What to do if the cat has dandruff

If the owner does not want to use ready-made pelleted food, and tries to feed the animal natural food, then it is important to choose the right balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as add vitamin and mineral complexes to the diet.

Cat dander – where does it come from and what to do when it appears?

Have you noticed white flakes in your cat's fur? It may be cat dander. Where does it come from and how do you get rid of it?

Cats, like humans, suffer from a variety of skin conditions. But cat dander? Yes, this problem can affect your cat too. Although its causes may be the most common, it should never be ignored, because sometimes it can be a sign of a serious disease. Feline dander can also exacerbate allergic reactions in humans, so it's important to know how to prevent it and deal with it if it does occur.

Dandruff in cats – possible causes

Dandruff is nothing more than skin shedding. It is a completely natural process of skin regeneration. You should only worry when the extent of flaking becomes too intense. Several of the most likely causes of dandruff can be distinguished.

Winter

Cat dandruff intensifies during the heating season. Warm radiators reduce the humidity of the air, which in turn affects the condition of the skin. And so does ours. The solution is to combat dry air, such as buying a humidifier or simply placing a wet towel on the radiator.

Sun

A cat's skin quality is also affected by too much sun. A cat that takes too many "sunbaths" is also at risk of "drying out." Pet stores sell many specialized products (shampoos, conditioners, sprays) that moisturize a cat's coat and help keep it healthy in hot weather. Filter creams are a must for cats without fur.

Inappropriate cosmetics

When grooming your cat, you should not use low-quality cosmetics or cosmetics that are not designed for cats but for humans or dogs, for example. This increases the risk of your pet's skin drying out because the wrong products negatively affect its pH.

Dehydration

Dehydration leads to dry skin. It can be caused by a number of conditions, such as diarrhea or vomiting, but it can also be caused by more serious conditions. In addition to giving your cat a bowl of clean water to keep him or her well, you should determine the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea by contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Allergies

Dandruff is sometimes caused by an allergy to certain cleaning products used in the home. Perhaps your cat reacts badly to air fresheners, scented filler, or the powder we use to wash our clothes. If you suspect your cat is excessively itchy or licking after handling any of these products, feel free to throw the product in the trash.

Can cats have dandruff

Many people are surprised when they hear that cats get dandruff. But if you think about it in terms of physiology, it is quite common, though not very common. The skin renewal process is constant and the old skin flakes need somewhere to go, and they get stuck in the thick cat fur. The layer of particles on the coat can be dry or greasy. The primary cause of a greasy layer is often seborrhea.

If the horny dead layer looks like scattered flour or even snow, one speaks of the dry type, and with the greasy type the hairs at the base look glued together and greasy. The type of disease depends on each pet's individual personality.

For some owners, it can be dangerous because of an allergy to cat dander, as a lot of cat saliva is left behind in the clumped fur.

Causes of cat dander

There are external and internal causes for the appearance of dead skin particles in a pet's coat, which explain why the fur looks unkempt.

• Fungal skin diseases depress healthy cells and contribute to their death and detachment;
• skin parasites like fleas, mites, and lice. Their life activity causes cat itching, and as a consequence, scratching from claws even more sloughing of skin particles;
• Diseases related to the gastrointestinal organs and others;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• hormonal disorders;
• thyroid disorders;
• diabetes mellitus;
• allergic reaction of cats to food or environmental factors;
• stress, fright, fears;
• reaction to certain medications. There are products that contribute to excessive dryness of the skin. Shampoos that are not suitable for the cat can have the same effect;
• Nutritional errors and lack of fatty acids in the diet;
• Overweight does not allow the pet to fully care for the coat in the back and tail area, so there is often noticeable dandruff.

External causes of dandruff include improper care for the pet: lovers of cat baths one day may be surprised to note that there is a "snow" from the cat's coat, or, conversely, behind the ears and on the back appeared sticky unkempt hair. If you find yourself allergic to the shampoo, it will also be evident from the crumbly skin particles.

Affects the condition of the coat dry air. If the house is too dry, it will soon affect the skin of the pet. Sunburn will also make itself felt. It doesn't matter how old the pet is, dandruff can easily occur in an old cat or a tiny kitten.

