Easy methods to Acknowledge and Deal with Cat Dandruff

In case you have a cat with a dandruff downside, you already know the way uncomfortable it may be for a pet. "Dandruff is a visual flaking of pores and skin which frequently outcomes from irritated or very dry pores and skin," explains Carl Winch, DVM at Banfield Pet Hospital. "It’s comparatively widespread and is usually in response to the pores and skin glands overproducing their oils. Typically, small quantities of dandruff aren't worrisome, however it may grow to be a really irritating downside for a cat if left untreated."

Nonetheless, it's necessary to have the ability to distinguish cat dandruff from pet dander, which is completely regular (and infrequently unnoticeable). "Dander happens from the traditional, wholesome useless pores and skin that your cat sheds and shouldn’t trigger your cat to be itchy or uncomfortable," explains Dr. Chad Dodd, veterinarian for YuMOVE. "Conversely, dandruff is an irregular shedding of useless pores and skin cells which, not like dander, is accompanied by indicators of extraordinarily dry, irritated pores and skin or, at occasions, very oily and itchy pores and skin which may very well be an indicator of an underlying well being downside."

Associated: Widespread Sounds Your Cat Makes and What Every Means

Know the Indicators of Cat Dandruff

Most cats expertise a dandruff downside sooner or later of their life, which is why Dr. Dodd says it's necessary to know what signs to search for. "Cat dandruff is pretty widespread and might typically go unnoticed in light-colored cats," he says. "If you happen to observe that your cat is shedding greater than typical, and also you discover white flakes in your cat or on their bedding supplies, it may very well be an indication of dandruff."

Decide the Trigger

Dr. Winch says that there are a number of potential causes of dandruff in cats, together with weight problems, meals allergic reactions or dietary deficiencies, local weather or environmental modifications, metabolic points, and even an underlying pores and skin situation, like seborrhea or ringworm. "Obese cats are extra vulnerable to dandruff as a result of decreased mobility, so it's necessary to assist your cat preserve a wholesome weight by feeding your pet a balanced weight loss program, with fixed entry to contemporary water," he says. "It's additionally necessary to associate together with your veterinarian who can diagnose and create a remedy plan acceptable to your pet."

Do not Bathe Your Cat Until In any other case Instructed

Whereas the guarantees of dandruff-fighting pet shampoos may be engaging, don't neglect that cats hardly ever get pleasure from being in water. "I don’t advocate bathing cats until they’ve particular medical situations," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of medical workers at Small Door Veterinary. "Cats are fastidious groomers, spending many hours a day performing this ritual which is how they bathe themselves. This grooming retains their pores and skin and coat wholesome by stimulating wholesome coat oil growth from the pores and skin and subsequently distributing these oils all through the coat."

Brush Your Cat Commonly

A little bit grooming goes a great distance when coping with cat dandruff. "For cats which are a bit older, which may be arthritic and have issue grooming or these with lengthy coats that want a little bit of assist, common brushing by an proprietor will help mimic the identical behaviors a cat does whereas grooming," Dr. Richardson says. "Glove sort 'brushes' will help distribute among the oils in addition to take away unfastened hair."

Keep away from Messy Topical Therapies Until Prescribed

If you happen to suppose pet-friendly lotions and oils will help fight cat dandruff, Dr. Richardson says you'd be mistaken. "I wouldn't advocate spreading coconut oil or lotions in your cat's coat," she says. "Most of those merchandise will simply get trapped within the coat, inflicting a greasy mess and never do a lot for the pores and skin. Equally, your cat is more likely to ingest most topical merchandise by way of grooming."