How To Get Rid Of Cat Dandruff

Cat dandruff is characterized by dry, itchy, and flaky skin and may be caused by external or internal factors. The condition is usually harmless, but if you notice excessive dandruff in addition to other symptoms, then consult your veterinarian. If you want to get rid of cat dandruff, you must determine what may be causing it.

So here are a few things you need to know to help get rid of cat dandruff for your feline friend.

Causes

There are multiple factors that could lead to cat dandruff. If a cat has a thin coat and spends time outdoors, it may be prone to sunburn, which will cause dandruff.

Besides allergies, diabetes and hormonal deficiencies, nutrition issues can also be responsible for dandruff. A flea, mite, or lice bite can result in allergic dermatitis, which in turn causes dry, flaky skin. Cheyletiella mites are one type and are known as walking dandruff because they can be seen with the naked eye. It is easy to treat these skin parasites, but it is necessary to treat all other pets in the same house to eradicate them completely. Dandruff can also be caused by poor nutrition and diet or lack of grooming.

Symptoms

Cats with dandruff have scaly, dry-looking fur. When your cat has thick fur, parting it may help you see the flakes close to its skin. It may also be a good idea to make sure you have good lighting so you can see the dandruff better.

You may also notice flakes on your cat’s brush after a grooming session or on carpets, furniture, clothing, and other areas where your cat may lounge. You may notice an increase in shedding, increased grooming, or oily fur on your cat. Dandruff often appears around the head and ears of cats, however, dandruff can also be present on the back, legs and stomach.

Treatment

Treating your cat with dandruff varies from case to case. But here are a few steps you can take to try and give your cat some relief.

Change Diet

In order for your cat’s coat and skin to remain healthy, diet plays an important part. To ensure your cat gets the nutrients it needs, find a cat food for healthy skin and coat. Ensure that cat food is made with quality ingredients by checking the label. Cats with dry skin should eat wet food and alternating dry kibble with wet food is a good idea. Make sure that your cat always has fresh water to drink, and monitor how much it drinks.

Use Moisturizer

You can prevent skin flaking by using a skin moisturizer formulated for cats, especially during winter months. To soothe irritated skin, opt for one that contains oatmeal, like Catfresh.

Change Shampoo

Some shampoos may dry out your cat’s skin. Choose a hypoallergenic formula as well as a conditioner that will moisturize your cat’s skin. Make sure you rinse well so that any remaining shampoo does not cause more dandruff.

Treat Parasites

Cat dandruff can be caused by mites or other parasites, in which case the cat must be treated specifically. For parasites to be effectively treated, anti-parasitic medications are required. Keep In mind that, medicated shampoos won’t be able to solve this problem.

Prevention

Brush Your Cat

Brushing your cat can help reduce the number of dead skin cells that accumulate on its body. Despite how well your cat grooms itself, it could develop dandruff. In the case of obese or aging cats, brush their hair every day to keep their coats looking their best and be sure to check for parasites like fleas or mites while brushing.

Give Your Cat A Bath

If your cat allows it, bathing may help reduce dandruff. Usually, cats don’t like water, so you may need to take it slow or use a water-less shampoo.

Prevent Parasites

Be sure your cat is protected against parasites that can cause dander, such as fleas, mites or ticks. Use an over the counter treatment on your cat and try to apply the treatment after bathing, while ensuring to follow the instructions on the label.

Add Supplements

Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplements can help to reduce the amount of dander your cat produces and reduce her likelihood of developing dander. Supplements containing fish oil can provide sufficient essential fatty acids to your cat, which may help alleviate inflammatory conditions. Also, inflammatory issues can lead to dander production. Fish oil supplements for cats are available in capsule or liquid form.

Keep Your Home Clean

If you have drapes, curtains, and slip covers, wash them once a week in the washing machine. With a HEPA vacuum, dander can be removed from carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces using a highly effective particulate arresting filter. Additionally, you can use lint brushes and rollers designed specifically to remove dander from furniture.

Get a Humidifier

Your cat may suffer from dry, flaky skin if she/he stays indoors most of the time due to heaters that constantly run. Add moisture to the air by getting an air humidifier or keep one near your cat’s bed.