Cat Dandruff

Cat Dandruff — Believe it or not, this is one of the most common problems for cat owners, new and experienced alike. Yet many of us cat lovers tend to freak out upon finding them on our little precious. It can be especially traumatic for owners of black cats, especially if the condition persists after repeated washing. Because the causes vary, there is no single guaranteed cure for cat dandruff. Instead, we have to examine the factors impacting our pet and follow a simple step by step system to try to cure this condition.

But first, what is cat dandruff?

Cat Dandruff is sometimes mistaken for dander. Dander, which exists in both cats and dogs, is the natural shedding of dead skin from your cat, and is the cause of many human allergies to cats. Cat allergen is a protein found in dander and cat saliva and during the grooming process, might be inhaled and thus causing allergic reactions to people sensitive to cats.

Cat Dandruff on the other hand is a condition where your cat develops excessive dry itchy dead skin. If your cat has candruff, it could be due to a few reasons.

This website explores a few easy ways to cure cat dandruff at home without spending an expensive trip to the vet.

Cure Cat Dandruff Step 1 - Give Your Cat a Good Bath

This might come to a surprise to you as it is well known that cats keep themselves clean. But admit it, you've been spoiling your cat silly and now she's overweight. Chances are, she won't be able to reach the hard to find places herself, such as the back and near the tail. If you cat has dandruff in these areas, all you need to do is to give her a good warm bath. Once the problem clears up, we suggest giving your cat a bath every couple of months. And yes, we know how tough that is :)

Do NOT bathe your cat with human anti-dandruff shampoo. These are too harsh on her skin and may do more harm then good. Instead we recommend a good cat dandruff shampoo.

While bathing your cat, make sure you wash her thoroughly with a good body brush (not too harsh) as any excess shampoo left on her undercoat may cause her skin to dry, causing even more cat dandruff to form. This is the main reason why many pet owners think that cat dandruff shampoo doesn't work. It does, you just have to wash thoroughly.

If little kitty has a thick coat, this might be an impediment to cleaning those hard to reach areas. Sending her to a good groomer every couple of months might be a good idea.

If you opt to do it yourself, we suggest a device called the FURminator which removes the loose undercoat hair, thus bringing out your cat's natural oils, promoting healthier skin and a shiny topcoat.

Cure Cat Dandruff Step 2 - Lost Those Kitty Fats

If your cat is overweight, send her on a diet. Yep, tough love, but without a weight loss program, chances are the problem above will occur sooner or later.

Cure Cat Dandruff Step 3 - Watch the Environment

Do you let your cat out in the sun too often. Cats are usually protected by a thick coat of fur, but some areas such as the ears, nose and on top of her head offer less protection. Unlike humans, cats don't have the benefit of sunblock. Try not to let your cat out in the sun so often, or least avoid the harmful noon sun.

If it's winter, you might want to invest in a good humidifier. The dry temperature coupled with the cold weather are strong factors for your cats skin to dry, especially in the unprotected areas. Try not to let your cat sleep in front of the fireplace. Yes they love it there, but it really dries out their skin real fast.

Cure Cat Dandruff Step 4 - Diet

Another common reason why domesticated cats develop dandruff nowadays is the lack of fatty acids and water content in their diet.

Cats hate going near water and the only way they get their required intake of water is through their kitty food. Problem is, most of us go for cheap dry food without knowing that these do not have enough moisture content in them.

Try going for high quality canned food and adding some omega-3 fatty acids supplements to your cat's diet. Alternatively, add in a couple of pieces of tuna to her dish. This works wonders most of the time. Don't go overboard with the tuna though, adding a couple of small pieces will do. Adding large amounts of tuna meant for human consumption may cause malnutrition if your cat isn't eating their regular cat food.

If you do this, remember to be patient. Most people see results within a week to more than a month.

Cure Cat Dandruff Step 5 - See a Vet

If the above all fail, I guess you have no choice but to bring your cat to the vet immediately. Some parasitic skin disorders, such as Cheyletiella, may appear to have the same symptoms as dandruff, such as dry and flaky skin. However, these problems require the help of a professional.

Diabetic cats also have a high possibility of suffering from dandruff problems. If your cat has Diabetes Mellitus (DM), the key would be to control the diabetes problem and the dandruff would gradually improve and clear.

Remember not to wait until your cat scratches herself raw, lest the small chance of her getting an infection.

I hope this guide is useful in curing your cat dandruff problem. If you're interested to know more about common cat behavioural problems and how to train your cat, I suggest you take a look at the Cat Secrets Revealed Cat Training Guide. It comes with a 60 day money back guarantee!