Your cat might have dandruff problem if you see white flakes on the skin of your cat, fur or bedding. Your cat will also scratch more often than normal. The causes of dandruff are many. It can range from a low fat diet, environment or health issues like obesity or arthritis.
Symptoms of dandruff in your cat
The common symptoms you will find is white flakes on skin on your cat’s skin fur or bedding but if your cat shows additional symptoms below, bring your cat to the vet clinic immediately. It indicates a more serious problem such as an infection or a health condition.
- Hair loss
- Itching
- More frequent grooming
- Redness of the skin
- Feeling unwell
Possible causes of dandruff in your cat
- Low fatty acids diet
- Dehydration
- Pest
- Environment
- Grooming
Solution for low fatty acid diet
Real and natural food ingredients instead of synthetic additives will provide the sufficient nutrients your cat will need. You can go for natural food brands like Acana, Open Farm and Farmina. Your cat diet must include omega fatty acids from fish oils like salmon, cod liver and sardines.
Omega-3 reduces inflammation while omega-6 greatly improve your cat’s skin and coat health. Other benefits of omega fatty acids include development of healthy nervous tissue and help maintain a normal immune response and help promote joint health, flexibility and mobility.
Solution for dehydration
Lack of proper hydration means your cat’s skin is unable to produce enough oil which can lead to inflammation. Adding fresh water to your cat’s dry food and blend it helps to keep them hydrated. Use a stainless steel or lead-free bowl. Plastics tend to breed bacteria over time no matter how many times you was it.
Solution for pests
Sometimes, the cause of dandruff could be those little mites, fleas, ticks or lice. They can really cause irritation to your cat causing swelling, redness, itchiness. Regular checkups to the vet is the best preventive measure against these pests. Alternatively, treatment for pests such Advantage, Frontline, Revolution has been known to work well killing pests and their eggs.
Solution for environment
Cat skin and coat are easily affected by chemicals and poor air quality. Cigarette smoke, chemical cleaners, air fresheners, and even perfumes can irritate their skin.
Keep your home well ventilated for good circulation of fresh air. Air purifiers works best during winter as you know the windows need to stay closed at all times. And if your house is dry, opt for a humidifier to keep in the moisture. This helps to eliminate dandruff and maintain your cat’s body temperature.
Solution for grooming
Brush your cat twice a week with a proper cat’s comb. Brushing helps in blood circulation, remove dead fur and skin and spreading the healthy oil from their sebaceous glands. You should also bath your cat with a soothing, moisturizing shampoo. Never use a human shampoo for a cat — it will make the dandruff worse.
In conclusion:
Cats’ dandruff can be caused by lots of reason but with the right treatment, getting your cat’s beautiful, luxurious coat should be a breeze. Takeaway points to remember:
- Always give your cats easy access to fresh water in their diet. Giving them moist food is a creative way to add more water into their diet.
- Natural foods with real ingredients offer the most usable nutrients to support your cat’s skin and coat.
- Cats are natural groomers. Try to bathe them without interfering with their regular bathing routine.
- Brushing away dead skin and fur will have a positive effect.
- Cats need fresh air. Avoid polluting the air with chemicals and smoke.
- Check for fleas, mites, ticks during brushing and check with your vet about preventive treatments for pest control.
- Dandruff recovery takes time, so give each change or treatment a chance to work. If dandruff symptoms are getting worse, time to ask the vet for advice. Even a second advice does not hurt if it can help your cat’s recovery process.
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