Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Cat

Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals play important roles in the skin and coat health of cats. Skin and hair are used to prevent things (such as water or heat) from leaving, or things (such as viruses and bacteria) from entering the body.

The hair coat is composed almost entirely of protein. If your cat's diet doesn't contain enough quality protein, her hair may fall out or become dry, weak, and brittle.

Skin is made up of flat cells tightly packed together. These cells have tough membranes that are composed of proteins and fats. Without proper nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.

Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. Animal-based proteins contain all of the essential amino acids cats need, whereas plant-based proteins may contain only some. Cats need the nutrients in animal-based proteins for the best of health.

Fats also can be found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients, and are incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids for skin and coat health. Linoleic acid and arachidonic acid maintain skin and coat condition in cats. Without them, cats may experience a dull, dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin, and increased risk of skin inflammation. Both of these are found in animal tissues such as chicken fat, whereas vegetable oils such as corn and soybean are rich in linoleic acid but do not contain arachidonic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids, another type of fats, are found in vitamin-rich fish oils. IAMS™ Company research has found that the fatty acids in fish oils help promote excellent skin and coat health.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of healthy skin and coat. The best way to provide them is through a complete and balanced diet rather than through supplements.

Diet is often believed to be a factor when changes in skin and coat condition occur. The most common causes, however, are changes in season and life stage. As cold weather approaches, most cats grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather begins to warm up, they shed their thick, heavy coat.

Most kittens are born with soft, fuzzy hair, but as they age, a coarser coat grows. Pregnant and nursing cats may also experience a change in coat condition or hair loss.