A dull, flaky coat is usually telling you something, and often what it is telling you is that the house has been centrally heated since November. A leave-on spray helps with that particular cause. It puts moisture and a conditioning film back onto hair that has dried out, and it takes the edge off the tight, itchy feeling that comes with dry skin, without anybody having to get into a bath.

It comes as a 60 ml bottle, small enough to keep in the grooming kit or a bag. Mist it lightly over the coat and work it in with your fingers or a brush, keeping well clear of the eyes, then let it dry. There is no rinsing involved, which is the whole point of it where cats are concerned. Used between baths it keeps the coat soft and glossy, and used after a walk it doubles as a quick freshen-up.

• 60 ml leave-on spray, no rinsing required
• Helps soothe dry, itchy or irritated skin
• Conditions the coat and adds shine
• Suitable for both cats and dogs
• Non-greasy and gentle enough for regular use
• Bottle measures 3.6 x 3.6 x 12.3 cm and weighs 92 g

Be realistic about what a spray fixes. Cosmetic dryness, yes. Persistent scratching, bald patches, scabs, hot spots or a yeasty smell, no; those are medical, and a conditioning spray laid over the top of them only wastes time you should be spending at the vet. Introduce it gradually with cats, who object to being misted rather more than dogs do, and stop if the skin looks more irritated afterwards rather than less.

Who it's for: Cats and dogs with dry, dull or slightly itchy coats, and owners who want to top up condition between baths.