Greasy coat

[Vito]

Hi all, wondered if anyone can offer advice, Vito is 2 and 1/2 years old now, very healthy in every way, he's on a good varied diet, great teeth and generally no problems with him except for recently having a greasy/oily coat, it just seems to be down the middle of his back, his fur is beautifu everywhere else apart from this oily strip down his back.
He is well groomed by myself and grooms himself as normal.
Got some gentle shampoo today to see if it helps. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

That's odd, I've not had that before. He's not too chubby to not be able to reach the middle of his back?

Gentle shampoo, is it a pet shampoo not human? Human shampoos I believe are a different pH to what your cat might need...

 

[Vito]

Hi Brigitte, thanks for your reply, Vito's long and slender and built like an athlete he reaches his back no problem, that's what has got me really puzzled, the shampoo I got is specifically for cats and is non irritant.
Never come across this problem before though I've seen it in many overweight cats.
He's a proper love bug and adores being stroked along his back by everyone, so I'm wondering if that could be the reason?

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I've had cats that were needy love bugs and never seen that issue from overpetting... if that is what you are thinking?

In terms of his diet, is it possible there is too much good oils in there? Do you add fish oil for example? Just trying to think of anything here...

 

[Vito]

He does have fish as part of his diet and I know a lot of people on here will disagree with that, however if you remember a while back, Vito was having lots of issues with tummy upsets so fish was introduced to his diet and works well for him, it's not a fish only diet as he eats fresh rabbit, chicken and a good quality kibble also.
I see that his dry kibble does have omega oils so perhaps this is a factor.
Gave him a bath last night with the mild shampoo and his coat looks much better today, I think you could be right there about the oils, I shall try cutting down on the fish for a while and see if it makes a difference.