Meow!
We did some digging and found out that cat owners often search for a dandruff solution for their fur-riends. And here at Pawsome Couture, we always make sure to provide you with a comprehensive guide to anything cat-related. Yep, that's what we're here for!
Truth is - no matter how hard we try to protect our beloved cats from getting health issues, the paw-sibility of them getting a dry, flaky skin is just high especially during winter. So if we humans treat our hair like a crowning glory, aren't we supposed to make sure our cats get the purrrr-fect treatment and maintenance, too? You betcha!
Cat dandruff symptoms
Red, dry, flaky and itchy skin are the most common symptoms of cat dandruff. This problem often occurs on the face, along the back, on the tail and any part of the body.
It is usually nothing serious, but it is best to consult a veterinarian if you begin to notice excessive scaling, redness and odour.
What causes dandruff in cats?
Dandruff can be a sign of inadequate grooming, poor nutrition and underlying health issues such as:
- Contact dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Fungal infections
- Parasites
- Seborrhea
- Food allergies
Sometimes it is difficult to find out what causes this problem, so it is best to bring your cat to a vet to undergo a series of tests and complete physical examinations such as:
- Skin scraping test - to check if there's ringworm infection.
- Tape test - a piece of tape is placed onto the cat’s skin, then remove and evaluate under a microscope to check for parasites.
- Complete blood count
- Urinalysis
- Biochemical profile
- T3 and T4 tests - to check thyroid hormone levels
Effective cat dandruff remedies
Having dandruff can be uncomfortable and irritating for your cats. So being a responsible cat owner we are, it is our duty to relieve them from all sorts of discomforts. Your vet may also give antibiotics, antihistamines or steroids, but providing home remedies are just as important.
That being said, we've compiled a few helpful tips on how to treat and prevent cat dandruff at home.
- Use anti-dandruff shampoo that is designed for cats. Never ever use shampoo intended for humans!
- Add Omega-3 fatty acids to your cats' food.
- Groom your cats regularly.
- Consider switching to premium raw or canned food. Sometimes the food they eat can cause skin problems.
- Apply a natural, unscented moisturizer to your cats' coat. Most pet stores sell one that is safe for cats and dogs. You can also ask a recommendation from your vet.
- When dandruff starts to get better, consider using a moisturizing shampoo alternately. Again, it has to be special shampoo designed for cats or pets.
- Add humidifiers in your home especially during winter season.
How about you? Have you experienced this kind of problem with your cat? How did you handle it? Feel free to share what worked and what didn't.