Kitty question, answers would be appreciated?

Question

What do you do if your cat bathes regularly, but their fur is still thick and kinda greasy? Is there something wrong or is her fur just too thick?

Answer 1

You can change their food to one with less fat content. If the cat has scabby or crusty bits on the skin, you will need to visit the vet to get a seborrhea shampoo for cats. It is an overproduction of oil in the glands. Greasy fur can be an indication a cat isn't getting the right nutrients in their food. Omega 6 oil can be of help but the vitamins and minerals in the food may be insufficient, so supplements or changing to better quality food might help.

On a shorthaired cat, you can sprinkle them with baby powder or cornstarch and brush it out well, this can help remove some of the oil.

If your cat will tolerate a bath, then you can give it a bath with just a drop of dawm dishwashing liquid, it will cut the grease, but ensure you rinse your cat well.

The other thing you can do is give your cat a bran bath, you need to warm about 6oz of bran (from the healthfood section of the supermarket) in a moderate oven. Rub it into the coat and then brush it out, this should help control it without drying the skin.

Answer 2

An outside cat might have contact with something that is causing the fur to look and feel greasy. If you have a steel-toothed dog comb use this to comb the cat on a regular basis. This works better than the "slicker" combs sold for cats because it gets down to the undercoat.

If this is an unneutered male he may have what's called "stud tail" which is a greasy secretion from glands. You will have to help the cat get cleaned up. Use something like "Goop" (a hand cleaner or mechanics that is specifically to remove grease) on the real greasy areas. (I got this tip at a cat show.)

The vet could verify that the cat is healthy and has nothing wrong and may be able to give you some hints to deal with this.

Some cats are better at cleaning themselves than others, too. (So are people!)

Answer 3

You might not be getting all of the soap out. Are you using a shampoo that is specifically made for cats? If not, that could be a problem, too. Or, you could be bathing the cat too much. Since they groom themselves so often, and so well, it's not really necessary to bathe them often unless they got into something.

Answer 4

I would say this is fairly common if the cat is long-haired. They make kitty wipes for situations like this. What they are is like baby wipes but they are specially designed for cats. They enable you to clean your cat without having to bathe them with soap and water. This should help. If not, they also make a waterless shampoo that you might try. Good luck.

Answer 5

Is this a long haired cat or a short haired cat? A long haired cat needs assistance grooming more so than a short haired cat. A few minutes of brushing a day will make kitty much more comfortable.

Answer 6

If your cat is long-haired, yeah, it's common. Perhaps you should try a new type of shampoo. Try grooming your cat more often. If the greasiness doesn't give up, take your cat to the vet. Maybe it's sick.

Answer 7

It is probably just its fur type. You should try to brush it. That would smooth the fur and would help with the thickness.

Answer 8

She may not be able to handle all of it if it is real thick. There are shampoos that are waterless that might help, and be sure and brush her often and use hairball remedies regularly.

You might check with your vet on her diet and with questions.

Answer 9

Oily fur can also be a symptom of diabetes. I would take her to a vet for a thorough exam.

Answer 10

Change her food.
Look at the ingredients. There should be no corn or wheat products. (common causes of skin and coat problems)
There should be no plant products.
If it contains any of these, or anything you can't pronounce, change brands.
Look into Felidae, Wellness, California Natural, Innova, and Artemis. All are great, all have websites.