You know how uncomfortable dry skin can be. You probably use plenty of hand or face lotion on yourself to prevent flaky, scaly, itchy, dry skin. Unfortunately, helping a cat’s dry skin usually isn’t as simple as just applying lotion. As with humans, cats can get dry skin for a variety of different reasons. Let’s look at the possible causes for dry skin in cats before talking about one unexpected ingredient that can help with some causes of dryness.
#1 – Changes in the weather
In many places, winter can be brutally cold and dry. On top of that, most heat sources can exacerbate dryness in both people and pets. If this is the cause of your cat’s dry skin, a humidifier left running in the room your cat spends the most time in can help.
#2 – Fleas, lice, or other parasites
Flea or lice infestations can cause dry skin, so getting rid of the parasites should help clear up your cat’s dry skin.
#3 – Health conditions, including fungal infections
Many different health problems that afflict cats can leave their skin dry. These health conditions may include (but are not limited to): yeast infections, ringworm, sporotrichosis, hyperthyroidism, heart conditions, and diabetes. If your cat is displaying any other symptoms or the dry skin is a new problem, it may be time for a visit with your trusted veterinarian.
#4 – Overgrooming
If your cat licks himself compulsively, it can cause dry skin and bald patches where they have licked off all of their hair. Overgrooming may be caused by health or behavioral issues and should be addressed with your vet.
#5 – Allergies
Cats can become allergic to a wide variety of things from environmental allergens to an ingredient in their food and at any time, just like with humans. If you think your cat may have a food allergy, you should speak to your vet about starting a food elimination diet.
#6 – Poor diet
Your cat’s diet may be lacking in certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. You should investigate the ingredients in your cat’s food and consider upgrading their diet or adding a supplement to make sure your cat is getting the nutrition they need.
The Unexpected Ingredient That Might Help!
Krill is a crustacean related to shrimp eaten by the largest animals on earth – whales. These little critters are prolific and also happen to be high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which clinical studies show are helpful in treating and preventing a variety of disorders from dry skin up to heart or kidney problems, arthritis, and brain function. Krill is a healthier source of Omega-3 than fish oil since krill are lower on the food chain and are less prone to having high levels of mercury. Krill is also high in protein, which many commercial cat foods are lacking enough of. The anti-inflammatory properties of krill oil are particularly helpful in the battle against dry skin. Krill may be just what your kitty needs to stop scratching and start enjoying life more!
In order to help pet parents offer their felines the best nutrition possible, iHeartCats partnered with Project Paws® to develop an omega supplement that provides three essential omega fatty acids in one delicious chew. Formulated by veterinarians, Omega-3-6-9 Chews are grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and sustainably sourced. What’s more, each purchase of these health-boosting bites provides meals for 14 hungry shelter cats!
Omega 3-6-9 Select Grain Free Skin & Coat Chews with Pure Antarctic Krill Oil, $24.99-34.99. Each purchase feeds 14 hungry shelter cats.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
(H/T: PetCareRX, Mercola Healthy Pets)