Content
- What is dandruff?
- Causes of dandruff in cats
- Obesity
- inadequate diet
- Dry skin
- Allergies
- Mites
- Stress
- Diseases that can cause dandruff in cats
- Dermatitis
- Ringworm
- Dandruff treatment in cats
As with humans, cats can have dandruff, that is, small white spots on the coat. these dots are dead skin, indicate a problem of dryness in the scalp and can cause itching.
Different reasons can cause dandruff in cats, so it is important to determine the source to apply the proper treatment. It's not a major problem, so don't be alarmed and read on. In this article by PeritoAnimal, we explain the main causes of dandruff in cats and what are the indicated solutions.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is nothing more than dead scalp skin that sloughs off and gets stuck to the scalp or falls off. Skin cells renew naturally, but sometimes some illnesses or problems can cause excess dandruff.
It is normal that you sometimes notice small white dots of dandruff on your cat's coat. They should come out naturally with their usual hair brushing sessions. It is important to keep your cat's coat and fur as healthy and groomed as possible.
When it is possible to notice redness on the skin, the cat scratches itself excessively and the dandruff scales are more evident. Cats can cause sores from scratching if the skin is too delicate. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the problem as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Causes of dandruff in cats
Different situations can cause the appearance of dandruff in cats, such as:
Obesity
Being overweight can make your cat unable to clean and lick itself easily, as obesity can limit its movement, leaving certain areas of the body drier, thus favoring the appearance of dandruff. To prevent obesity in cats, it is important that your pet keep physical activities constants and one good nutrition.
inadequate diet
a diet with food shortages can cause problems with the cat's skin. You should avoid low quality commercial pet foods, as a lack of Omega 3 dries out the skin and can cause dandruff to appear.
It is important to offer your cat a good diet, choosing a quality kibble, or offering homemade food made especially for your pussy, as well as good hydration.
Omega 3 deficiency can be corrected if you offer fish oil or vitamin supplements in your cat's diet. For this you should consult a trusted veterinarian.
Dry skin
Living in a very dry environment with low humidity can cause the dryness of your cat's fur. This can be corrected by placing a humidifier in the home to increase the level of humidity in the air.
In addition, the intense sun can cause skin burns, so it is important to avoid prolonged exposure.
Allergies
Food allergies or environmental conditions caused by skin problems can cause the production of dandruff. If you want to know more about cat allergy, check out this article.
Mites
The presence of mites, known as Cheyletella or "walking dandruff" can simulate the presence of dandruff in the cat. actually they are little parasitesthat feed on your pet's skin. It is very contagious among cats, so it is important to eliminate it as soon as possible.
The veterinarian will recommend a lotion or shampoo that will eliminate the mite infestation. You should also clean the cat's bed and areas where he likes to sleep. As they are parasites, it is essential to eliminate any remains so that they do not reproduce again. Learn more about mites in cats in this other article.
Stress
Cats are very susceptible to stress and change. Also, each cat is affected differently. For reduce stress in cats, you must enrich the environment, provide physical exercise and healthy eating.
Diseases that can cause dandruff in cats
Some diseases, initially, can be confused with dandruff. These diseases usually have other symptoms such as irritated skin and severe itching. If you are worrying about seeing your cat with dandruff, these may be the clinical origins:
Dermatitis
Cats can suffer from a type of dermatitis that can be confused with dandruff. It is usually caused by the presence of an allergen in the environment or by direct contact with an irritating product and causes skin rashes and crusts on the pet's skin.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin disease produced by fungi. It causes hair loss, dries the skin and causes the appearance of dandruff. It is a very serious and contagious disease for both animals and humans. cats with Cheyletella or "walking dandruff" are more likely to get this disease.
Dandruff treatment in cats
The problem of mild dandruff can easily be treated with cat-specific shampoos or lotions. Never use human products, even if they are anti-dandruff. It is essential to determine the cause to correctly treat dandruff. For this, you must take your cat to the veterinarian, take the necessary exams and thus rule out possible diseases, as well as the presence of mites or other infestations. Check if your cat's diet is the most appropriate or if it needs to be changed.
If your cat is not used to bathing, it can be tricky to bathe him for the first time. Also, you should eliminate all the rest of the shampoo to avoid irritation. Therefore, it is recommended to bathe your pet from an early age, get him used to the games and make him comfortable with the water. If your cat is old or very cranky and you don't feel comfortable bathing him, a good alternative is the sanitary towels for cats.
remember to perform periodic brushing to eliminate dead hair and keep the coat clean and healthy. Choose the best brush for your cat and get him used to the activity. If your cat has irritated and sensitive skin, brush gently and don't press too hard. Also, there are some home remedies that help fight dandruff in cats, check out the indications in this other article.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.