Treatment of dandruff in cats

Since the causes of dandruff in cats can be different, the treatment should be prescribed depending on the factor that provoked the appearance of dandruff. The following article will discuss how to get rid of cat dandruff. If you discovered your cat's dandruff, then do not delay a visit to a specialist, the sooner your cat is prescribed treatment, the more effective it will be. In any case, the approach to the treatment of cat dandruff must be comprehensive, so do not confine yourself to drugs and shampoos, perhaps the normalization of the diet and conditions of the animal will give the best results.

The first thing if your cat appeared dandruff, it is recommended to completely reconsider the diet of the pet, Namely, it is desirable to replace the usual ready-made food with food of higher quality and natural composition. Make sure that the cat's diet contains a complete set of essential fatty amino acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, as they play an important role in normalizing metabolism and are responsible for the health of the skin and coat of the animal. Add sources of vitamin A (beef liver, fish oil) and B vitamins (meat products, vegetables) to the cat's diet. These vitamins have pronounced antioxidant properties and are involved in maintaining the normal condition of the cat's skin and coat.

If your cat is overweight, it is probably the cause of dandruff, in which case switching to a proper and balanced diet can solve both problems at once.

During the heating season try to humidify the air in the room as often as possible, for this purpose place containers with water around the apartment, regularly spray the room with a sprayer or buy a special humidifier. Try to keep the cat away from heating appliances for a long time.

Pay special attention to the proper care of the cat's hair, namely combing. For this purpose, choose a good quality brush made of natural material. Regular dry brushing and combing of cat's fur allows you to saturate hair follicles with oxygen, improves blood circulation, promotes regeneration of the epidermis, stimulates the growth of a healthy coat, and consequently will help to get rid of dandruff.

Complications

Dandruff in cats is a consequence of violation of protective functions of the skin and wrong functioning of the sebaceous glands, so often the appearance of dandruff is accompanied by hair loss. The dead particles of the stratum corneum of the epithelium create a crust on the skin, which prevents the flow of air to the hair follicles. As a consequence, the hair stops getting the necessary oxygen and becomes dull and brittle. In addition, the skin affected by dandruff creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that can cause hair loss.

Cat dandruff can look different. Most often they are small and poorly visible light-colored scales. But there are cases when a cat has black dandruff, and this is a cause for concern. Black dandruff can be due to a fungal infection, parasites, or other serious irregularities in the sebaceous glands. Detached keratinized scales of epithelium should normally be light and translucent, so if you find black dandruff in a cat, you should urgently contact your veterinarian for help.

To summarize, it should be noted that the appearance of dandruff in cats is often a symptom indicating the presence of a more serious disease in the pet, so when the first appearance of dandruff in your cat, do not delay a visit to a specialist, since the detection of the disease in its early stages can facilitate its further treatment.

Still have questions? You can ask them to our website's in-house veterinarian in the comment box below, who will answer them as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Seborrhea

It is possible to successfully treat seborrhea and get rid of dandruff in a cat if properly diagnosed. Only a veterinarian will be able to identify the correct cause and prescribe the necessary treatment. This may require:

• Detailed information from the cat's owner about the cat's living conditions, specifics of care, diet, previous diseases, allergies, hygiene products used for care, etc;
• General clinical and biochemical blood tests, and, if necessary, for indicators of hormonal changes;
• Taking samples from the skin surface for examination or a biopsy.

If any abnormal changes are detected in the body, the veterinarian may prescribe additional examinations.

Only when the cause of the dandruff is determined will the specialist prescribe an appropriate treatment. Depending on this cause, it may include:

• Antifungal or antibacterial drugs When fungal or bacterial infections are detected;
• Antiparasitic drugs.If the pet is found to have ectoparasites;
• Antihistamines Antihistamines (relieve itching);
• Medicinal detergents Medicinal detergents for cats;
• Dietary adjustments;
• Taking vitamin and mineral complexes;
• Proper hair carecat;
• Increasing the humidity In the room where the cat lives.

Note again that a reliable self-diagnosis of the causes of dandruff at home is almost impossible, and eliminating it as a symptom does not solve the problem, but only temporarily masks it.

Preventing cat dandruff

To avoid the appearance of dandruff in the pet, it is necessary to follow a few simple preventive measures:

• Maintain cleanliness and order in the house, regularly wash and disinfect the litter box, wash bedding and beds.
• Properly care for the hair: comb it regularly (daily for long-haired cats), bathe the pet at least once every 6 months, using only shampoos designed for cats.

