Cat Dandruff: What You Need To Know

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Chances are, you didn’t title your cat “Snowball” due to all of the snow-like flakes of dandruff dusted throughout kitty’s coat.

Dandruff is completely different than cat dander, which is compromised of a cat’s saliva and useless pores and skin cells. And dandruff generally is a symptom of many alternative points that your cat could have. Some are relatively benign, however different instances, it may be an indication of one thing extra critical.

Here are some frequent causes for flaky, dandruff pores and skin in cats and a few common cures, as nicely.

Overproduction Of Sebum

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If your cat is sporting a elaborate, new, flaky coat, one trigger might be overly lively sebaceous glands. When the sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum, the pores and skin can not naturally shed shortly sufficient, which leads to dry, flaky pores and skin.

Dandruff is often most seen on the again of a cat close to their rear and the face on this state of affairs.

Sometimes, nevertheless, there shall be no scientific rhyme or motive as to why your cat is experiencing such a dandruff, referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. Just like individuals who could be liable to dandruff, some cats are liable to flaky pores and skin, as nicely.

Environmental Factors

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Changes in temperature and humidity can throw your cat’s pores and skin out of whack. If you discover an increase in dandruff flakes between seasons, then this might be the offender.

If you discover that your cat’s pores and skin is dryer within the colder months, you could wish to ask your vet about merchandise with pure, soothing shea butter. Personally, my calico cat, Pookie, has been experiencing some dryer winter pores and skin, full with snowy fur, and this has been serving to immensely.

If your cat’s pores and skin is extremely dry, strive incorporating meals with omega-3 fatty acids into their eating regimen to revive some moisture.

Parasites

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If your feline not solely has flaky pores and skin, however appears to be itchy and irritated, as nicely, likelihood is mites, fleas, or ticks have made your cat’s pores and skin their dwelling and are wrecking havoc.

Be certain to maintain your cat up to date with flea and tick prevention. It can cease bugs from inflicting pores and skin irritation that results in dandruff.

Bathing may even assist preserve little bugs from establishing store. If your cat isn’t a fan of water, ask your vet about utilizing cleaning wipes. Not solely will they assist fight pesky bugs, however they’ll additionally assist take away dander which will worsen human allergic reactions to cats.

Allergies

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Just like cats could make some folks sneezy, sure issues in your own home could cause an allergic response in your cat, as nicely.

If you discover that your cat has just lately developed dandruff, attempt to assume should you’ve included any new detergents or cleansing provides into your housecleaning routine.

Also, needless to say some cats can have allergic reactions to sure varieties of cat meals and cat litter.

Excess Weight

As cute as an enormous, fats cat is, a heavier cat can have a bunch of well being issues, together with dandruff. If your cat is a bit more rotund, they could even have issues reaching sure areas to wash, inflicting a sebum buildup and, finally, dandruff.

Be certain that your cat is on a correct eating regimen for his or her age, and preserve them lively in the event that they’re tipping the dimensions.

As all the time, in case your cat has out of the blue developed any dermatological signs, then it’s best to take Snowball to the vet to verify all the pieces is so as. Dandruff, for essentially the most half, could be an annoying-but-benign symptom in your cat, nevertheless it might be an indication of one thing extra critical, similar to a hormone imbalance or parasite, like ringworm.

Has your cat skilled dandruff? What have you ever accomplished to treatment it? Let us know within the feedback!