IAMS MY
Why Nutrition in Cat Food Is Key for Shiny Coat
Why Nutrition in Cat Food Is Key for Shiny Coat

adp_description_block218
Comprehensive Guide to Maintain a Shiny Cat Coat

  • Share

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘cat’? It's probably a cat covered in smooth and shiny fur, right? Not only does it look majestic, but every time we pet a cat, it also feels like we are running our fingers through silk. A shiny coat is no less than a divine blessing. However, this heaven-sent beauty can lose its shine if you stop taking care of it. While grooming plays a vital role in maintaining healthy cat fur, there are multiple other factors that influence its look and feel. If you are not aware of how to care for shiny cat fur, continue reading. This article covers everything around cat fur health.
 

Why isn’t your cat’s coat shiny?

If your cat’s fur looks dull, instead of directly jumping on to quick fixes, try understanding its cause. Here are a few common reasons why cat fur loses its shine:
 

  1. Poor diet

    When it comes to maintaining a cat’s lustrous fur, diet is key. In fact, along with keeping your cat's coat shiny, a balanced and complete diet will also ensure its overall well-being. So, make sure that you go for cat foods that are loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
  2. Frequent bathing

    We have all seen our hair get damaged due to excessive washing. But did you know? Cats' fur too loses its charm after frequent bathing. That's because overbathing leads to the loss of natural skin oils that keep your feline friend's coat shiny.
  3. Age

    Cats are pretty self-sufficient when it comes to grooming. As a caretaker, you do not have to bathe your purrfect pal regularly to follow basic hygiene. However, old age affects their flexibility, which hinders cats' grooming sessions. So next time your cat chooses to put its natural grooming equipment to use, make sure you assist it. However, lack of flexibility isn't always a sign of old age. Overweight cats too cannot reach every area of their body. If your cat is obese, create a healthy weight loss plan with your vet.
  4. Medical issues

    If none of the aforementioned factors have caused lacklustre to your cat's coat, the next plausible reason would be a medical condition. Cats lose their coat's shine due to serious health issues like diabetes, parasites, infections, and allergies. In case you suspect that your cat's dull coat is a sign of illness, consult a vet immediately.

How to make a cat’s fur shiny again?

Now that you know the causes of dull cat coats, you can work towards bringing its shine back. Here are a few ways to make cat fur shiny:

  • Brush the coat regularly: Brushing gets rid of dead strands and stimulates hair follicles. Moreover, it also helps spread natural skin oils to the coat, giving you a shiny cat fur.
  • Use the right shampoo: Picking the right shampoo is imperative, especially because the wrong ones can strip off a cat’s natural skin oil and damage the fur.

  • Avoid excessive bathing: Frequent bathing can lead to dry and flaky skin. Hence, do not make your cat take a dip unnecessarily.

  • Follow a healthy diet: We all know that hair strands are 90% protein. Hence, providing protein-rich meals becomes vital for maintaining a shiny cat coat. 
     

How and why nutrition is important for a cat’s coat and skin?

Skin is the largest organ. And with cats, this organ is generally fully covered with fur. They shed and regrow hair strands multiple times in their entire lifetime. However, a poor diet can slow down the regrowth process. Basically, lack of nutrition can eventually lead to bald spots. A diet that not only includes high-quality protein but also vitamins, minerals, good fats, and other nutrients will fast-track the hair growth process, maintain a shiny coat, and strengthen the immune system.

IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food is loaded with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to give your cat a shiny and healthy coat. Other essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals in this premium cat food support your feline friend’s overall health.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is my cat’s fur not shiny?
  2. Cats can lose their coat’s shine due to multiple factors. Here are a few common reasons why your cat’s coat is not shiny:

    • Excessive grooming and bathing
    • Poor diet
    • Wrong shampoo
    • Old age
    • Sudden weight gain
    • Diabetes
    • Allergies
    • Infection

  3. How can I improve my cat’s coat?
  4. Maintaining a healthy and shiny cat coat boils down to two things – hygiene and nutrition. As a cat parent, you must ensure that your feline friend doesn’t groom itself too frequently. However, you cannot neglect hygiene either. Based on its lifestyle and vet recommendation, make sure that your cat doesn’t over or under groom. Moreover, follow a nourishing diet that is packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only will it maintain your cat's shiny fur, but it will also boost healthy hair regrowth.

  5. Can I put oil on my cat’s fur?
  6. Although applying oil on your cat’s fur might not do any harm, it is best to consult your veterinarian regarding the same.

  7. What food helps a cat's coat?
  8. Cats’ fur can say a lot about their overall health. If your feline friend is nourished and healthy from within, it will be reflected through its skin and coat. So, make sure that your cat receives nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids in the right quantities to help maintain a cat's coat.

  • Why Should You Consider High-Protein Cat Food?
    Why Should You Consider High-Protein Cat Food?
    adp_description_block387
    High Protein Cat Food

    • Share

    Caring for a feline friend goes beyond cuddles; it also entails paying close attention to its dietary needs. One crucial aspect of cat nutrition is the role of high-protein diets. It offers numerous benefits, including promoting overall health, energy, and a strong immune system. A protein-rich diet has many benefits for cats, like:
     

    1. Prevents obesity

      Cats being carnivores thrive on diets predominantly rich in animal-based protein. The magical twist here is that such a diet significantly reduces the risk of obesity in your feline companion. 
       

    2.  Wards off diabetes

      Obesity in cats often opens doors to diabetes. However, a high protein diet acts as a preventive measure, keeping those blood sugar levels in check and reducing the risk of diabetes.
       

