Cat Dandruff
All You Need to Know About Cat Dandruff
If you are a proud cat owner, then cat dandruff may be an issue you have to deal with. We all love our cats, and will do anything to care for them. But dandruff for cats? Most people do not think that this will ever be a problem. They focus on whether or not to declaw, or shedding, or providing scratching posts, or de-worming their felines. These are all valid concerns, but any cat owner should acknowledge that dandruff may be added to that list. If you are curious about dandruff on cats and what it entails, then this article will hopefully be of service to you.
A cat’s skin, believe it or not, is not terribly different from that of a human. While there are plenty of differences, both types of skin have skin cells and thin layers that can dry up and flake off. This is what causes dandruff. Therefore, a cat can get dandruff just like a human can. It may not seem like this is possible, for two reasons. First, a cat is almost always cleaning itself, so we assume that it is keeping up its hygiene (and dandruff is unhygienic). Secondly, we see cats has having thick, lush coats of fur that glisten and shine when we brush them – not flake off and rain snow on you! So for these reasons, most owners are unprepared for when their pet develops cat dandruff for the first time.
There are essentially three reasons why cat dandruff occurs. The first is the least common. A cat that is old or overweight will frequently develop dandruff on her rear or along her tail. Why? This is because these areas are hard to clean for old or overweight kitties, so the skin will tend to flake off more frequently. Like I said, though, this is the least common cause.
The second reason why cat dandruff occurs is due to changes and variations in the environment or weather. We all know cats love to lay out by a warm, toasty fire, or any other source of heat. This heat may warm the cat, but it will also dry out the skin, causing it to flake. Furthermore, during the winter months, the cold, dry weather will sap the skin of its moisture, just like it does during a hot summer. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, then this is particularly relevant.
The third reason behind this annoying condition is the diet. Cats need water just like humans do. The only problem is that cats detest water. Have you ever noticed that your cat drinks from a water dish only sparingly? This is because cats get their moisture primarily from their food. If you have cat food that is moist, then your cat will not have dehydration problems. If you use dry food, though, a cat will have to drink from a water dish – and it hates doing that. So, if you notice dandruff on your cat’s skin, then take a look at what you are feeding your pet.
What are some treatment options for this condition? The most common solution is to buy a cat shampoo made for sensitive or dry skin. While your cat will fight tooth and nail (literally) to avoid a bath, doing so will clear that up. After all, you do not want your cat to scratch herself raw and cause an infection. You can also add food that is more moist to your cat’s diet, or add some fish oil if you use dry food. This should moisturize the skin and help. Lastly, if the condition does not go away yet continues, then you should take your cat to see a vet. It will more than likely be nothing serious, but you want your cat to be as comfortable as possible. Getting rid of cat dandruff will accomplish precisely that.