The Best Food to Support Your Cat’s Skin and Coat Health

Your cat’s skin and coat can offer useful indicators about their overall health. A smooth, glossy coat and comfortable-looking skin are encouraging signs, while persistent dandruff, bald patches, redness, or changes in grooming behaviour may indicate that something is wrong. 

As any cat owner knows, cats are usually meticulous groomers, which can sometimes make skin problems difficult to spot. Changes may first become noticeable as excessive licking, chewing, or scratching, rather than through an obvious rash or changes to the skin. Some cats may also stop grooming properly if they are unwell, overweight, experiencing joint pain or finding it difficult to reach certain areas.  

Although good nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the healthy skin and fur of your cat, diet is not the only consideration. Fleas, mites, infections, environmental allergies, stress and underlying medical conditions can all affect your cat’s coat as well as diet. Always contact your vet if your cat develops persistent itching, soreness, scabs, unusual hair loss or noticeable changes in their grooming habits.  

What Does Healthy Skin and a Healthy Coat Look Like in Cats? 

Every cat’s coat is different. Its natural texture, length and thickness will depend on factors such as breed, age and the time of year. However, there are several general signs of healthy skin and fur you can look out for. 

A Smooth, Glossy Coat 

A healthy coat will usually look clean and feel smooth for your cat’s particular fur type. Long-haired cats may need regular brushing to prevent tangles, while short-haired cats are often able to manage much of their grooming themselves. With your cat, you know what to expect, so keep an eye on any changes. If your cat's coat suddenly becomes dull, greasy, brittle or heavily matted, it's important to take a look. 

Comfortable, Uninflamed Skin 

Where you can see the skin beneath the fur, it should be your cat’s normal colour and should not appear persistently red, sore, crusty or inflamed. 

A small amount of occasional dry skin may not always be cause for concern, but repeated flaking, scabs or dandruff should be discussed with your vet. 

No Unusual Odour 

You will be familiar with your cat’s normal smell. A healthy coat should not develop a strong, musty or unpleasant odour. Changes in smell can sometimes be associated with an infection, wound, dental problem or difficulty grooming, so they are always worth investigating.  

No Bald Patches or Excessive Grooming 

Cats naturally shed fur, and some will moult more noticeably at certain times of year. However, thinning fur, bald patches, broken hairs, or repeated licking of one area are not normal signs of moulting. 

Overgrooming can be caused by itching, parasites, allergies, pain or stress. Cats can remove a surprising amount of fur through licking before their owners notice that anything is wrong.  

The Nutritional Building Blocks for Healthy Skin and Fur 

The best starting point is a complete and balanced cat food formulated for your cat’s life stage. 

Cats have specific nutritional needs. Unlike dogs and humans, they are obligate carnivores and require certain nutrients from their diet, including taurine, preformed vitamin A and arachidonic acid. These requirements make it especially important to choose food formulated specifically for cats, ensuring a mix of balanced ingredients that will help to keep your cat looking and feeling their best. 

A Note on Adding Individual Ingredients 

The ingredients mentioned in this guide will help you know what to look for when choosing a balanced cat food that meets your cat's needs. They should not automatically be added separately to your cat’s meals. 

Adding fish oil, eggs, liver, supplements or other extras to a diet that is already complete can increase its calorie content, disturb its nutritional balance or cause digestive problems.  

Follow the feeding instructions provided with your cat’s food and speak to your vet before adding oils, supplements or substantial quantities of fresh ingredients. Veterinary guidance is particularly important if your cat has a medical condition or is already eating a vet-recommended diet. 

Start With High-Quality Protein 

Protein provides amino acids that are used throughout the body, including within the skin and fur. Cats have a comparatively high dietary requirement for protein and need a complete balance of essential amino acids. 

Rather than judging a cat food by one ingredient alone, look for a complete recipe that uses clearly identified, digestible protein sources and is appropriate for your cat’s age and health. 

Salmon and Other Fish: Salmon and other fish ingredients can provide animal protein as part of a complete feline diet. Oily fish can also supply the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, depending on the type and quantity used in the recipe. 

These fatty acids can support normal skin function and may be particularly useful within foods formulated for coat and skin health. 

Fish is not suitable for every cat, however. Cats can develop sensitivities to animal proteins, including fish, so itching should never automatically be treated by simply introducing more fish to the diet. 

Chicken and Turkey: Chicken and turkey are widely used in cat food because they provide animal-derived protein and are palatable for your feline friends. 

Turkey may be included in recipes intended for cats that prefer a lighter meat flavour, but no protein is automatically suitable for every sensitive cat.  

Lamb and Rabbit: Lamb and rabbit may appear in limited-ingredient or sensitive cat food. These recipes can be useful for cats that do not tolerate some commonly used ingredients. 

When a food allergy is suspected, your vet may recommend a controlled elimination diet containing a carefully selected novel or hydrolysed protein. During a proper food trial, your cat must not eat other foods or treats that could interfere with the results. To do this, you may need to keep your cat indoors while doing an elimination diet. 

Calibra’s hypoallergenic cat food is a great place to start for cats with sensitive stomachs. However, cats with persistent skin problems should be assessed by a vet before their symptoms are attributed to food. 

