We’ve all experienced a bad hair day when we’ve put on a hat or scarf before heading out the door. What if your cat has a bad fur day, or week, or more? A shabby-looking coat not only is uncomfortable for your cat, but it also might indicate that something is wrong.

The first stop with an itchy, greasy or downright bald cat should be your veterinarian’s office. Many conditions can affect your cat’s skin and fur, including allergies to fleas or food. Medical conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections or thyroid disease, also can affect your cat’s coat. If your veterinarian rules out a medical cause for the cat’s poor-quality fur, then it’s time to consider stress in your cat’s life.

**For the full article, check out the September 2007 issue of CAT FANCY.**