Reasons for Cat Dandruff and How to Treat It

It makes sense that we like to believe that cats have nine lives because they appear to be among the most hardy animals out there, they can climb trees confidently and always land on their feet!

Nevertheless, despite this, cats are susceptible to a number of illnesses, including cat dandruff, which is represented by the tiny, white flakes that fall from their dry skin. Although it may not be very attractive, your cat may become very uncomfortable with dandruff, particularly if it is not treated for a long time.

Why do cats get dandruff?

Dandruff is typically the result of an imbalance in your cats skin, brought on by either an excess or a shortage of oil production by the sebaceous glands. Despite the fact your cat’s issue is treatable, it is still crucial to identify its cause. Still, there could be a number of causes for this illness.

1: A poor diet

High-quality food is essential for a long and happy life, but an uneven diet low in fatty acids might cause cats to have dandruff. Make sure the food your cat eats is high-quality or contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with skin issues in cats, such as dry skin. These fatty acids can be made from fish oil or flaxseed.

2: Grooming too little or too much

Given that cats typically take great care of themselves, it’s reasonable to say that they are fairly clean animals. For this reason, they don’t need to be bathed as frequently as dogs. Additionally, over-grooming your cat can cause irritation to their skin, so it’s important to use caution when brushing them. Additionally, keep a close eye out to determine if the cat has just started grooming themselves excessively or if they have just become slower at it. This is due to the fact that both of these behaviors may suggest a possible clinical or behavioral issue.

3: Low relative humidity

Cat dandruff may also result from your cat not getting enough water if they reside in a dry climate. On the other hand, staying in an overheated environment, for instance, during the winter months, may cause dry skin, which may lead to dandruff.

4: Allergens related to the seasons or environment

Although certain individuals are more impacted than others, those of us who suffer from dust and seasonal allergies are aware of the pain that comes with being around these allergens while grass or tree pollen are abundant. You might be surprised to hear, though, that dandruff is frequently a sign of these allergies in felines; therefore, it’s crucial to understand how to treat allergies in cats. However, keep in mind that your cat may potentially be allergic to a food ingredient, so be sure to rule out that possibility as well.

5: Parasites, fungi, and bacterial infections

Dandruff-causing factors in cats can also include more serious conditions like parasites or infections. Your veterinarian should always be consulted first, regardless of your suspicions regarding the reason for your cat’s dandruff, in order to rule out and treat any clinical issues. Read More…