Look for Essential Fatty Acids 

Dietary fat supplies energy and helps the body absorb certain vitamins. Particular fatty acids are also involved in maintaining the normal structure and function of the skin. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Marine ingredients such as salmon, fish oil and krill can provide EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are commonly included in foods designed to support the skin and coat. 

Rather than adding oil directly to your cat’s bowl, look for a complete food that already contains an appropriate and nutritionally balanced amount. 

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Omega-6 fatty acids also play an important role in maintaining the skin barrier and coat condition. Cats specifically require a dietary source of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissue. A properly formulated complete cat food should already provide this nutrient in an appropriate amount. 

The aim is not to maximise one type of fat, but to provide a suitable overall balance of fatty acids within the complete diet. 

Key Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids 

A healthy coat depends on the complete nutritional profile of your cat’s food rather than one “miracle” vitamin or supplement. 

Taurine: Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats and must be supplied through their diet. It is involved in several important bodily functions, including normal heart, eye and reproductive health. Although taurine is not generally recommended for a cat's coat health on its own, it's still an essential nutrient and worth looking out for when choosing cat food or cat treats.  

Vitamin A: Cats require preformed vitamin A from their food because they cannot efficiently produce enough of it from plant-based beta-carotene. 

Vitamin A supports normal vision, immunity, cell development and skin health. However, excessive amounts can be harmful, which is why liver and vitamin A supplements should not be added freely to a complete diet. 

Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative damage and contributes to normal skin health. It is often included alongside fatty acids within complete foods formulated to support the coat. 

Biotin, Zinc and Copper: Biotin and minerals such as zinc and copper are involved in normal skin and fur growth, pigmentation and tissue function. 

Consider Your Cat’s Moisture Intake 

Water is essential for every aspect of your cat’s health. Cats do not always have a strong natural drive to drink, particularly if they eat only dry food. 

Complete wet cat food contains more moisture than dry food and can contribute to your cat’s daily fluid intake. Some cats can be fed wet food alone, while others may enjoy a combination of complete wet and dry foods. Always keep fresh drinking water available in a clean bowl. Some cats prefer their water to be placed away from their food and litter tray. 

Are Grain-Free Foods Better for a Cat’s Coat? 

Grains are not inherently bad for cats. Properly cooked grains can often be digested well and provide a good source of energy, fibre and other nutrients within a complete recipe. The overall formulation, ingredient quality and nutritional balance are more important than whether a food contains grain. 

Some cats may benefit from trying a grain-free recipe, particularly if a vet has identified a sensitivity to a particular ingredient.    

What Should You Avoid? 

Supporting your cat’s skin and coat is not only about finding the best food, full of the nutrients that your cat needs, but it's also about avoiding what they don't need. 

Avoid Unbalanced Homemade Diets 

Cats have complex nutritional requirements that are difficult to meet through improvised homemade feeding. Meals made primarily from meat or fish can still be deficient or imbalanced in important vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Homemade diets should only be used when they have been formulated specifically for the individual cat by a suitably qualified veterinary nutrition professional. 

Avoid Adding Too Many Toppers and Treats 

Regularly adding tuna, cooked meat, egg, oils or treats can make a complete diet nutritionally unbalanced and add more calories than expected. 

Use the quantities on the packaging as a starting guide, weigh portions where possible and adjust feeding according to your cat’s body condition, age, activity and veterinary advice. Treats and complementary foods should also be included when considering their total daily calorie intake. 

Choose Food for Your Cat’s Life Stage 

Nutritional requirements change throughout a cat’s life. 

Growing cats need a complete kitten food formulated to support development. Once fully grown, they should move on to a suitable adult cat food. Older cats may benefit from senior cat food formulated with their changing activity levels and nutritional requirements in mind. However, age alone does not determine the right food. Kidney disease, urinary conditions, digestive problems and other illnesses may require a more specialised nutritional approach. 

Calibra’s veterinary diets for cats include foods formulated for particular health concerns. Veterinary diets should be used following advice from your vet, especially when your cat has an existing medical condition. 

Remember That Diet Is Only One Part of Coat Care 

Alongside suitable nutrition, regular grooming can remove loose fur, distribute natural oils and help you notice lumps, wounds, parasites or sore areas. 

Long-haired cats usually require more frequent brushing, while elderly, overweight or unwell cats may need extra grooming assistance. Use a tool that is appropriate for your cat’s coat and stop if grooming appears painful. 

Consistent flea prevention is also important, even for indoor cats. A cat with flea-allergy dermatitis can develop intense itching and hair loss after being bitten. 

Key Takeaways 

The best food for your cat’s skin and coat will depend on their age, lifestyle, health and individual sensitivities. In most cases, the foundation should be a complete and balanced feline diet containing suitable animal-derived protein, essential fatty acids, taurine and carefully balanced vitamins and minerals. 

Ingredients such as salmon, fish oil, turkey, lamb or rabbit can form part of a nutritious recipe, but they should not automatically be added individually to an already complete diet. 

Grain-free food may suit some cats, but grain is not inherently harmful. The quality and balance of the whole recipe matter more than the presence or absence of one ingredient. 

Most importantly, do not assume that persistent itching, overgrooming or fur loss is caused by food. Skin problems can have many causes and should be assessed by a vet so that your cat receives the right care. 

Explore our full range of cat food and treats, or contact us for help choosing a complete food suited to your cat’s age and dietary needs.