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  Pet Magazine Issue 08

Coat Care!

Written by Dr. Laxmi Iyer

Does your cat's coat stare at you lifelessly? Time for you to take a quick look at all the things that you need to be doing. Your cat's coat is a mirror of the state of internal health.

Always remember, a healthy body reflects a healthy skin coat. If your cat is not eating as well as earlier or has become a little less active, then you know it's time for an annual check-up.
Feline Image

A sluggish liver, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, kidney ailments and food allergies may all be reflected in the hair and skin coat.

The skin and fur coat are the first line of immunity. Millions of bacteria are normal residents of the skin coat and are no cause for alarm. However, it's only when there's a break in the immunity does infection appear.

Hot spots are bacterial skin infections that can rapidly transform into full body infections
with your cat running a high temperature. Though this condition is more common in dogs, cats too are vulnerable.

Be alert and attentive. Most skin infections can be easily taken care of when detected early.

Make sure that your cat's bedding are kept clean, dust free. Herbal remedies like sweet basil and turmeric are gentle and soothing on the skin. Consult your vet and use such homemade remedies.

Watch out if your cat is in the habit of excessive grooming. Some conditions that look like skin infections are actually signs of stress or a behaviour disorder that needs a different approach. Consult your vet and be observant.

Ten ways to help your cat get a healthy coat

  1. Make sure that your cats are eating healthy.
  2. That means they should be getting enough of the sulphur containing amino acids, B complex vitamins, zinc, and all the minerals and essential fatty acids that helps to keep skin and fur healthy.
  3. Vitamin E and A too should be given in optimal amounts. However, remember that Vitamin A can be stored in the liver and lead to signs of toxicity.
  4. Do a daily tail to ear examination of the body coat. Look for lice, fleas, ticks, open wounds, cuts, scratches and early signs of mange.
  5. Try to avoid using any strong detergents or insecticides in the home. Make sure that your cats sit in the sun if not everyday at least every alternate day for about half an hour if not longer.
  6. Early signs of fungal infections of the coat may be quite inconspicous. Just a couple of patches of dropped fur!
  7. Avoid excessive grooming. Cats are naturally clean creatures and regularly groom themselves.
  8. Avoid using any dusting powders - especially the insecticidal dusting powders. They can be toxic. If your cat has a flea or lice infestation - apply the medicated shampoo and wash off immediately or as per manufacturer's instructions.
  9. As far as possible use herbal skin healing compounds like Aloe vera gel, Calendula dusting powders and cream for minor bacterial infections.
  10. Neem and Pongamia oil work well in scabies and fungal infections. Good hygiene and careful attention to early signs can help prevent many skin and coat ailments.
  



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