Cat Dandruff – A Common Feline Skin Condition
Cause and Treatment of Skin Flaking, Dryness, Itching and Irritation
Cat dandruff is a common skin condition for many cats, and may appear at any point during their life. Healthy feline skin will generate cat dander, which should not be confused with dandruff. Dander is the result of healthy skin shedding dead skin cells. Although a nuisance for many because of its trigger as an allergen, dander is invisible to the eye. Cat dandruff is a feline skin condition resulting in dry, flaky skin and an indicator of alternative cat health problems.
Cat Dandruff Causes
Before feline dandruff can be treated, the root cause of the skin condition must be addressed. Often, finding the cause of dandruff is more difficult than the actual treatment. Typically this cat health condition is the result of one or more of the following factors:
- Moisture – Health feline skin draws moisture from drinking water, food and the environment.
- Health Conditions – Cat dandruff can manifest due to a variety of medical conditions such as feline diabetes, parasites, infection, obesity, food and environmental allergies.
- Nutrition – Improper diet can result in a number of nutritional deficiencies that manifest in changes in the condition of the hair and skin.
Treating Feline Dandruff
After medical causes have been ruled out as a possible cause for cat dandruff, some basic steps can be taken at home to heal and eliminate this skin condition.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the environment
- Make Fish Oil or Omega-3 supplements part of the daily diet
- Switch to a cat food diet recommended by a veterinarian
- Slowly add wet food to the cat’s diet (as recommended)
- Ensure fresh drinking water is available
- Supplement the natural grooming process with daily brushing
Omega-3 and Cat Health
Omega-3 or Fish Oil is an essential fatty acid that plays a role in maintaining cat health, including a healthy coat and skin. Deficiencies are a result of an improper diet and feeding of exclusively dry food. Adding a supplement to a cat’s daily diet can aid in improving the condition of the skin, decreasing and eventually eliminating dandruff.
For cat owners, giving supplements or pills can be difficult. Omega-3 and Fish Oil supplements can be broken open and added to dry or wet food.
Cat Dandruff Shampoo
Bathing a cat with dandruff shampoo can reduce dandruff, if the process is done correctly. First, only use an anti-dandruff shampoo designed just for cats. Shampoos created for dogs and humans can cause additional dryness and irritation of the skin. Second, all of the cat dandruff shampoo must be completely rinsed and removed during the bathing process – otherwise the residue will cause an increase in feline dandruff.
Cheyletiellosis in Cats
Cheyletiellosis, or “walking dandruff” is a skin disease in cats, and commonly mistaken for cat dandruff. It is the result of a mite infestation of cat hair and skin, causing the skin to flake and appear to move. This condition should be treated immediately by a veterinarian, and the home cleaned because the mites can be transmitted between other cats, dogs and humans.
Cat Dandruff and Overall Health
As a pet owner recognizing the cause and treating cat dandruff is part of the responsibility of maintaining overall cat health. Even though it may appear to be a cosmetic nuisance it can indicate a temporary or chronic health problem that can be remedied through proper veterinary treatment, environmental and dietary changes.
Cat Dandruff
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