How To Help Your Cat Maintain Soft Fur

One of the most soothing things about petting a long-haired cat is the feel of soft, silky fur between your fingers. The repeated motion of stroking this delicious texture over and over can be incredibly calming and relaxing for you – and your furry friend almost certainly enjoys it too!

Nevertheless, a cat’s fur is a lot more important than you probably think it is! Their skin and hair are classed as a single element, and in cats, it is their largest organ, comprising of between 10% and 15% of their total body weight. It also has a vitally important role in the health and wellbeing of your cat.

What role does my cat’s skin and fur play in her health?

You can actually tell a great deal about the health of an animal from the appearance of their skin and fur, and your cat is no exception. Some of their main functions include:

- Protecting your pet from external substances such as chemicals, prickly plants/bushes, contact with hot surfaces, ultraviolet light, the sun and other environmental stressors.

- Thermoregulation. The insulating layer of fur covering your feline friend helps to keep her temperature regulated and at a healthy level. It does this by moving hair follicles closer together to provide more insulation (which keeps her warm) or allowing air to enter her coat to help cool her down.

- Immunity to disease. Your cat’s skin and fur play an important part in maintaining a strong and efficient immune system, which helps keep your animal healthy.

How can I help my cat to maintain healthy, soft fur?

As a responsible and caring owner, you will undoubtedly want to do everything possible to ensure that your feline furbaby has the healthiest, softest fur possible. There are a number of things that you can do to help.

Get her the right nutrition

When it comes to the health of your pet’s coat, nutrition is the single biggest contributor. High quality wet food is the best way to keep your feline’s fur in tip top condition, and you should be sure to feed a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some cat foods specifically market themselves as targeting coat health, so these are worth considering.

Wet food is generally considered superior to dry alternatives. This is because dry food tends to have low quality protein and fat, and too many carbohydrates.

Groom her coat

Brushing your cat helps to distribute the natural oils found on her skin and hair, which helps her coat to remain soft and silky. Brushing her fur also eliminates dirt, debris and loose hair, prevents matting and tangles and keeps her looking and feeling beautiful. If your cat is short-haired, then you will probably only need to groom her once a week. Medium-haired varieties should be brushed 2/3 times a week, while long-haired felines should have grooming incorporated into their daily routine.

Provide parasite protection

All cats are at risk of developing external (and internal) parasites if they aren’t sufficiently protected. These can affect both the quality and look of their fur, as well as have a detrimental effect on your pet’s health. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of preventative treatments now available. Speak to our veterinarian to discuss which is the best one to ensure your pet is fully protected.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your cat’s fur, we strongly advise that you contact us and make an appointment with our veterinarian for further advice.