How can I help my cat have healthy, shiny fur?

A cat's soft, fluffy, and smooth fur is one of its most endearing qualities, making it irresistible to rub its head and gently stroke it to express affection. The appearance of a pet's fur is actually closely related to its health. Today, GGH will share some secrets to improving your pet's coat condition.

 

Pet health as a indicator of fur

Beautiful, soft fur not only contributes to a pet's adorable appearance but also directly reflects their physical condition. Healthy fur should be full, clean, shiny, smooth, and have a mild odor. Cats spend about half the day grooming themselves, and the condition of their fur largely reflects the condition of their skin and the health information carried in their saliva. Regularly interacting with your cat by brushing it and observing the condition of its fur can provide a better understanding of your pet's health.

 

Common hair conditions and related health problems

• Cat with sparse fur and bald patches

The changing seasons are also the time when cats shed, and they will shed more fur than usual. However, if a cat's fur becomes visibly thinner, or even if there are localized bald patches, it may mean that the pet is suffering from long-term malnutrition (imbalance), has contracted skin diseases such as ringworm, is not getting enough sunlight, or is experiencing emotional problems. Emotional problems may manifest as the cat's wary behavior and excessive licking of its fur.

 

• Cat's fur is oily or waxy and matted

If your cat's fur feels excessively oily and sticky, part the fur at the roots and check for dense black dots or even black patches, paying particular attention to the neck, chin, and tail. Carefully inspect your pet's entire body for any matted or stuck-together fur. If these signs are present, it indicates excessive oil production in your cat. You should check for parasite infections and whether any injuries or pain are affecting your cat's normal grooming routine.

 

• Cat's fur is tangled and messy

Dry, matted fur in cats may indicate a deficiency in nutrients and vitamins, especially in older cats whose absorption capacity weakens, requiring additional supplementation. This can be achieved by increasing DHA/EPA/Omega-3 intake, such as by regularly adding deep-sea fish oil supplements to their daily diet. Additionally, check the nutritional balance of their pet food, ensuring the protein content of the meat meets standards, and consider adding appropriate amounts of multivitamin tablets and lean red meat supplements. Many cats are picky eaters; therefore, it's necessary to control the frequency of giving them pet biscuits, treats, etc., and increase the variety of flavors in their main food, such as canned food, and adding freeze-dried foods to improve palatability. Bathing cats 1-2 times a year is ideal, especially in autumn and winter. Frequent bathing can damage the skin's oil barrier, leading to skin problems such as redness, itching, and dandruff. Use a clean wipe to clean dirt from their fur.

 

• abnormal odor of cat fur

Cats have underdeveloped sweat glands and should not normally have a strong body odor. If your cat smells like rotting food, you should check if your pet has periodontal or oral problems, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If your cat's fur smells like ammonia, commonly known as urine, you should observe if your pet has a loss of appetite or abnormal urination, as these are signs related to kidney health.

 

Gogo Herbs Product Recommendations

Gogo Herb's Scientific Pet Care column strives to continuously improve the health and quality of life for your beloved pet. We carefully select a variety of nutritional supplements tailored to the different stages of your pet's development. These products are developed by professional Chinese veterinarians and approved by Wai Yuen Tong Chinese Medicine Clinic. Made with natural ingredients, they contain 100% whole Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, Astragalus membranaceus, and Atractylodes macrocephala—three pure natural Chinese herbs—to boost your cat's immunity, resist external viruses and bacteria, regulate their spleen and stomach, and enhance appetite and absorption. A strong body leads to a lively and happy cat with a naturally beautiful and shiny coat.

A pet's health requires not only sufficient and balanced nutrition, but also careful care and observation from its owner. If you encounter any problems at the shopping mall, please contact our health consultant via WhatsApp at +852 5483 0695. Our medical and nutritional specialists will provide you with professional and attentive service.

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