To help keep them independent and wonderfully uncooperative, remember to check your C.A.T.S.
On a good day, your cat’s one and only outfit will have a subtle, smooth shine.
Cats that put tongue to fur for regular grooming sessions will have skin that is supple and clear, rather than greasy or flaky.
Cats can totally have bad hair days, but an increase in shedding or hair loss is a cause for concern.
“Cats are naturally glamorous animals. The condition of their coat is a great indicator of their health.”
— Angela Hughes, Global Science Advocacy Senior Manager at Mars Petcare
Coats vary greatly based on a cat’s breed and other factors. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Long haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons may need a little assistance keeping their luxurious coats tangle-free, even when healthy.
For short haired cats, hair that is coarse, brittle, or dull may be an indicator of more serious changes in your cat’s health.
If your cat has little to no hair, watch for Opens a new windowchanges in skin color. Some change is normal, however, spots or rapid pigment changes are worth looking into.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY Opens a new windowDR. ANGELA HUGHES, GLOBAL SCIENCE ADVOCACY SENIOR MANAGER AT MARS PETCARE
As a professional researcher and veterinary geneticist, Dr. Hughes has spent her career sharing her expertise on pet health. Her work has been featured in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, PLOS One, PLOS Genetics and Large Animal Internal Medicine.