Does your cat have dandruff? Have you ever wondered why? Dandruff is very common in cats, but some pet owners find themselves worrying about whether or not there’s some health problem causing this issue in their cats.
In the article below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common causes of dandruff in cats and what you can do to prevent or treat it. With this information to help, you should be able to get your cat’s coat health back to normal in no time!
Causes of Cat Dandruff
There are many things that could be causing your cat to have dandruff in Monroeville, PA. If your pet has any of these it would be best to talk with your veterinarian.
Skin Infections
One common cause of dandruff in cats is a skin infection. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal and may cause flaky, dry skin as one of the many symptoms, along with itching, redness, and sometimes open wounds.
Fleas
Fleas are less likely to cause white dandruff than they are to cause black flea dirt on your cat’s skin and coat. However, a cat who is struggling with a serious infestation of fleas may also suffer from dandruff as a secondary problem related to the parasites.
Low-Quality Diet
A low-quality diet that does not contain all the nutrients your cat needs to thrive may be a contributing factor in her dandruff issue. Healthy food makes it easier for a cat to have a healthy coat, and a balanced diet that is intended for cats is essential.
Cancers
Although cancer is not the most common cause of dandruff in cats by any means, it is a potential, if rare, possibility. Some skin cancers may contribute to the appearance of dandruff in your cat. A cat who has cancer will have many other symptoms of being sick aside from just dandruff, however.
Mobility Issues
If your cat is very old, has arthritis, or has a congenital problem that causes her to have limited mobility, she may suffer from dandruff. This is because the mobility issues make it hard for her to groom herself, so dirt and bacteria build up on the skin and lead to flaking. Obesity may cause this issue as well.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are the most common cause of dandruff in cats. If your cat is allergic or even just intolerant of certain food ingredients, she will be very likely to develop dandruff as a result. Her coat may also appear dull or patchy in places.
Solutions and Preventions for Cat Dandruff
There are different treatments that could help your cat reduce or eliminate their dandruff.
Antibiotic Treatments
Antibiotic treatments are needed when your cat has a bacterial or fungal skin infection. They do not work on viral skin infections. A round of antibiotics is usually enough to clear up most skin infections that cause dandruff in cats, but your vet can give you more accurate information about your pet.
Parasite Prevention
You can cut back or remove your cat’s risk of fleas and other parasites by keeping up with her regular prevention medication. A flea collar or flea treatment medicine may be the best route, but your vet can once again give you more information.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is often enough to resolve dandruff issues in many cats. Choose fish proteins whenever possible, as these can help support skin and coat health. Make sure you’re giving your cat a good quality food blend made from real ingredients so her overall health and wellness will be the best it can, too.
Proper Food Ingredients
The right ingredients in your cat’s food can remove the issue of dandruff related to food allergies and intolerances. Although it may take some time and testing to determine which ingredients are causing your cat to have a bad reaction, the effort will pay off when you find the right food to help control her dandruff and skin problems.
Pain Medication
If your cat is having difficulty grooming herself due to mobility issues, pain medication may be able to help. This medication may also take down the inflammation associated with problems like arthritis, so your cat will be more capable of keeping herself clean.
Surgeries
If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, she may need surgery to remove the cancer cells. This may not be a possibility for every cat, and the potential varies significantly between situations. Talk to your veterinarian for more information about whether or not surgery is right for your cat.
Northern Pike Veterinary Hospital Can Help
The causes of dandruff in cats are not very severe, but they can signify an underlying health problem that needs to be treated, too. Work with your vet to find out what might be causing your cat’s dandruff and whether or not there’s something specific you can do about it. With the right treatment and prevention plan, your cat can have a healthy, shiny coat that is free from dandruff in no time!
To book an appointment at Northern Pike Veterinary Hospital for your cat’s dandruff call 412-373-8580 today!