A cat with a shiny, luscious coat isn't just a pretty sight - it's a sign of a cat in tip-top health. Sure, genes play their part, but feeding your feline friend right is just as vital.
When it comes to cat couture, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the superstar nutrients. Let's dive into why your cat’s coat looks dull and what these fatty acids can do to help.
Why Is My Cat’s Coat Dull?
Illness
A dull coat is an obvious outward sign of a problem for your cat. If you notice a sudden change in their coat health, it’s worth getting them checked by your vet as it can be a sign that they’re battling an illness.
Poor Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in your cat's shiny fur. If they’re not getting a nutritionally complete diet, their coat will quickly lose its shine, and their skin will be dry and flaky. Black cats may also get a brown tinge to their coat if their diet doesn’t contain enough tyrosine (but the sun can also bleach them, so always check with your vet).
Skin Problems
The skin and coat are so closely linked that any problem with your cat's skin will show up in their coat health. Don’t forget, the coat grows from the skin, and if the skin itself isn't strong, healthy, and nourished, then neither are the hair follicles growing within it.
Stress
Cats are easily stressed, and changes to their life or environment can worry them. They’ll show it in their own individual way, but it can often mean their coat health takes a dive. Some might groom themselves less, resulting in a greasy dull coat, while others might overgroom, making their skin sore and giving themselves bald patches.
Joint Problems
Cats are the masters of disguise and will often hide their signs of pain. But if they’re struggling with joint pain, you might notice a change in their coat because they can’t get into a comfortable position to groom themselves. Or it could go the other way, and they overgroom around the hurting joint.
Fatty Acids For Shiny Fur
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are like the VIPs of the fat world for cats. They are considered essential for cats because their bodies can’t produce them naturally—they have to get them from their diet. These polyunsaturated fats play critical roles in various bodily functions, including maintaining skin health and keeping their fur runway-ready!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One of the primary benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is their anti-inflammatory properties. They swoop in with their anti-inflammatory capes, saving the day by battling skin issues like dermatitis.
If the skin is dry, itchy or inflamed, that’ll show in the coat’s health too. But with high levels of Omega 3 in your cat’s diet, you can say goodbye to dry, itchy skin and hello to a luscious fur coat! Plus, these fatty acids team up with ceramide lipids to build a fortress around your cat's skin, locking in moisture and shielding against pesky environmental irritants.
The result? Hydrated, irritation-free skin that shines, with a coat so glossy it could rival a disco ball!
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, such as linoleic acid, play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s strength and integrity. Linoleic acid is a component of ceramides, which, are essential for healthy skin function. Additionally, Omega-6 fatty acids help create sebum, the skin's natural moisturiser, ensuring your cat coat stays silky and smooth.
What Are Good Sources Of Omega 3 And 6 For My Cat’s Coat?
There will be some in their normal diet, however, these are some great options for adding omegas to your cat's diet.
- Fish Oil
- Green-lipped mussel
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
Although adding these may help, to really get your cat’s coat shining, you need much higher levels than you’ll find in the volume of extra fish your cat can safely eat. The ideal answer is to give them a supplement packed full of these super-powerful fatty acids.
Give Them Antinol® Plus For A Show-Stopping Coat
For fabulous fur that radiates health and beauty, give your cat Antinol Plus. It’s a joint, skin and coat supplement that has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It soothes irritated skin, nourishes skin cells, and supports healthy fur growth for a coat that really gleams.
Make Giving Omega to Your Cat Easy
We know that you want the best for your cat’s health. You want them to thrive, and giving them a supplement to support their health and wellness is an easy way to do that…sometimes.
Then there are days when you try to give them a supplement, and they turn into crazed banshees. It’s a battle no one wants.
So we have launched our innovative Easy-Feed capsules. Simply snip off the top, pour onto something yummy and let them enjoy it. Easy.
