It is possible that, while caressing our cat, we observe the presence of a kind of dandruff, balls or small black dots that can appear in different parts of its body. In this article on our site we are going to explain the most common causes that can cause a cat to have black dandruff and what we can do to correct the problem. As we will see, the normal thing is that this black dandruff does not suppose a serious ailment but, even so, it will need us to take veterinary measures for its solution. Keep reading and discover why your cat has black dandruff
The importance of keeping the cat's hair in good condition
Although cats are animals that spend a good amount of time daily grooming themselves and even their congeners, it is a good idea for us to also integrate their brushing into our care routine. The coat of cats fulfills important functions, such as protecting felines from the weather, from high and low temperatures, or insulating them from possible injuries such as wounds or insect bites. That is why it is not a minor task to keep it in good condition, and it is advisable to brush it frequently to facilitate the removal of dead hair, especially if we live with a long-haired cat. To do this, we recommend reviewing the article on "Recommendations for brushing a cat's hair".
Also, every time we pet our cat we have the opportunity to carefully observe the appearance of its skin and its hair, with which we will be able to detect any problem, such as areas without hair, wounds or dandruff, and we will be able to consult it with our veterinarian. Only an inadequate diet, but also problems such as poor intestinal absorption, can make the hair look dull and dandruff. If our cat has black dandruff, the most frequent causes are those that we will explain in the following sections.
Black dandruff in cats due to external parasites
If the cat has black dandruff we may be facing the presence of fleas These external parasites are hematophagous, that is, they feed on the blood of our cat, who will feel its bite. As our felines are scrupulous with their hygiene, it is quite common for them to locate fleas and ingest them while cleaning themselves. Therefore, even if we do not see the fleas at first glance, it is possible that we do locate a black dandruff, balls or grit between the fur and on the skin. If we take a sample and put it on a piece of paper and let a drop of water fall on it, we will see that this chaff will dissolve like blood, since it is the flea droppings, therefore, composed of digested blood. If our cat has black things in its hair anywhere on its body, it is most likely fleas.
To combat these unpleasant insects we must contact our veterinarian to prescribe the most suitable antiparasitic to our cat's circumstances, since We have a wide range on the market. Although our cat does not have access to the outside, we ourselves could bring fleas if we are in contact with other animals or if our cat lives with dogs that are going to go for a walk and interact in certain areas where there usually ends up being a high concentration of these parasites.
If we discover a large infestation on our cat, we can resort to products that kill fleas in a matter of hours, but we have to know that the visible fleas are only a small part of those that will be found in the environment, in the form of an egg or a pupa. Therefore, to eradicate them, we have to treat the cat but also its environment, especially the places where it sleeps or spends more time. Vacuuming the house and beds or sofas or washing the blankets used by the cat are other measures that help control fleas. Once we manage to rid our cat of parasites, we must implement, following the advice of our veterinarian, a deworming schedule appropriate to the living conditions of our feline companion. Flea control is very important, as they can cause considerable discomfort, especially if our cat is allergic to their bite. In these cases, it is the saliva of the flea that causes a reaction that can be triggered by a single bite.
Feline acne, cause of black dandruff in cats
If our cat has black dandruff mainly on the chin we could be facing a case of acne This dermatological condition can occur in cats of all ages and usually has no symptoms other than those little black balls on the chin. It is the result of an inflammatory disorder that affects the hair follicles and is complicated by a secondary infection. It can also appear on the lips.
The black dots that we will be able to find at the beginning of this condition can become papules and pustules. For this reason, we must visit our veterinarian so that he can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, which will be applied topically. In the most severe cases, the area may appear swollen and itching can also occur, with the consequent discomfort for our cat.
