Every cat owner knows the joy of petting a soft, shiny coat. However, achieving this kind of hair texture isn’t just about grooming. What your cat eats, plays a significant role in hair health.

Human hair health works similarly and hence what we consume affects our hair growth, texture, and other related aspects. To have hair like a cat, you need to adopt dietary changes. Here are diet tips to consider;.

1. Protein-rich Diet

Protein contains collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are vital for strong and healthy hair growth. Feeding on protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs will ensure that your hair is strong, elastic, and won’t break easily.

Other sources of protein like beans and nuts are also great options, especially for vegans and vegetarians. It is essential to note that protein should not only be obtained from animal products. Plants are a great source of proteins especially for vegetarians who need to take meals such as quinoa, soybeans, lentils, and peas.

2. Hydrate yourself

When your body is adequately hydrated, it boosts blood flow and improves the immune system. These factors make hair health better. Every Cell in the body requires water and your hair follicles are no exemption.

Dehydration leads to a rough scalp, which adversely affects hair growth. Drinking plenty of water (about eight glasses a day) preserves moisture and facilitates transport of nutrients and oxygen to hair cells, promoting healthy hair growth.

3. B Vitamins

B vitamins contribute significantly to hair health, largely because of the role it plays in protein synthesis. Some foods that are rich in B vitamins include eggs, whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals.

Together, they help healthy hair growth, giving the shiny, lustrous look that you desire.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables have a high content of anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.

Colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and oranges have vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene needed for good hair elasticity and preventing hair damage.

5. Iron-rich Foods

If your diet lacks iron, your body will divert iron stores to essentials such as oxygen transportation, leaving hair follicles undernourished leading to dull, brittle, weak, and thinning hair.

Plant-based iron sources such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans are readily available and are safe for vegans and vegetarians. Animal-based iron sources include chicken, red meat, and fish.

Related Article 10 Foods That Will Give You Cat-Like Hair

6. Zinc Supplements

Zinc plays a critical role in hair growth and health by stimulating hair-producing cells, regulating hormone levels in the body. Zinc supplements such as oysters, certain cereals, red meat, poultry, and beans provide the dietary zinc needs.

Other zinc-rich foods include dairy products such as cheese and milk.

7. Omega-three Fatty Acids

Omega-three fatty acids that are present in foods such as salmon, seeds, and nuts, are critical for hair health. They enable essential oils to penetrate and hydrate the hair.

Moreover, these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which ensure that hair follicles do not suffer damage from inflammation.

8. Vitamin D

Vitamin D, primarily made by the body when exposed to sunlight, is one of the most crucial vitamins needed by humans. Vitamin D plays a vital role in hair growth by influencing the genes responsible for hair growth.

Foods that provide Vitamin D, including egg yolk, liver, and fortified foods like cereal and milk, help the body synthesize Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements are also available if required.

9. Say No to Processed Foods

Processed foods can rob the body and hair of the needed nutrients. Processed foods like crackers, chips, fried foods, and sugary snacks can cause inflammation while introducing unnecessary chemicals and toxins to the body.

Such foods will not adversely affect your hair texture but also negatively impact overall body health.

10. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol tend to dehydrate the body, leading to dry hair, which contributes to hair breakage and loss. It’s essential to limit intake and stay hydrated when consuming them.

Caffeine is present in various drinks such as coffee and tea, while alcohol is present in various alcoholic beverages.

By following these dietary tips, your hair will be on its way to becoming as shiny and healthy as your feline friend’s.

The inclusion of essential nutrients helps to nourish and hydrate hair, encouraging healthy hair growth, and subsequently making it strong and lustrous.