Despite lifelong self-care, cats, like all of us, can suffer from skin diseases. Cat dandruff isn’t exactly like human dandruff, however, and the reasons your cat has dandruff aren’t always cut and dry. Incidentally, solving this complaint about cat pelts will rarely be as simple as applying some head and shoulder ailments. Fortunately, we have the purr guide to help you spot and fix your cat’s dandruff.
Why does my cat have dandruff?
According to the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Services at Texas A&M University, cat dandruff can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions and external causes. Allergies, obesity, skin infections, arthritis, and even serious illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, or skin lymphoma can all contribute to the development of cat dandruff. Ticks and fleas or bacterial and fungal infections often have a similar effect.
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Cat dandruff itself is caused when the sebum glands in the cat’s skin begin to overproduce oil. According to Royal Canin, the oils produced by these glands are supposed to protect and nourish your kitten’s skin, but when it’s overproduced, things start to go wrong. Too much can cause flaking and flaking.
Diet can also affect the development of cat dandruff. Protein, omega-3, or omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for your cat’s skin to be healthy. Vitamin A is also good for regulating skin health and sebum oil production. If any of these elements are missing from your cat’s diet, dandruff can be the end result.
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Source: Getty Images
He’s embarrassed about his dandruff …
What does cat dander look like?
According to Royal Canin, cat dandruff can occur in a number of different ways. It could look like human scales. White spots can appear on the cat’s fur or on your clothes, bedding, carpet, or furniture. If you notice your cat scratching a certain area and peeling its fur slightly, you will likely notice that the skin looks dry and inflamed. Your cat may be trying harder to groom than usual – if at all possible – and hair loss may occur.
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This condition most commonly affects domestic cats, although outdoors cats can also suffer from dandruff. If you notice irregular or circular patches of hair loss, weak or brittle hair, or reddish patches of skin, you should see a veterinarian immediately. Also, call your veterinarian if you experience any signs of vomiting or changes in appetite, water consumption, or litter box use – these could be signs of any of the serious medical conditions listed above.
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Ways To Get Rid Of Cat Dander:
According to PetMD, there are several ways you can tackle cat dandruff without resorting to extreme measures. Be sure to discuss all of these questions with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet, medication, or grooming practices.
Changing your cat’s diet to include more omega-3 fatty acids can result in healthier, more supple skin and coat. Fish oil and coconut oil are available in dog and cat supplements that can be dripped onto their regular diet. Just introduce them slowly so as not to upset your kitten’s tummy.
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Cats don’t like baths or water, so they tend to take care of it themselves. However, if the dandruff is due to fleas, ticks, or other external skin conditions, your veterinarian may recommend bathing them or even using medicated dandruff shampoo made for pets. Don’t use human dandruff shampoo – we’ll repeat -.
If diabetes or obesity is the culprit, self-care may not be an option until your overly plump cat sheds a few pounds. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a certain type of food, exercise plan, or medication to aid in the process, but get ready for a hungry whine throughout the process.
