Coconut oil can be used both topically and orally to keep your cat's coat shiny and healthy and prevent dry, irritated skin from developing. It kills parasites such as mange, fleas, and ticks which are suffocated by the fat content in the oil.
One of the most popular questions we get from cat owners is "can I use coconut oil with my cat?" The answer is yes! Coconut oil, which has been used for centuries to help maintain a healthy diet and promote good health in humans and animals alike, can also be great for your cats.
Although coconut oil is not poisonous to cats, it may not be the ideal addition to every cat's diet. Any change in diet, supplements, or medications can affect your cat's health. Depending on your cat, increased fat in the diet may lead to weight gain or digestive issues.
Use an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement to provide natural moisture for your cat's skin. If your home is naturally arid, use humidifiers to help protect your cat's skin from becoming dry. Use a natural moisturizing agent (such as coconut oil) on your cat's dry areas.
Some cats may experience a variety of skin concerns over their lifetime and some may need actual veterinary attention, but in the case of dry skin or psoriasis, coconut oil can help alleviate any irritation. To use as a moisturizer for your cat's skin issues, rub a small amount on the affected area once a day.
Dr. Osborne suggests adding an eighth teaspoon of fish oil, flaxseed oil, or salmon oil mixed into meals once daily. Beyond that, focus on your cat's bathing and grooming.
There are a number of topical treatments you can use to reduce the pain and itchiness of cat scabs. Treatments like topical steroid creams can help reduce itchiness and prevent scratching or biting at the site. Make sure you keep your cat from licking off the cream.
Aquaphor and Vaseline are safe for pets. Aquaphor is a petroleum jelly-like product with extra oomph for superficial stuff like crusty noses, peeling paw pads, and scaly elbows.
If you suspect that your pet has fleas, massage a generous amount of coconut oil onto the skin and hair of the animal, making sure to coat the skin well. Leave the oil on for at least 8 hours, then wash your pet with a natural, gentle shampoo.
A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).
Extra virgin olive oil is non-toxic when used both orally and topically with dogs and cats (and some other pets), and it has gained some popularity as a natural remedy in the holistic pet care world thanks to its abundance of beneficial fatty acids, polyphenols, and micronutrients.
How to Use. Coconut oil can be given orally or applied topically to assist with improving skin or coat condition. Use one-half teaspoon by putting it into your cat's food daily. Rub between your hands to soften and apply all over the skin.
If you suspect that your pet has fleas, massage a generous amount of coconut oil onto the skin and hair of the animal, making sure to coat the skin well. Leave the oil on for at least 8 hours, then wash your pet with a natural, gentle shampoo.
Coconut oil does not kill fleas, but it serves as an excellent flea and tick repellant. One of the saturated fats that are found in coconut oil is called lauric acid, which is a critical ingredient in preventing fleas from feasting on the blood of your beloved pooch.
Good items to have at home in case of wounds include: Sterile, non-stick gauze. Antiseptic solution (povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine diacetate) Saline solution.
DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion is designed for safe, effective relief from all kinds of skin irritations(flea allergies, dermatitis, dry skin, hot spots, yeast). Skin Rescue Lotion also contains rosemary essential oil and sesame oil to disinfect the area and provide your pet with antibacterial support.
Aloe vera gel is one of the safest 'wonder herbs' for pets and it has many uses for virtually all of them. Even sensitive pets like cats can safely enjoy its holistic and medicinal benefits.
Cat hair loss is often down to over-grooming an itchy or sore area, perhaps due to cat skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), common skin parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites, or hormonal problems.
Fleas and other external parasites
By far the most common cause of a bald patch on your cat's fur is fleas or other external parasites. This is especially common on your cat's lower back and tail. Hair loss usually occurs when your cat has an allergic reaction to the fleas saliva causing them to overgroom.
Overall, Neosporin or any first aid ointment is beneficial to the superficial wounds your pet may endure but anything bigger, or certainly something looking infected should be inspected by your veterinarian. Definitely do not use any first aid ointment on suture sites UNLESS directed by your veterinarian.
ACV is a great topical application to improve your pet's skin and coat. Fill up a spray bottle with 50% Apple Cider Vinegar and 50% water. Spray this solution as a part of your pet's grooming routine. Regular use will help you see improvement in the quality of your pet's skin and coat.
Begin by switching out any shampoos, soaps, fabric softeners, or laundry detergents they come in contact with. Opt for hypoallergenic options instead. Meanwhile, you can use an oatmeal bath to soothe their itchy and dry skin. Keeping their scabs moisturized will help reduce their irritation.
Coconut oil is great for skin, hair, and teeth; it has all the good fatty acids in it and is contained in hydrolyte. (Lately, the "expensive" cat food labels have made a point of adding coconut oil into their tinned cat food.) It has appeal to cats and humans alike, and is considered a superfood.