• Control the cat's diet and use only high-quality, balanced food. Purina ONE® Cat Skin and Hair Nutrition is designed to keep your cat's skin healthy and beautifully coated. Made from selected ingredients, it contains easily digestible protein, vitamins and essential fatty acids, which help to keep the hair healthy and reduce hair loss.
• Prevent your pet from becoming overweight;
• Have regular checkups at the veterinarian, vaccinate your cat annually and treat it for internal and external parasites;
• Eliminate factors that may provoke stress in the pet.

Remember that cat dander is just the tip of the possible "iceberg" of problems. So that they do not arise, love your pet and take care of him, and he will definitely return the favor.

Prevent

It is possible to avoid the appearance of seborrhea in cats by taking timely preventive measures. Among preventive measures, antiparasitic treatments are mandatory, as well as careful hygiene, skin care and hair care for the pet. It is recommended to bathe the cat at least once every 2 months. Too frequent hygienic procedures, even with the highest quality shampoos, are also not desirable.

An important point is preventive examinations by a veterinary specialist once every six months. This will give a qualitative assessment of the condition of the coat and skin. In case of minor abnormalities, the doctor will prescribe vitamin complexes and minerals to strengthen the coat.

Prevent dandruff in pets can be prevented by carefully selecting super-premium pet food. Careful attention should be paid to any changes in the skin and coat of your pet. The airiness of the room, as well as the humidity is also important.

Causes of dandruff in cats and cats

Cat dandruff on the back of the tail is a real cause for concern. The main causes of seborrhea in cats are fungal and bacterial infections. In addition, allergic reactions or chronic internal diseases may be the cause of seborrhea.

The most common cause of dandruff diagnosed in the clinical practice of veterinarians is precisely fungal skin lesions. Penetrating into the skin, pathogenic fungi lead to the death of cellular structures, provoking increased flaking.

Other common causes of dandruff in cats are:

• Parasitic infestations. . Mites and fleas, as well as dewflies, provoke not only allergic reactions of the body as a result of irritation of the skin with saliva and feces, but also the dying off of the upper layers of the epithelial layer. Parasite bites provoke intense itching, which leads to severe scratching and increased exfoliation of the upper layers of the epidermis.
• Metabolic disorders . A common cause of dandruff is an unbalanced diet, lack of or low in essential fatty acids and vitamin complexes.
• Allergic reactions. Food allergies and reactions to pollen and chemicals can be the cause of increased skin flaking.
• Obesity . An increased body weight in cats causes the cat to become clumsy and more difficult to care for itself. The cat becomes ungroomed, and the appearance of dandruff can also be complicated by bacterial infections.
• Violation ofThe rules for taking care of an animal . Frequent washing or, on the contrary, infrequent grooming procedures cause seborrhea. Dandruff is more often diagnosed in breeds of cats with long hair if they are not cared for properly. Also in cats whose owners often use unsuitable shampoos for washing. Often combing the hair irritates the skin, provoking increased detachment of the upper layers of the epidermis.

Treatment of dandruff in cats

Appeared cat dander on the back near the tail, requires immediate examination by a specialist at the veterinary clinic. The anamnesis is collected and a general clinical (physical) examination is performed. It is important to specify what diseases the animal has previously suffered, what hygiene products and medications are used to care for the pet.

In addition, a range of tests necessary to make an accurate diagnosis is prescribed. The main ones are:

Treatment is based on the findings. In any case, the first thing a cat with seborrhea is transferred to a special diet that excludes the intake of fatty and sugary foods. It is recommended to transfer the pet to special dry food enriched with vitamins A and group B, as well as containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Symptomatic therapy includes the normalization of the functional features of the skin. In the vast majority of these are special detergents and ointments for external use. But without the elimination of the underlying cause can not do. Depending on what caused seborrhea, the treatment is assigned.

If the dandruff was provoked by ectoparasites, therapy consists of the use of special compositions to suppress their activity. These can be drops in the withers or sprays. What drug is best suited to combat fleas and mites, should advise the veterinarian, as well as to choose the dosage taking into account individual characteristics.

For allergic reactions, it is important to determine the nature of the specific reaction. The treatment of allergies is a long and time-consuming process that requires a highly qualified doctor. The same applies to hormonal disorders. Specific treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician and constant monitoring of laboratory values.

Skin lesions with rhizobic microorganisms also require long-term treatment, with a careful choice of antifungal medications. Often, itching and scratching of the skin provoke the accession of pathogenic bacterial microflora. To prevent pyoderma, a course of antibiotic therapy is carried out.

