Possible causes of coat discoloration
Help, my cat's coat changes color! No, of course not so much that you no longer recognize your own house tiger on the street when you meet her, but still. At first she was intensely black, now her coat looks brown. While not common, a cat's coat can indeed change color throughout her life. In this blog you can read a few possible causes.
1. From kitten to adult cat
Most kittens are born with the fur drawings they also have as an adult cat. Some varieties are an exception to this. The Ragdoll and Siamese are often born white as white, and later the characteristic colors appear on the face, legs and tail. The Russian Blue - with the typical "blue" coat - is often born with drawings in the coat that later disappear.
2. From junior to senior
With old cats, the coat sometimes changes color slightly. In general, we can say that from about 12 years, the cat's coat becomes a bit stiffer and thinner. Good care is then extra important. A dry coat can tangle faster and should therefore be checked or brushed regularly. The age of the coat can also change slightly with age. Do not expect a completely different drawing, but some gray whiskers and eyelashes.
Skin problems, fleas and sun?
3. Skin problems, fleas or allergiesA color change in your cat's coat could indicate a skin infection or allergy. The coat does not change because of the skin problem, but because your cat washes more often than usual. How does this happen? Your cat's saliva contains brown pigments, which come from old red blood cells. If your cat washes much more often than usual, those pigments will stick to the coat. Good to know is that fleas itch extremely and can therefore lead to more washing - and a different coat color.
4. Sun
Does your black cat like to enjoy the sun? Then his coat may turn reddish brown. Just as your own hair is lighter after a sun holiday, this sometimes also happens with cats. Be careful with sunbathing with your cat for too long. A black coat absorbs a lot of heat and can therefore lead to overheating. A place in the shade is just as nice!
5. Nutrition
Good nutrition directly contributes to a healthy condition of the coat. The hairs shine beautifully, are soft and lie flat on the skin. Although a real coat discoloration as a result of food hardly occurs in cats, the natural coat color appears more intense if the coat is healthy. An additional advantage is that cats that receive high-quality food shed less. That saves some vacuuming.
Do you see that your cat's coat changes color and you don't know why? Then always visit the vet. It can rule out any allergies, shortages or infections.
Good food can also work wonders for a beautiful coat.
In the range of Fokker you will find special food that supports a good condition of skin and hair.
Do you want more information about which food suits your cat best?
Use our Nutrition Guide or ask us the question via the contact form! We are happy to help you.
Possible causes of coat discoloration
Help, my cat's coat changes color! No, of course not so much that you no longer recognize your own house tiger on the street when you meet her, but still. At first she was intensely black, now her coat looks brown. While not common, a cat's coat can indeed change color throughout her life. In this blog you can read a few possible causes.
1. From kitten to adult cat
Most kittens are born with the fur drawings they also have as an adult cat. Some varieties are an exception to this. The Ragdoll and Siamese are often born white as white, and later the characteristic colors appear on the face, legs and tail. The Russian Blue - with the typical "blue" coat - is often born with drawings in the coat that later disappear.
2. From junior to senior
With old cats, the coat sometimes changes color slightly. In general, we can say that from about 12 years, the cat's coat becomes a bit stiffer and thinner. Good care is then extra important. A dry coat can tangle faster and should therefore be checked or brushed regularly. The age of the coat can also change slightly with age. Do not expect a completely different drawing, but some gray whiskers and eyelashes.
Skin problems, fleas and sun?
3. Skin problems, fleas or allergiesA color change in your cat's coat could indicate a skin infection or allergy. The coat does not change because of the skin problem, but because your cat washes more often than usual. How does this happen? Your cat's saliva contains brown pigments, which come from old red blood cells. If your cat washes much more often than usual, those pigments will stick to the coat. Good to know is that fleas itch extremely and can therefore lead to more washing - and a different coat color.
4. Sun
Does your black cat like to enjoy the sun? Then his coat may turn reddish brown. Just as your own hair is lighter after a sun holiday, this sometimes also happens with cats. Be careful with sunbathing with your cat for too long. A black coat absorbs a lot of heat and can therefore lead to overheating. A place in the shade is just as nice!
5. Nutrition
Good nutrition directly contributes to a healthy condition of the coat. The hairs shine beautifully, are soft and lie flat on the skin. Although a real coat discoloration as a result of food hardly occurs in cats, the natural coat color appears more intense if the coat is healthy. An additional advantage is that cats that receive high-quality food shed less. That saves some vacuuming.
Do you see that your cat's coat changes color and you don't know why? Then always visit the vet. It can rule out any allergies, shortages or infections.
Good food can also work wonders for a beautiful coat.
In the range of Fokker you will find special food that supports a good condition of skin and hair.
Do you want more information about which food suits your cat best?
Use our Nutrition Guide or ask us the question via the contact form! We are happy to help you.
