Most people know what dandruff is, but some are unaware that cat dandruff is a real thing. Dandruff isn’t just dry skin. It’s important to know the difference between dandruff and dry skin and what to do if you discover your cat has dandruff.

What is Cat Dandruff?

If you notice white flakes on your cat’s fur coat, it may be cat dandruff. Basically, they are clumps of dead skin cells. Cat dandruff is not the natural shedding process of the skin, and it can be caused by several different things. The building up dead, dried skin cells doesn’t just stay on their coat. Since they shed it to their environment, you may find it numerous places. You may notice it hanging in the air, attaching to various surfaces around your home, or clinging to your clothing.

What Causes Cat Dandruff?

The causes of cat dandruff can range from some simple causes to complex and serious ones. Sometimes, the cause of cat dandruff requires treatment from a veterinary professional. If you notice any of these symptoms along with the dandruff, it’s important to have your feline friend evaluated by a vet.

·         Itching

·         Increased frequency of grooming

·         Loss of fur

·         Changes to the skin such as redness

·         Vomiting

·         Changes in behavior

·         Lethargy

·         Changes in appetite or water intake

Simple Causes of Cat Dandruff

Some of the simple causes of cat dandruff include:

·         Obesity. When a cat is overweight, they cannot groom themselves properly. If this is the case, the dandruff will usually be found at the base of their tails or close to their lower back, since obese cats can’t reach these areas.

·         Arthritis. Arthritis can be painful and cause mobility issues, which can also make grooming difficult.

·         Allergies. If your cat has any kind of allergy, it can cause skin issues, including dandruff and inflammation.

·         Dehydration. Just like humans, our skin can become dry if we are not well-hydrated. Dehydration can also cause issues in drier climates or in cats that have certain medical conditions.

·         Undercoat buildup. Matted fur can block airflow which can cause your cat’s skin to become dry and scaly. This can mean that oxygen and moisture cannot reach the skin leading to problems such as dandruff.

Serious Causes of Cat Dandruff

Some of the more serious causes of cat dandruff might include:

·         Fleas and Ticks. When a cat has fleas or ticks, it can cause skin inflammation. This makes them itch and dandruff can form. If a cat is allergic to flea bites, it can make it worse.

·         Skin Infections. Bacterial and fungal infections can lead to cat dandruff.

·         Demodectic Mange. Most cats have demodex mites living in their hair follicles. Most of the time, they don’t cause any problems. But if a cat has a weakened immune system, the mite population can grow too large. This can lead to itching and inflammation which can cause a secondary skin infection to occur. This combination of issues can cause cat dandruff.

Very Serious Causes of Dandruff in Cats

Some of the very serious causes of cat dandruff include:

·         Malnutrition. The lack of some vitamins and minerals can cause the cat’s skin to dry out and become flaky.

·         Cancer. Certain types of cancers such as cutaneous lymphoma can impact the condition of the cat’s skin.

·         Metabolic Disorders. Mellitus, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and diabetes are disorders that can cause dry skin and lead to dandruff.

Tips for Preventing and Treating Cat Dandruff

Dandruff may seem like a small problem, but it is very important to treat it. If it is caused by something serious, early diagnosis is imperative for faster treatment, which is usually more effective. Talk to your vet if you notice your cat has dandruff. They may suggest a few things you can do to treat it based on the cause. Here are a few of the suggestions vets often recommend.

Cat Dandruff Caused by Obesity

Getting your feline family member down to an ideal, healthy weight can help correct dandruff, but it provides many other health benefits, too. Talk to your vet to determine the ideal weight for your cat, tips for feeding and exercising your cat, and their daily caloric needs.

Cat Dandruff Caused by Arthritis

Having a healthy body weight can help ease your cat’s pain caused by arthritis. Your vet may suggest some supplements that can help reduce inflammation and pain and protect their joint cartilage. Veterinarians can suggest supplements and dosages for managing arthritis. When your cat is more comfortable, they are more likely to groom themselves properly, which can minimize dandruff.

Cat Dandruff Caused by Allergies

If you happen to notice that your cat has more problems with dandruff during spring and summer, or fall, they ay have seasonal allergies. If your cat has allergies, you may also notice that they have watery eyes and sneezing. Allergy testing and medications might be all they need to get some relief from dandruff.

Cat Dandruff Caused by Undercoat Buildup

Grooming your cat regularly can help remove the undercoat and prevent buildup. You may use a comb or brush, or Pawer Lab’s Cat Wipes to groom your cat. If you cannot groom them yourself, a professional groomer might be a good option.

What about dehydration?

It can be hard to get your cat to drink enough water. You might want to switch them to canned, wet food to help encourage them to drink more. You can also add flavored liquids, like chicken broth (without onions or garlic!) to dried food. Another simple way to encourage your cat to drink more water is to switch from a bowl to a water fountain. Adding flavor to the water can help too.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.