The Power of Your Cat’s Skin 

Protection, Immunity, Hydration & More

Protection

  • Cat fur forms a sleek, flexible barrier against sharp objects, chemicals, and environmental hazards.
  • The skin is lined with sensitive nerves that detect heat, cold, pressure, and pain, alerting your feline friend to potential harm.
  • Acts as a natural defense against UV rays and chemical irritants.

Immunity

  • A robust skin and fur barrier plays a key role in keeping infections at bay.
  • It supports the immune system in fighting off bacteria and parasites that could cause skin problems.
  • A compromised skin barrier in cats can lead to infections or allergic reactions.

Thermoregulation

  • A dense, insulating coat helps cats maintain a comfortable body temperature.
  • The body adjusts blood flow to the skin, balancing heat retention and cooling as needed.
  • In colder moments, shivering generates extra warmth.

Hydration

  • Healthy feline skin helps conserve essential moisture, crucial for overall vitality.
  • Although cats do have sweat glands on their paws, their fur minimizes excessive water loss.
  • Keeping skin hydrated supports vital metabolic and physiological functions.

Tailored Food for Healthy Skin & Shiny Coats

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Cat Skin

The Ultimate DIY Cat Grooming Guide: Essential Tools & How to Use Them

Grooming your cat at home is essential for maintaining their skin and coat health while strengthening your bond. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your feline’s fur shiny, tangle-free, and healthy. Here’s a complete guide to DIY cat grooming, including must-have accessories, step-by-step instructions, and where to buy them online.

✓ Healthy Skin
✕ Skin Issues

Smooth & Hydrated: Skin is soft, moisturized, and free from dandruff or irritation.

Dry & Flaky: Dandruff, rough texture, or excessive itching.

Clear & Even-Toned: Skin is free from redness, rashes, or inflammation.

Red or Inflamed: Signs of irritation, rashes, or hot spots.

Odor-Free & Clean: Skin has no foul smell or sores.

Bad Odor & Sores: May indicate infections, allergies, or skin disease.

Full Coverage: No bald spots; even hair growth all over the body.

Bald Spots: Patchy hair loss, often due to allergies, parasites, or underlying health issues.

✓ Healthy Coat
✕ Coat Issues

Shiny & Soft: Fur is glossy, smooth.

Excessive Shedding: Hair loss, dull coat, or brittle fur.

Tangle-Free & Manageable: Fur is easy to groom, with no knots or clumps.

Matted or Tangled Hair: Clumped fur that can cause discomfort, skin infections, and restrict movement.

Even & Thick: Coat has a consistent texture and density.

Uneven Fur: Patchy or inconsistent coat texture, which may signal poor nutrition, stress, or skin conditions.


Understanding Feline Skin & Coat Health: Key Layers & Functions

A cat's skin makes up around 12% to 15% of its total body weight. It consists of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

SourceProtexin Veterinary. (n.d.). A guide to skin health for dogs and cats.

Epidermis (Outer Layer)

‣ Acts as a protective barrier against irritants, bacteria, and allergens.

‣ Unlike dogs, cats have a more flexible epidermis, allowing for greater agility but also making them prone to minor cuts and scrapes.

‣ Regular grooming and a diet rich in omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids support a strong, healthy barrier.

Dermis (Middle Layer)

‣ Contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels.

‣ Cats have more hair follicles per square inch than most animals, contributing to their thick and dense coat.

‣ Sebaceous glands secrete natural oils, which keep the coat soft, waterproof, and slightly self-cleaning.

‣ A diet rich in animal-based proteins and essential fatty acids supports dermal health.

Hypodermis (Deepest Layer)

‣ Made up of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and flexibility for jumping and climbing.

‣ Cats with poor diets or excessive weight loss may have reduced fat layers, leading to dry, brittle fur and increased sensitivity to temperature changes.

‣ Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring proper hydration supports this layer.

Key Factors Affecting Cat Skin & Coat Health

Diet & Nutrition

High-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and key nutrients like Vitamin E, Biotin, and Zinc support a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Allergy Management

Dogs with food or environmental allergies often show itchiness, redness, and hair loss.

Hydration

Cats have a low thirst drive, so ensuring adequate water intake (via fresh water sources or wet food) helps prevent flaky, dry skin.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections, so regular parasite control is essential.

Regular Grooming

Brushing helps distribute natural oils, remove loose hair, and prevent matting, reducing hairballs and skin irritation.

Supplements

Omega-3s from fish oil can reduce inflammation, itching, and dry skin, promoting a soft, healthy coat.

