Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Cat
Essential Amino Acids and Fatty Acids
Vitamins and Minerals
Changes in Coat Condition
Why is Nutrition Important to Skin and Coat Health?
Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are important for the skin and coat health in cats. The purpose of skin and hair is to prevent things from leaving (such as water or heat) or entering (such as viruses and bacteria) the body.
The hair coat is composed almost entirely of protein. If your cat's diet doesn't contain adequate protein quantity and quality, her hair may fall out or become dry, weak and brittle.
Skin is made up of flat cells tightly packed together. These cells have tough membranes that are composed of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts of these nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria or viruses to enter more easily.
Essential Amino Acids and Fatty Acids
Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. Animal-based proteins contain all the essential amino acids cats need, whereas plant-based proteins may contain only some of the essential amino acids. Cats are carnivores and need animal-based proteins to achieve optimal health.
Fats can also be found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. They are incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids for a cat's skin and coat health. Linoleic acid maintains skin and coat condition in cats. Without enough linoleic acid, cats may experience dull, dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin and increased susceptibility to skin inflammation. Cats also require arachidonic acid for normal skin and coat health.
Both of these are found in animal tissues like animal fat, in vegetable oils such as maize and soya bean, and in vitamin-rich fish oils. Iams® research has found that the fatty acids found in fish oils help promote excellent skin and coat health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of healthy skin and hair coat. The best way to provide these nutrients is through a complete and balanced diet containing appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals rather than through supplements.
| Vitamin or Mineral | Importance to Skin and Coat Health |
| Vitamin A | Necessary for growth and repair of skin |
| Vitamin E | Protects skin cells from oxidant damage |
| Vitamin C | Promotes fast healing of wounds. Helps heal wounds |
| Biotin | Aids in the utilization of protein |
| Riboflavin (B2) | Necessary for fat and protein metabolism |
| Zinc | Necessary for fat and protein metabolism |
| Copper | Involved in tissue, pigment and protein synthesis |
Changes in Coat Condition
Diet is often believed to be a factor when changes in skin and coat condition are noticed. The most common causes of these changes, however, are season and life stage. As cold weather approaches, most cats grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather begins to warm up, they shed the thick, heavy coat.
Most kittens are born with soft fuzzy hair, but as they age, a coarser coat grows. Pregnant or nursing cats may also experience a change in coat condition or hair loss.
