Why does my cat have a greasy, oily coat?
A greasy coat usually means the grooming system has broken down somewhere. Overweight, senior or arthritic cats often can’t reach parts of their back and tail, so oils build up there. Illness, dental pain that makes grooming uncomfortable, or a skin condition can do it too. Start by noting where the grease is and whether she seems to be grooming less than usual. Gentle brushing helps in the short term, but a coat that turns oily or unkempt is often the first visible sign of an underlying problem worth a vet’s eye.
When to call a vet: A suddenly greasy or unkempt coat can signal pain, illness or a weight problem and is worth a vet exam.