The influence of diet on skin health and the prevention of dandruff.

Proper nutritious feeding is the key to the health of the pet. A cat with skin problems should have a diet that contains essential amino acids, unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc and vitamin A. This includes PURINA® PRO PLAN® DERMA CARE for adult cats. It contains only natural ingredients. The source of protein is salmon, which is less likely to cause food allergies than meat. Fish oil is rich in unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin health and provide a shiny, dandruff-free coat. Flaxseed oil is added to the food, which also nourishes the skin. B vitamins and zinc are important in this diet and if they are lacking, dandruff may occur. PRO PLAN® ELEGANT ADULT for adult cats with sensitive skin, with salmon is also suitable for cats with skin problems. It contains all the essential nutrients for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

PRO PLAN® NUTRISAVOUR® Derma Plus for cats with sensitive skin, with cod in sauce, is an example of a diet for cats who prefer pieces in sauce. The oceanic fish in the food ensures healthy skin and coat. An excellent option for a balanced diet for cats is a combination of wet and dry food in the ratio of 30/70. This meets the special needs of the pet. The products described in this article are perfect for this.

It is difficult to balance the cat's diet at home. Digestive physiology of the small carnivore has changed little since domestication. The cat has not adapted to eat from the human table like some other pets. Improper nutrition immediately affects the skin and dandruff is the first signal that something is wrong with the diet. Complete PRO PLAN nutritional products, developed in cooperation with veterinarians, help you feed your cat the right foods for his needs.

How do you get rid of dandruff? How do I treat a cat with skin problems?

We've covered the main causes of cat dandruff. At home, the owner can analyze whether the pet is eating properly, whether basic hygiene requirements are met, whether the animal is stressed, and whether it is treated for external and internal parasites. If even after that you can't get rid of dandruff, and the hair looks unhealthy, see your veterinarian for examination and diagnosis. Blood tests may need to be taken to check the condition and function of internal organs, skin scrapings, fluorescent diagnosis, and a microscopic look at the hair. Early diagnosis and prevention are known to keep pets healthy for years to come.

When a fungal skin infection is suspected, the following are used Systemic antifungal medications and shampoos. Veterinary shampoos with 4% chlorhexidine are good for bacterial infection. If your cat is not afraid of water and is accustomed to washing, they can be used at home. Shampoos with ingredients against yeast fungus are sold at regular drugstores and you should consult your veterinary dermatologist about their use.

Treatments for external parasites should be regular. Even a solely domestic cat is recommended to be treated with cat withers drops every month. Before using, carefully study the instructions of the drug, make sure it is intended for cats, weigh the pet and properly dispense the contents of the dropper. Then apply the preparation to the occipital tubercle by spreading the hair with your fingers. It is important that the cat cannot lick the drops off itself. The remedy dries completely in 24 hours.

Therapeutic methods

Specific drug treatment of dandruff is resorted to when parasitic, fungal, bacterial etiology of the disease is suspected. In such cases, a veterinarian consultation with laboratory tests is necessary.

If the owner of the cat is unable to purchase veterinary drugs, the doctor will advise close in composition medical products from the usual pharmacy.

Important: Do not self-administer human drugs (pills, ointments and shampoos) to treat cats, because animals need different dosages (many times less than for humans). If not treated properly, the cat can die from drug poisoning.

Preventive measures

To prevent the owner from having to deal with cat dander, it is necessary to:

• Ensure compliance with the vaccination schedule;
• Provide a quality diet for the animal, monitor its weight;
• During intensive shedding feed vitamin complexes, especially for long-haired breeds of cats;
• Give time to care for the hair regularly, comb it and bathe it once in a while;
• Always keep drinking water near the bowl to prevent the cat from dehydrating;
• Humidify the air in the apartment during the cold season;
• naked cats should wear cotton clothing in the summer to protect them from burns;
• provide a safe resting place for the cat away from heating devices.

A cat's health is most often influenced by external and internal environmental factors. Part of this is genetic and is determined as early as kittens. However, the future fate, quality of life and the condition of the pet's appearance is largely determined by man.

💡 And today you do not need to go to the veterinarian to get a consultation. More than half of all pet health issues can be solved remotely: by phone or online correspondence. You can consult with a veterinarian online, anytime and in the most convenient way. The cost of the service: 399 rubles.