A healthy coat means a healthy cat. You can keep your cat's coat looking thick and shiny with all-natural pet health products from 1stpetnaturals.com.

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One of the most obvious signs of a healthy cat is a healthy coat. Ideally, your cat's fur should be soft, thick, and shiny, but if your cat's coat looks dull or disheveled, this may be a sign of illness. Indeed, many cat conditions from diabetes and parasites to skin infections, allergies, and cancer can all affect the look and feel of your cat's coat.

Still, other than illness, there are myriad reasons for problems with your cat's coat.

• Poor nutrition
• Obesity
• Age
• Excessive grooming or bathing

Probably one of the most influential factors with respect to the health of your cat's coat is nutrition. In order to have healthy hair and skin, your cat needs a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Without access to the proper vitamins and minerals, your cat's fur will suffer. Likewise, overweight or obese cats tend to have problems with their coat. As they grow larger and lose flexibility, they may not be able to reach all areas of their body for grooming leading to an unkempt coat. Unfortunately, as cats get older there also tends to be changes in the health of their coat. This could be the result of poor grooming because they are less flexible. Also, excessive bathing or grooming can also damage your cat's coat as natural oils are removed from the skin.

Many people make the mistake of believing that a cat's coat is only important insofar as it affects their appearance. On the contrary, a dull, unkempt coat may also be a sign of a significant health problem. These are just a few of the conditions associated with an unhealthy coat:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Autoimmune disease
• Stress
• Allergies
• Cushing's disease
• Kidney failure
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Moreover, your cat's coat provides your cat with important sensory data while also protecting your cat from extreme weather including the heat and cold.

As you can see, it is important to protect your cat's coat and to monitor its condition to ensure the overall health of your cat. If you notice unexplained changes in your cat's coat, you should consult with your veterinarian.