Support Your Cat’s Skin & Coat with the Right Food

Duck Royale Entrée Cat
Salmon Bleu Cat

Suitable For: Cats of all life stages and breeds

Who Should Buy This?: Cat parents looking for a novel protein with premium duck as the main ingredient

Key Protein: New Zealand Duck

Key Benefits: Made with New Zealand duck, Aloe Vera, and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and overall vitality

Grain-Free: Yes

Taurine-Enriched: Yes

Added Supplements: Vitamins A, D3, E, Prebiotics

Omega-3 & 6 Source: Flaxseed, Fish oil

Bag Sizes Available: 4lb (1.8kg)

Suitable For: Cats of all life stages and breeds

Who Should Buy This?: Cat parents seeking a fish-based diet rich in omega fatty acids

Key Protein: New Zealand King Salmon

Key Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, supports heart and brain health

Grain-Free: Yes

Taurine-Enriched: Yes

Added Supplements: Vitamins A, E, B-complex, Prebiotics

Omega-3 & 6 Source: Salmon, Fish Oil, Flaxseed

Bag Sizes Available: 4 lbs (1.8 kg), 10 lbs (4.5 kg)

Support Your Cat's Skin & Coat with The Right Food

Duck Royale Entrée Cat Duck Royale Entrée Cat
Salmon Bleu Cat Salmon Bleu Cat

Suitable For

Cats of all life stages and breeds

Cats of all life stages and breeds

Who Should Buy This?

Cat parents looking for a novel protein with premium duck as the main ingredient

Cat parents seeking a fish-based diet rich in omega fatty acids

Key Protein

New Zealand Duck

New Zealand King Salmon

Key Benefits

Made with New Zealand duck, Aloe Vera, and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and overall vitality

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, supports heart and brain health

Grain-Free

Taurine-Enriched

Added Supplements

Vitamins A, D3, E, Prebiotics

Vitamins A, E, B-complex, Prebiotics

Omega-3 & 6 Source

Flaxseed, Fish oil

Salmon, Fish Oil, Flaxseed

Bag Sizes Available

4lb (1.8kg)

4lb (1.8kg), 10lb (4.52kg), 20lb (9kg)

Cat Skin & Coat Care FAQs

Over-grooming or excessive bathing can strip away natural oils, leading to dry, flaky skin. Kittens have delicate skin barriers, so avoid frequent baths and use gentle, cat-safe shampoos with aloe vera or oatmeal. If flakes persist, check for mites, fungal infections, or food allergies.

A brittle, thinning coat is often a sign of nutrient absorption issues in senior cats. As they age, their ability to absorb key nutrients like biotin, zinc, and Omega-6 fatty acids declines. Upgrade their diet with high-quality animal proteins, fish oil, and vitamin E. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and improve circulation.

Absolutely! Many kitten skin allergies stem from food sensitivities, particularly to chicken, dairy, grains, or artificial additives. Instead of relying on medicated shampoos, try elimination diets with novel proteins like venison, duck, or rabbit. Probiotics also help strengthen gut health, which in turn reduces allergic reactions.

For kittens with sensitive skin, look for:

  • DHA & EPA (Omega-3s) – Found in fish oil, crucial for reducing inflammation.
  • Zinc & Biotin – Supports keratin production for stronger fur.
  • Colostrum & Probiotics – Helps build immunity against skin irritants.
  • Evening Primrose Oil – A natural anti-inflammatory for itchy skin.

As cats age, their immune system weakens, and their skin barrier thins, making them more prone to infections. Factors include:

  • Slower cell regeneration
  • Increased oil buildup (leading to bacterial overgrowth)
  • Weakened immune defenses
  • To prevent recurring infections, feed an antioxidant-rich diet, regularly clean skin folds (for breeds prone to yeast infections), and consider immune-boosting supplements like colostrum.

Kittens go through a “coat transition” where their soft baby fur is replaced by their adult coat, which can cause temporary dullness. However, if their coat remains lackluster, it could indicate nutritional gaps, dehydration, or an underlying health issue. Ensure they’re getting enough Omega-3s (DHA & EPA), high-quality proteins, and zinc in their diet.

Yes and no. Older cats experience slower cell turnover and reduced oil production, which can lead to increased shedding. However, excessive shedding can signal hormonal imbalances (such as hyperthyroidism), nutrient deficiencies, or underlying skin conditions. If shedding is paired with bald spots, excessive licking, or a greasy coat, consult your vet.

A brittle, thinning coat is often a sign of nutrient absorption issues in senior cats. As they age, their ability to absorb key nutrients like biotin, zinc, and Omega-6 fatty acids declines. Upgrade their diet with high-quality animal proteins, fish oil, and vitamin E. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and improve circulation.

Aside from a nutrient-dense diet, try these natural boosters:

  • Egg yolks (rich in biotin)
  • Sardines in water (high in Omega-3s)
  • Goat’s milk or kefir (supports gut health, which affects skin)
  • Coconut oil rubs (a small amount massaged into the coat can improve shine)

Thinning fur in specific areas can signal hormonal imbalances, especially hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Look for other signs like weight loss, excessive thirst, or hyperactivity. If it's seasonal, winter dryness may be the culprit—boosting omega-rich foods and regular gentle brushing can help stimulate hair regrowth.

Yes! Kittens require higher fat content, DHA, and protein for rapid coat development. As they transition to adult food, ensure their diet still includes:

  • Essential fatty acids (for moisture retention)
  • Collagen & glucosamine (for skin elasticity)
  • Whole-food antioxidants (to combat environmental skin stressors)

While coat greying is genetic, oxidative stress can accelerate it. Adding antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, turmeric, and green-lipped mussels can slow premature greying and support cell repair.

Curious About Skin & Coat?