How summer heat and shedding influence coat health
Only because a cat’s skin is mostly covered in fur does not mean it isn’t the largest organ of its body. Indications of reduced well-being show on our cats’ coats. Cats shed their coat, allowing its replacement to compensate for the change in temperatures. It still needs to be groomed and good nutrition and general health are of great importance to sustaining a healthy coat.
Weather, temperatures, hormones, metabolic issues, stress, digestive problems or parasites can result in a dull coat. If your cat’s shiny fur stops being shiny and you don’t know why it is worth visiting a vet to find out what could be the cause. Diabetes for example can have a detrimental effect on a cat’s fur. By providing your cat with a healthy lifestyle, with high-quality, nutritious, and natural food and plenty of exercise opportunities, you may be able to prevent some of these conditions in the first place. A correctly balanced diet containing the proper levels of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins and plenty of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids helps support the maintenance of a glossy, shiny coat.
Our 3coty® natural, balanced and complete cat food includes a combination of oils to be able to maintain healthy skin and fur. Evening Primrose has not only anti-allergic properties but also strengthens the coat and helps with skin irritations. Our most recent product lines with spirulina superfood provide a boost to the immune system and help fight allergies. Breeders around the world have been using spirulina to improve coat and stimulate hair growth.
What super ingredient have you tried to improve your cat’s coat? Talk to us as we are constantly looking for new solutions!
Did you know?
Just as we reach for something cool and refreshing on a hot summer day, our cats also benefit from support that helps them stay comfortable in warmer weather. Cats cannot cool down through sweating the way humans do, so their skin and coat play an important role in temperature control.
Cats with full coats rely on their fur as a natural thermoregulating layer. In summer the lighter coat allows air to move between the hairs and carry heat away from the skin. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx and Peterbald manage heat differently. They do not sweat through the skin. Instead, they produce sebum, a natural oil that in coated cats spreads along the hairs. With little or no fur to absorb it, the oil remains on the skin surface, which is why these cats need more frequent bathing and careful skin care in warm weather.
Rex breeds, such as the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex, are different again. They are not hairless. Their curly coats are soft and fine, which offers less insulation than the dense coat of other cats. This makes them more sensitive to temperature changes, both hot and cold. For these breeds, nutrition that supports healthy skin and strong hair shafts is especially valuable during seasonal shedding and summer heat.
