Cat Dandruff: What You Need to Know
Pet parents often ask, 'why does my cat have dandruff?’. There are many reasons feline friends are subject to dandruff, which can be medical or non-medical. Once your cat is diagnosed and the cause for your pet having dandruff is determined by a veterinarian, a treatment plan can be devised to relieve your pet's discomfort.
What is Cat Dandruff?
For felines, keeping their skin healthy is important to help protect them against negative issues such as parasites, infections, and dandruff. Just like humans who are dealing with the discomfort of itchy scalps and white flecks of skin in their hair, it is the same for felines.
Signs of Cat Dandruff
When a cat has dandruff, you many see several signs along with the white specks you will see dispersed throughout their fur. You may notice bald spots, inflamed and reddened skin, dry skin, hair loss, more frequent grooming, brittle fur, and excessive itching.
Why Does My Cat have Dandruff?
There are several reasons a cat is prone to having dandruff. One issue starts with the glands that produce oil to keep the cat's skin nourished and protected. If the glands are overactive, it can lead to irritated skin and dandruff.
Cat dandruff can also be due to allergies, lack of grooming, a skin infection, fungal infections, cancer, the Cheyletiella mite, inadequate nutrients in their diet, or other issues.
How Dandruff Can Affect Felines
For cat's, especially for those that are overweight, their ability to groom themselves can become significantly limited. This is also true for treatments for a specific disease that conflict with their normal grooming habits. Cats dealing with arthritis may also not be able to thoroughly groom themselves.
For felines living in an environment that is overly warm , it can lead to dry skin, which triggers the glands to produce an over-abundance of oil that can then cause skin irritations and dandruff.
How to Get Rid of Cat Dandruff
Since cat dandruff is caused by a variety of issues, including medical problems, once you know what is causing the condition, you will know which way is best suited for your cat.
Brushing - Brushing your cat's coat works as a massage that can trigger the glands to product the much needed oil to keep their skin pliable. Brushing is also especially helpful for obese felines, those dealing with medical treatments, and even older cats that can no longer twist, turn, and maneuver to reach hard-t0-get-at locations.
Prescription Products - Talk to your veterinarian about using prescription products, such as dandruff shampoo, for your cat's coat and skin care designed to eliminate and control dandruff.
Changing Your Cat's Diet - If lack of the right nutrients is the underlying cause for dandruff, change to a high-quality brand of cat food containing the necessary oils, such as omega-3 fatty acids, for healthy skin. Oil-based supplements are also an option to improve their diet. Discuss both options with your veterinarian so you know which type of product- over-the-counter or prescription - is best for your cat.
Hydration - Make sure your cat always has access to water. Water helps keep your cat's skin hydrated, which supports heathier skin. If your cat only eats dry food, consider adding wet food to his or her diet, which also increases hydration.
Humidifier - Use a humidifier in rooms where your indoor cat spends time. The humidifier adds much needed moisture to the air, which helps prevent dry skin.
Animal Care Clinic
Keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and dandruff free with a visit to the Animal Care Clinic. Use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment with our pet-friendly professional staff.