Having cats has made me more than familiar with cat dander, which is the protein found in cat saliva combined with the shedding of dead cells. You may be a little surprised to know that it is cat dander that actually causes allergies and not cat hair itself!
Did you also know that cats get dandruff? Knowing all about cat dandruff will help you and your furry friend to know what to expect and options for addressing it!
All About Cat Dandruff
What is Cat Dandruff?
Cat dandruff is dead/dried-out skin cells usually caused by a type of allergic dermatitis. The cat’s skin becomes flaky, dry and often scaly. There will also be a noticeable skin irritation resulting in a red appearance.
What are Symptoms of Cat Dandruff?
Dandruff flakes above the fur can be seen pretty easily with the naked eye. The cat’s back has the most sebaceous glands, so this is where you should be seeing the most dandruff. With dandruff, you will most likely also notice an odour change as well with your cat. The cat’s fold areas, such as the paws and tummy, might also shows signs of dermatitis.
What Options are Available for Treating/Preventing Cat Dandruff?
Your first stop really should be your veterinarian. Your vet can provide you with a more definite cause and treatment available. If you choose to go the home treatment route, here are some options:
Bath – Make sure to use pet-safe shampoo!
Humidifier – Keeping your cat’s living area moisturized will help resolve dry skin issues.
Check for food sensitivity – Cats get allergies too. Try to pinpoint if your cat’s food is the culprit.
Please remember that one of the best things you can do for your cat is to pay attention. If you notice a change in their activity level, sleep, smell, etc. immediately take your pet to the vet.
Cheryl Grandy says
I knew about cat dander, but I hadn’t thought of cats getting dandruff. Thanks for the information.
Holly says
One of my cats has an issue with dandruff. The vet says there is nothing to worry about, so she’s offered no treatment options (maybe time to just switch vets, eh?)
I’m going to give the humidifier a shot! Hopefully it will help. Thanks for this post and suggestions!
JaimeeM says
My cat gets dry skin and dandruff during the winter months.
rowena hubble says
good to know about the cat dandruff my cat has it bad allways grooming her
Susan T. says
I’ve noticed a few flakes on my cats in the winter when it is super dry. I find putting a little bit of fish oil in their food solves the problem. I think it’s just dry skin though, not dandruff.
Laurie P says
very informative!
kathy downey says
thanks for all the information and tips,we all want the best for our furbabies
Neha Kaul says
This is such an eye-opener…thank you for the same!
mrdisco says
this was really informative
Wanda Tracey says
Thanks so much for the great information and tips.This is something I never gave much thought to because I wasn’t aware of it.Now I will be a little more observant with my pet especially in the winter.
kathy downey says
hanks shared on FB for my friends
amy mcie says
I have 3 cats very interesting.
Diana Corlett says
I thank you. My cats thank you. With winter coming up, dry skin issues are so timely. At our house, only the dogs get bathed, but food allergies is a cat dandruff cause I’ve never considered.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Heavens, I for one didn’t know that cats can have dandruff. You learn something new all the time 🙂
kathy downey says
Thanks my daughter has 2 alley cats,hubby found them in the city just 2 tiny skinny kitties who were hungry and cold and now they live like Kings,she has had a problem with dandruff and i have shared this post with her.
Kristen says
God Bless her and her hubby for saving their lives! Gave me goosebumps. You are awesome Kathy and I always love seeing your comments!!!
Debbie White Beattie says
I had no idea that the dandruff is what causes the problems. Luckily my cat doesn’t have this problem.
kathy downey says
So happy my Cat’s don’t have this problem
kathy downey says
It`s good to check your Cat`s coat from time to time