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If your cat suffers from a dull coat, itchy skin, or even bald patches, there may be more to it than a problem with the coat. Often, skin and coat health starts in the intestines. So it is important to choose the right food to support your cat's gut health and thus keep the skin in top condition.
During a kitten's development in the mother cat's womb, the skin and intestines are formed from the same tissue. This tissue forms both the skin and the intestinal wall. As a result, the skin and intestines remain connected forever, even after birth. This means that changes or problems in the intestines often also show up on the skin, such as in cases of allergies or inflammation.
Thus, the fact that the skin and intestines share the same embryonic tissue lays a foundation for the interrelationship between them. Thus, a problem in one system can feed through to the other. For example, when harmful bacteria or toxins are present in the intestines, this can trigger immune responses that show up in the form of skin problems.
The food your cat eats directly affects its gut health. The gut is not only a place for digesting food, but it is also a very important organ for your cat's immune system. In fact, about 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, and the gut flora plays a central role in it. This intestinal flora or microbiome consists of good bacteria that ensure a strong intestinal wall and healthy digestion.
In addition to proteins and fats, good food contains from fibre and other nutrients that support and balance the gut flora. This is crucial because a balanced intestinal flora teaches the immune system to tolerate harmless substances, such as certain food components. This protects your cat from excessive immune reactions and allergies.
An inferior quality food, such as food that is low in nutrients and high in unnecessary fillers, can negatively affect your cat's intestinal health. Among other things, these foods often contain high levels of sugars and artificial additives. As a result, the good bacteria in the intestines don't get to eat properly while the unwanted bacteria feast on the carbohydrates, for example. This can lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora (also known as "dysbiosis").
When the intestinal flora is out of balance, the intestinal wall becomes weaker. This means harmful substances can enter the bloodstream more easily. This increased permeability of the gut is often referred to as a "leaky gut" or a "leaky gut" and can lead to inflammation and allergies. The immune system can then become overactive, resulting in allergic reactions that can manifest in the form of skin problems such as itching, redness, or hair loss.
The microbiome, or the collection of bacteria in the gut, plays a big role in your cat's overall health. A healthy microbiome helps the immune system stay balanced and respond well to the environment. When the microbiome is disrupted, the immune system can become overactive and the body starts reacting to harmless substances as if they were harmful. And that, in turn, can lead to allergies and inflammation.
The microbiome helps by strengthening the gut wall through the substances they produce. This prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. So by feeding the intestinal flora properly, you not only support your cat's digestion but also its immune system.
When your cat has a food allergy, the immune system reacts to certain ingredients in food as if they were dangerous. This reaction causes certain cells in the skin to release histamine. Histamine is a substance that causes itching, causing your cat to scratch and lick. This scratching can further damage the skin, causing infections.
Besides histamine, other inflammatory substances also play a role in allergic reactions. These substances can cause the skin to dry out and become more sensitive, further exacerbating itching and irritation. In cats, an allergic reaction can present itself as miliary dermatitis - small red bumps or crusts on the skin - or as eosinophilic granuloma complex, a reaction that causes red, irritated patches.
Itching, rashes, and hair loss are symptoms of an underlying problem. In these cases, it is smart to address the cause of the problem and not just treat the symptoms. For example, if you only treat scratching and itching without addressing the allergy itself, the problem will persist, worsen or return once treatment stops.
By focusing on the cause of the problem - such as improving gut health and avoiding foods that trigger the allergic reaction - you give your cat a better chance of real recovery. So paying attention to food that suits your cat's needs is very important.
Because it can sometimes take a while to find and treat the cause of the allergy, it is important to give your cat temporary relief from itching. This is because prolonged itching can lead to stress, discomfort and even infections from scratching.
Temporary relief can be given by using gentle products that soothe the skin without damaging the skin barrier. Consult with a vet about using antihistamines or mild medication to temporarily relieve itching while investigating the underlying cause.
One of the products you can use to care for your cat's skin and relieve itching is Sweet Itch. Sweet Itch is a mild washing gel specially designed for the sensitive skin of cats and other pets. It contains no fragrances or dyes, which is important as these additives can only further irritate your cat's skin.
Key benefits of Sweet Itch:
While washing can help relieve itching, it is important to consider the stress it can cause. Some cats get stressed by a bath, which can actually have a negative effect on the allergy. If your cat becomes extremely stressed, this can weaken the immune system and even worsen symptoms.
Tips for washing with Sweet Itch:
Gut health plays an important role in your cat's overall health, including skin and coat health. Paying attention to good gut health and feeding the right food can help prevent skin problems and allergies. Should your cat still suffer from itchy skin complaints, it is important to both relieve the symptoms and address the cause.
An approach that looks at nutrition, gut health as well as temporary relief offers the best long-term solution for your cat.
Want to quickly relieve your cat's itch and skin problems? Find out how Sweet Itch can help! Specially developed for cats' sensitive skin. Order now and give your cat the care he deserves!
