Photo Credit: Takashi Hososhima

Cats tend to thrive on low-maintenance. Give them a litter box, a bowl of food and water, and you can leave them alone for days without any problems. That’s a big reason why cats make wonderful pets — they’re practically self-sufficient! They even groom themselves — most of their energy goes into perfecting their fur coat. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about your cat’s health by the state of its coat. If you notice something unusual about your cat’s fur, you may want to investigate further. Your cat’s fur coat is the first place you should look to detect any health concerns.

What is my cat’s coat telling me?

Unkempt hair can be a sign that your cat is not feeling well — you know how consistently your cat grooms herself. On the other hand, if your cat is over-grooming herself to the point of becoming raw or scabbed, that could be another sign of danger. Your cat could be under stress, or she could have a painful skin condition, such as acute dermatitis, which is caused by allergies, fleas, or insect bites. She could also be suffering from arthritis — stiff joints may be preventing her from twisting her body to reach certain areas to groom herself.

Another reason your cat’s fur is deteriorating could be a lack of vitamins. Your cat should be getting a nutritious, balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. When choosing cat food, make sure the label says it meets the standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for your cat.

Should I be concerned about shedding?

Shedding is perfectly natural, so you have nothing to worry about, unless there are signs of balding or matting. When you spend more time with your cat and you become familiar with her behavior, you will be able to catch abnormalities early on. If you pay close attention to her behavior and appearance, you may be able to keep her from getting sicker.

If you think your cat might have a health issue, or if it’s simply time for a check-up, head over to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We offer a wide variety of medical services that will keep your cat purring, meowing, and thriving. Give us a call at (856) 662-2662 to schedule an appointment with our feline-loving doctors!