We can all agree that cats have always had a very special function among human beings. They can be pets, our houses’ rodent extinguishers and our own ‘’psychiatrists’’. Yes- cats are reported to have a therapeutic effect on people. It is said that petting them will reduce our stress and anxiety. No wonder they were even perceived as deities in Old Egypt.

Cat’s fur that we all tend to love has multiple functions. It protects the cats from coldness and scorching heat.  When threatened, the ‘’hackles rise’’, which goes to show the cats’ fur even presents their defensive system.  The coat could also be a reflection of its health.

When we feel the cat’s fur is dull, it could be a warning about different unwanted illnesses: kidney issues, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or parasite infections. Other most common causes of dull fur in cats are frequent bathing, bad nutrition, old age or being overweight. This article will provide you with solutions that will fix your cat’s fur and make it glossy.

 

How to make your cat’s coat shiny in a natural way

Cats are sure apt at taking care of their fur by themselves. However, this means that you should think twice about what you’re treating them with in order for them not to digest unsafe ingredients.

Omega-3 oils are the first choice when you’re attempting to treat the fur in a natural way. The best way you can do it is to add some real salmon or tuna to their meals. You can also opt for the foods in the convenience stores that are claimed to be Omega-3 supplemented, but bear in mind it is probable that the big portion of this element has disappeared during the production process.

 Use a brush to comb and detangle mats and long hair. As they grow old, cats naturally lose the ability to take care of their fur accurately so they might need your help stimulating hair follicles and distributing natural oils throughout the hair.  The frequency of brushing your cat will depend on the variety itself. In case you have a long-haired cat, vets suggest brushing it once every few days or even 15 minutes a day. As for the short-haired ones, you can brush them once a week. The tools you need for combing have to be specifically made for these animals and them

The frequency of brushing your cat will depend on the variety itself. In case you have a long-haired cat, vets suggest brushing it once every few days or even 15 minutes a day. As for the short-haired ones, you can brush them once a week. The tools you need for combing have to be specifically made for these animals and they include a quality general brush, a steel comb, and a rubber or bristle brush. When you start combing, start it with the regular brush, from head to the tail and do it softly. Use the steel comb

When you start combing, start it with the regular brush, from head to the tail and do it softly. Use the steel comb afterward in order to remove any dirt or debris. Finally, take the rubber brush and take all the excess hair away. For more shine, use a washcloth or chamois and wipe the coat with it.

 

Limiting the number of baths is another way in this sequence of pieces of advice. Since cats’ specialty is to groom their fur, it doesn’t need much additional cleaning. Try to use special cat shampoos that are not too strong because, otherwise, it will contribute to further problems with both the fur and the skin.

Bathing cats have a few steps. Firstly, you have to decide on the time of bathing based on the variety of the cat as well as its activity. Long-haired cats may need washing more often as well as the ones that are more active. Also, if your pet is having trouble taking care of itself, it will also require frequent bathing. Before bathing your cat, put some mineral drops in its eyes so that you protect it from soap and clip its nails to avoid scratches. Choose the time of bathing wisely- it is the best that you do this when the cat is calm.

Follow this with a pre-bathing process:

• Dip a washcloth in lukewarm water and carefully wash your cat’s eyes and its face (if necessary).
• When you fill the sink or tub with water make sure it is not too hot and abundant. If you’re using a tub, put something on the bottom so that your cat feels secure and has something to hold on to.
• The room you’re bathing your cat in should be no colder than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Seek vet’s advice related to the shampoo you should use, especially if your cat has skin problems.
• While you are putting your cat into the water secure yourself with gloves in case the animal gets frightened or agitated by water and starts scratching.
• Then take some water and the shampoo ( 5:1 ratio) and gently rub it on the cat’s skin, working it from the head to the tail. Make sure that the product you’re using is specifically made for animals since the strength of the ones made for humans can dry their skin out. You can also use finishing spray while its fur is still wet so that you make the brushing easier.
• What is crucial is to rinse your cat well in order get rid of all of the chemicals of the shampoo in its fur.
• When the time comes to dry your cat, try not to use hair dryers because it could cause your cat a heat stroke or the noise could upset them. The best thing is to wrap your cat in a towel and hold it like that until it’s completely dry.
• Conclude this process with brushing the cat’s fur if necessary and don’t forget to treat your cat after this since bathing can be pretty stressful for them.

Coconut oil has wonderful effects on a cat’s fur and skin just as it is miraculous for humans. The fats inherent in the coconut are critical for healthy skin and hair. You can rub it in the animal’s skin or you can add it in smaller amounts to their food if they like it.

 

Using herbs could be a double-edged sword but some of them could be very beneficial for your cat’s fur.  Goldenseal is tremendously good for the cat’s skin. It is a natural disinfectant and lessens the skin’s allergies. Before you give any herbal oil to your cat, make sure it likes it because otherwise, it will do anything to get it away from their skin and fur, making all the efforts useless. The plants you should exclude from your cat’s treatment are eucalyptus, borage, and comfrey because they could be poisonous.

Changing nutrition. The welfare of your cat’s skin and fur substantially depends on the intake of minerals. The imbalance between essential minerals like zinc and copper can cause a variety of skin and fur diseases such as fur’s dullness, alopecia (losing of the fur), and fur discoloration.

A raw diet is one of the most commonly suggested solutions to solve the problem. It will provide your cat with the right amount of proteins and fats vital for the healthy look of the fur. First of all, proteins are a pivotal factor in hair growth. Hair is 95 percent protein, so it comes as no surprise that raw food which is rich in protein will maintain an optimal pace of new hair production.

Essential fats are also game-changers with respect to the outlook of your cat’s hair. It stimulates sebaceous glands that exude the oils that lubricate your skin. Also, omega-3 and omega-6 fats are essential in creating the new epidermis that will retain water within your skin and keep it hydrated. Other than fish oil, you can add things like flaxseed, chicken fat, soybean oil, zinc and whole grains in order to get your cat’s fur back the glow it should have.

On the grounds of age, species, and activity, cats may need different nutrition Therefore, you’re highly advised to consult your vet about the cat’s diet.

 

When natural ways don’t help anymore

 

Cats are susceptible to certain kidney diseases, as well as diabetes, allergies, infections, parasitical diseases and hyperthyroidism. Dull fur is actually one of the early signs of these diseases!

Systemic diseases like hyperthyroidism are usually managed by hormone replacement, surgery or radioactive iodine.

Diabetes is treated with insulin injections.

As for the kidney problems, they’re usually dealt with a change in diet accompanied by medications.

Infections are hard to deal with because the treatment doesn’t usually entail medications. In some situations, the cat will be prescribed antibiotics but other than that, drinking a lot of fluids and keeping a healthy diet are recommended.

Diseases that are caused by parasites usually require anti-parasitic drugs pastes and topical applications. Finally, when it comes to grooming, it’s usually the ‘’cat’s business’’ but in some cases, you’ll have to help, especially if the cat is arthritic.

In the case of overgrooming, your cat may need some anti-anxiety drugs and will need some extra, stress-relieving soothing.