Dandruff is a problem that not only affects humans, cats can also suffer from it. It is usually seen as small white dots on the fur that are nothing more than dead skin. They indicate a problem of dryness in the scalp and can cause itching. Dandruff is due to different causes, so it is important to determine its origin in order to apply the appropriate treatment. In this article on our site we explain what is dandruff in cats, causes and treatment
What is dandruff in cats?
Dandruff is dead skin that breaks off and falls off or sticks to the fur. They are skin cells that renew themselves naturally and physiologically. If you're wondering why my cat gets dandruff when I brush it, you should know that it's normal to see small white dots of dandruff on your cat's fur as part of this renewal. But sometimes certain diseases or problems can cause excessive flaking A small amount of dandruff may seem unimportant to us, but the dryness of the skin it indicates could end up causing clinical signs such as reddened skin and excessive scratching, to the point that affected cats injure themselves when trying to relieve the itching. That is why it is advisable to find the cause that is causing dandruff and eliminate it as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Why does my cat have dandruff? - Causes
Different circumstances can cause dandruff to appear. Some diseases may be involved. In these cases, it is common for the cat to show other clinical signs. Next we will talk about the most frequent causes of dandruff in cats.
Obesity
Being overweight can make it difficult for your cat to clean and lick herself easily. Obesity limits the cat's movement, leaving areas of its body drier where dandruff can appear. To prevent overweight, watch your diet and discover some exercises for obese cats.
Inadequate diet
A diet with nutritional deficiencies can cause skin problems in your cat. Therefore, low-quality commercial feed should be avoided. The lack of omega 3 dries the skin and can cause the appearance of dandruff. To prevent it, it is important to provide the cat with a good diet and ensure proper hydration. Discover how to choose the best food for my cat. On the other hand, omega 3 deficiency can be corrected by adding fish oil or vitamin supplements to the diet, but consult your veterinarian first.
Dry Skin
Living in a very dry environment with low humidity can dry out your cat's skin. It is possible to correct it by placing a humidifier in the house to increase the percentage of humidity.
Allergies
Allergies caused by food or environmental conditions can cause skin problems that lead to dandruff. If you want to know more about allergies in cats read our article Allergy in cats- Symptoms and treatment.
Mites
The presence of a mite known as Cheyletiella causes what is known as "walking dandruff" in cats and other animals. Although at first glance it may look like dandruff, they are actually small parasites that feed on the cat's skin. They are very contagious, so it is advisable to eliminate them as soon as possible. Your vet will recommend a treatment that will kill the infestation. You should also clean the cat's bed and the areas where it likes to sleep. As they are parasites, it is essential to eliminate any remains so that they do not reproduce again.
Stress
Cats are very stressed by any change, which can aggravate a dandruff problem, although it is a factor that affects each cat differently. Provide as stable an environment as possible and don't forget environmental enrichment.
Dermatitis
Cats can suffer from a type of dermatitis that is sometimes confused with dandruff. It is usually caused by the presence of an allergen in the environment or by direct contact with an irritating product. Skin rashes and scabs appear. If you are wondering why my cat has dandruff and scratches, this may be the cause.
Tub
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by fungi. It can cause hair loss and dandruff in cats, since it dries out the skin. It is a fairly contagious disease for both other animals and humans. Cats with Cheyletiella or "walking dandruff" are more likely to get this disease. We give you more information in this article on Ringworm in cats- Contagion and treatment.
How to treat dandruff in cats?
If you wonder why my cat has dandruff, to determine the cause you should Go to the vet This professional will examine him and rule out possible diseases or the presence of mites and other infestations. Take the opportunity to consult him about the feeding of your feline to find out if it is adequate, you need to improve it or incorporate supplements such as omega 3. A mild dandruff problem can be easily treated with specific shampoos and lotions. Always use cat dandruff shampoo and never dog or human dandruff shampoos, as they can dry out the skin even more.
If your cat is not used to the bathroom it can be difficult to wash it for the first time as an adult. In addition, it must be done thoroughly, removing all traces of shampoo to avoid irritation. For these situations it may be advisable to bathe him from a young age to get him used to the water. Read our tips for bathing my cat at home. But if your cat is older, too cantankerous or you don't dare to bathe him, a good alternative is hygienic wipes for cats
And remember to perform regular brushings to remove dead hair and keep the coat he althy and clean. Choose the best brush for your cat and get him used to brushing. To help you choose, you can read our articles brushes for short-haired cats and brushes for long-haired cats. While it has sensitive and irritated skin, brush it carefully, without pressing too hard.
How to prevent dandruff in cats?
By looking at the causes that can cause dandruff in cats, we can follow some preventive measures to prevent it from appearing or reduce the risk of its recurrence in cats that have already suffered from it at some point. They are as follows:
- Give him a quality food based on animal protein and according to his life stage and characteristics. A good menu makes it unnecessary to supplement and, in any case, only the vet can decide if any nutritional supplement is needed.
- Control his weight, not only with a good diet, but by encouraging him to exercise.
- Brush often to help remove dead hair and remove dandruff that breaks off.
- If you bathe or clean him, do it only with specific products for cats.
- Reduce his stress and ensure environmental enrichment.
- Go to the vet at the first sign of a skin problem and at least once a year for a checkup.
