prone to infections. Factors include:

  • Slower cell regeneration
  • Increased oil buildup (leading to bacterial overgrowth)
  • Weakened immune defenses
  • To prevent recurring infections, feed an antioxidant-rich diet, regularly clean skin folds (for breeds prone to yeast infections), and consider immune-boosting supplements like colostrum.
My kitten’s fur looks dull—should I be concerned?
Kittens go through a “coat transition” where their soft baby fur is replaced by their adult coat, which can cause temporary dullness. However, if their coat remains lackluster, it could indicate nutritional gaps, dehydration, or an underlying health issue. Ensure they’re getting enough Omega-3s (DHA & EPA), high-quality proteins, and zinc in their diet.
My senior cat is shedding more than usual—is this normal?
Yes and no. Older cats experience slower cell turnover and reduced oil production, which can lead to increased shedding. However, excessive shedding can signal hormonal imbalances (such as hyperthyroidism), nutrient deficiencies, or underlying skin conditions. If shedding is paired with bald spots, excessive licking, or a greasy coat, consult your vet.
My senior cat’s fur is turning brittle and patchy—what can I do?
A brittle, thinning coat is often a sign of nutrient absorption issues in senior cats. As they age, their ability to absorb key nutrients like biotin, zinc, and Omega-6 fatty acids declines. Upgrade their diet with high-quality animal proteins, fish oil, and vitamin E. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and improve circulation.
How can I naturally boost my kitten’s coat shine?
Aside from a nutrient-dense diet, try these natural boosters:

  • Egg yolks (rich in biotin)
  • Sardines in water (high in Omega-3s)
  • Goat’s milk or kefir (supports gut health, which affects skin)
  • Coconut oil rubs (a small amount massaged into the coat can improve shine)
My senior cat’s coat is thinning around the back and tail—why?
Thinning fur in specific areas can signal hormonal imbalances, especially hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Look for other signs like weight loss, excessive thirst, or hyperactivity. If it's seasonal, winter dryness may be the culprit—boosting omega-rich foods and regular gentle brushing can help stimulate hair regrowth.
Should I change my kitten’s diet as they grow for better coat health?
Yes! Kittens require higher fat content, DHA, and protein for rapid coat development. As they transition to adult food, ensure their diet still includes:

  • Essential fatty acids (for moisture retention)
  • Collagen & glucosamine (for skin elasticity)
  • Whole-food antioxidants (to combat environmental skin stressors)
My senior cat’s fur is greying—is there a way to slow it down?
While coat greying is genetic, oxidative stress can accelerate it. Adding antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, turmeric, and green-lipped mussels can slow premature greying and support cell repair.

Explore Expert Tips for Healthy Skin & Coat 

Care for Your cat

10 Proven Ways to Improve Your Cat’s Skin and Coat Naturally 

Prebiotics for Optimal Coat Health: How Gut Health Impacts Your Cat’s Fur

Why Your Cat’s Skin and Coat Reveal More About Their Health Than You Think

Curious About skin & coat?

 

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