Most cats are meticulous about caring for their coats which keeps them shiny, beautiful and soft. Not only are healthy cats a delight to pet and look at but their coats serve a purpose. There can be as many as 130,000 hairs per square inch in a cat’s coat that provide sensory data, protection from the elements and produce nutrients. If your cat’s fur begins to look dull or their skin becomes dry and flaky, there are a few things to consider to restore their natural luster.

• Poor diet: Unlike dogs, cats need a generous amount of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to help their bodies produce a glowing coat. Since their skin and coat reflect what is happening inside their bodies, dull and dry skin can signal improper eating habits. Simply supplementing your cat’s food with fatty acids in fish, like salmon, can produce dramatic improvements in their outward appearance and get their fur back to normal.

•  Age: Just like their owners, when cats get older things in their bodies start to change. If you have a senior cat who is experiencing dull or dry skin, brushing can help restore soft, luxurious fur. Using a fine-toothed comb can help dig down a bit to catch the dull, dead hairs a brush may not reach.

• Being overweight or obese: When a cat has a weight problem, reaching certain areas can be a challenge due to lack of flexibility. Even thought cats do need fatty acids, too much fat or food may contribute to your pet having dandruff down the center of their back or around the base of their tail. When a cat carries extra pounds they not only have neglected coats, they may also suffer additional like their owners side-effects including: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If this describes your cat, be certain to calculate the correct amount of calories they should eat per day and check in with your vet about a proper weight loss diet.

• Too many baths: Cats are vigilant about keeping their coats clean and tidy on their own and sometimes too many trips to the tub can upset the natural balance in their fur and skin. Typically a cat should only be bathed when their fur is exceptionally dirty with grease, grime, sticky items or something that is difficult for them to groom away. When you do clean up your cat, be sure to use a conditioning rinse make especially for cats. If you are bathing your cat frequently to control your allergies to cat dander, it may be defeating your purpose. The effects of bathing on dander last only a few days. It is actually more effective to wash your hands, take allergy medication or clean your house more often.

Although a few simple checks can help get your cat’s fur back on track, always be sure to check in with your vet to be certain you are providing the best care, nutrition and grooming for your pet’s coat and general health.