As winter creeps in and our heating goes on, have you noticed your cat’s coat isn’t looking its best? Do they seem itchy? And oh, the flaky skin!! 🤦
Why do cats get dry skin in winter, and how can you help them?
Why do cats get dry skin in winter?
The cold weather, heating and a lack of outdoor time take their toll on our cat’s skin and coat. Here are the 4 biggest reasons your fabulous feline might have dry, flaky skin this winter.
Cold weather
It’s horrible out there. Cold, rainy and windy. And let’s not even start on the snow! Agh! Repeated exposure to wet, cold weather means your cat’s skin struggles to retain moisture, leading to dry, flaky skin—which is exactly the same as us. We get chapped lips and dry hands when the temperatures drop (but we don’t recommend whipping out the lip balm for your cat!).
Dry air
We tend to whack up the heating when the temperature drops, and that change in temperature from the chilly outside air to the cosy, dry air of the central heating can play havoc with your cat's skin and coat.
Indoor allergens
If your cat is the sensitive type, with skin or food allergies, the reduced time outdoors means they’re exposed to more indoor allergens, which could be causing skin issues. Dust mites, cleaning chemical residues, air fresheners and smelly candles can all irritate your cat’s skin and may even result in allergy flare-ups.
So, how can we help our cat’s skin during the colder months? Can we avoid them feeling dry and uncomfortable?
There are a few things you can do to support your cat’s skin health this winter…
1. Keep your cat hydrated
Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, as dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of dry skin. If they’re not a big drinker, think about adding a little water to their dinner, incorporating wet food into their diet or getting a cat water fountain.
2. Increase the humidity in your home
Dry air from your heating causes your cat's skin to dry out, leading to dry skin and a dull-looking coat. Add a humidifier to your home to see improved skin hydration for you and your cat! Or, add some pet-safe houseplants for less drying air.
3. Give your cat a high-quality skin, joint and wellness supplement
Nourish your cat’s skin from the inside with a high-quality wellness supplement containing omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as other essential fatty acids.
4. Increase grooming
In the autumnm, your cat will naturally shed their summer coat to make way for their warmer winter coat. So you may find your cat is grooming themselves more frequently (all over your black trousers, probably.) This increased grooming could cause havoc with hairballs, especially in the case of longer-haired breeds. To help them out and disperse their oils more evenly through their coat, brush their coat more regularly to remove dead fur.
5. Check their toe beans
If your cat is allowed outside, it is a good idea to check and wipe their paws if they have been out on their travels, especially if you live in a more suburban than rural area. Rock salt used for gritting can be sore if left on their feet and harmful if ingested.
And above all, look forward to the weather warming up and chilling in your garden with your favourite furry feline on your lap…Ahhhh 😎