    3. Aids weight loss

      If your cat needs help shedding a few pounds – high-protein cat food is your ally. Not only does it keep its weight in check, but also supports weight loss by helping your cat feel satisfied and full. 
       

    4. Builds immunity

      Protein-rich cat food goes beyond weight management. It furnishes the essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair, growth, and a robust immune system. Without ample protein, your feline friend might face muscle loss and a compromised ability to fend off illnesses.
       

    IAMS high-protein cat food buying guide
     

    1. IAMS cat food: Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care

      This is a premium cat food designed to cater to the unique needs of indoor cats. This high-protein formula boasts quality ingredients like chicken by-product meal, L-carnitine, beet pulp, and natural fibre, making it an excellent choice for cat parents seeking to provide weight control and hairball care.
       

    HIGHLIGHTS

    1. Quality protein:

      With chicken by-product meal as its main protein source, this premium cat food ensures muscle maintenance and overall health in indoor cats.
       

    2. Weight control:

      The addition of L-carnitine supports the metabolising of fats, crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity.
       

    3. Hairball care:

      Natural fibre and beet pulp promote healthy digestion, reducing hairball issues, a common concern for indoor cats.
       

    THINGS TO CONSIDER

    1. Grain sensitivity: This super premium cat food contains corn, wheat, and maize gluten, which may not be suitable for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
       

    2. Individual dietary needs: As every cat is unique, consult with your vet to ensure this product aligns with your cat's specific health concerns or dietary preferences.
       

    IAMS cat food: Proactive Health Mother and Kitten

    IAMS Proactive Health cat food for Mother and Kitten is a premium kitten food designed to nurture your young feline's growth and development. Packed with high-quality ingredients, including chicken by-product meal, Omega-3, and chicken, IAMS kitten food formula offers essential nutrients for your kitten's well-being. Notably, it contains Colostrum and DHA, supporting eye and brain development during those crucial early stages of life. 
     

    HIGHLIGHTS

    1. Quality protein:

      With chicken by-product meal as a primary protein source, IAMS cat food provides essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health.
       

    2. Omega-3:

      The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil in IAMS kitten food ensures healthy skin and a shiny coat, enhancing your kitten's appearance.
       

    3. Colostrum and DHA:

      Colostrum supports a strong immune system, and DHA aids in cognitive development, making IAMS kitten food ideal for nurturing young kittens.
       

    THINGS TO CONSIDER

    1. Grain content:

      IAMS cat food contains ingredients like corn and wheat, which may not be suitable for kittens with grain sensitivities or allergies. Consider your kitten's dietary needs.
       

    2. Transition:

      When switching to this food, it is essential to gradually introduce it to your kitten's diet to prevent digestive issues.
       

    3. Consultation:

      For personalised recommendations and to ensure this high-protein kitten food aligns with your kitten's specific health requirements, consult with your veterinarian.
       

    How much protein does your cat need?

    When it comes to your cat's nutrition, protein is the name of the game for keeping your furry friend in the best shape. But navigating pet food labels can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code. What is the trick to figuring out how much protein your cat needs?
     

    Well, it all boils down to moisture. Pet food labels come in two flavours: 'dry matter basis' and 'as-fed basis.' Most labels use the 'as-fed' basis, including water content, which can be a tad confusing. 
     

    Here is a simple guide:

    Locate the Moisture and Crude Protein values in the Guaranteed Analysis section. Subtract the Moisture percentage from 100 to find the per cent dry matter. Divide Crude Protein by the per cent dry matter, then multiply by 100. 
     

    What qualifies as cat food with high protein content?

    When wondering how to choose cat food with high protein content, you will want to consider a few key factors:
     

    1. Crude protein percentage: High-protein cat food typically contains 25-30% or more protein on a dry matter basis, excluding moisture content, for accurate comparisons.
       

    2. Animal-based protein sources: Look for cat foods that primarily source protein from animals like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, ensuring they get essential amino acids.
       

    3. Limited fillers: Avoid cat foods with excessive grains and starches, as they can dilute the overall protein concentration in the food.
       

    4. Avoid plant-based proteins: Check the ingredient list for plant-based proteins like soy or pea protein concentrate, which should not be the primary protein source in high-protein cat food.
       

    5. Premium cat food: Choose well-known, reputable cat food brands with a history of producing high-quality, high-protein premium cat food options.
       

    NOTE: Consult your vet to determine the ideal protein content based on your cat's age, activity level, and health, as individual needs may vary.
     

    The pros and cons of high-protein cat food
     

    PROS

    1. Muscle health: High-protein cat food supports the development and maintenance of strong, lean muscles in your furry companion.
       

    2. Energy: Protein provides the energy needed for your cat's playful and active lifestyle.
       

    3. Healthy coat and skin: Protein-packed diets contribute to a glossy, healthy coat and skin.
       

    4. Weight management: High-protein cat food helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by keeping it feeling full on fewer calories.
       

    CONS

    1. Cost: Quality ingredients come at a price, but investing in your cat's health is worth it.
       

    2. Kidney health: Some discussions suggest high-protein diets might strain the kidneys, but it is a topic of debate and does not apply to all cats.
       

    3. Allergies and sensitivities: Keep an eye on your cat's reactions to different protein sources as they can develop allergies or sensitivities.
       

    When transitioning your cat to a high-protein diet or introducing new foods, do it gradually to prevent digestive issues. For guidance on the right protein level for your cat's specific needs, especially if they have underlying health concerns, consult with your veterinarian. IAMS cat food provides your feline friend with the perfect balance of protein and nutrients, ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life. 

Close modal