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Cat care: 5 tips for taking care of your cat’s coat

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As well as its simple aesthetic appearance, your cat’s coat has many other functions, acting as a protective layer against attacks and infections and as thermal insulation. Your cat’s skin is covered by dense fur comprising of 800 to 1600 hairs per cm2. Their coat should be treated and kept in a good condition; whether your pet is an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. Read on to find out more!

1/ Talc powder

Talc is magnesium silicate mineral compound. Commonly known to prevent babies from getting an itchy bottom caused by their diapers, it can also help to untangle the tangled hair of your cat by absorbing excess oil. You just need to lightly sprinkle the powder on the coat of your cat and then remember to brush it a few minutes later. Your cat will thank you for it!

2 / Cornflour

You might use this in baking but did you know you can also sprinkle it onto your furry friend?  Just like the talc powder, the powder will absorb any excess sebum.  As mentioned above, you should then lovingly brush the hair of your cat.

3 / Beer yeast

You might have already taken beer yeast to help encourage your hair to grow and by helping to make it soften and shine.  (It can also help to make your nails grow.)  However your cat doesn’t just have fur on it’s head, it is furry all over.  So why not share?  Leave a small amount in it’s food which will help make it’s coat shiny, soft and keep it in good condition!

4 /  Brushing

Regularly brushing your cat in the same direction as the coat helps to remove any dead hair.  (You’ll find that you have problems if you try the other direction!).  Dead hair can get itself everywhere from your clothes to your plates and even inside you glass of water.  Brushing doesn’t cost anything and will leave their coat looking fresh and soft!

5 / Healthy diet

Your vet will tell you the same thing.  If your cat eats anything it likes, it’s coat, among other things, will suffer the consequences.  It will become dull and coarse so not very nice at all.  Your cat’s diet is key for maintaining a healthy coat of fur.  Cats are carnivores so their food should be rich in protein but also fatty essential acids, vitamin A and carbohydrates.  Meat based foods as well as fish and wholegrain cereals are good options.  Raw meat is one of the best diets.  Think about contacting your vet to find out more.

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