Cat with dandruff - Answered by Dr. Van Lienden

[abudamunky]

Our old man perseus has been gettin really bad dandruff. Well, he's always had it, but it's been getting really bad lately, probably b/c of the heat. I was wondering if anyone knew what we could do to minimize it. We tried switching foods and not reall change in that, he drinks plently of water and is in otherwise good health, besies being old and crabby. It's just when i get the rare chance to brush him, the flakes get worse and then stuck in the comb. I would try rubbing him down w/ water to keep the skin not so dry but he's not too fond of water unless it's outta the bathroom faucet

[bendyfoot]

Rub-downs with water are more likely to dry out his skin further...I wouldn't recommend it. I would ask your vet about a fatty acid/omega 3 supplement. It works from the inside out and can be a big help for dandruffy skin. You can usually pick these up from any pharmacy/health store, but I'd ask for a proper dose.

[Cram]

What kinds of foods have you tried him on? My Sam had dandruff all the time (especially at the base of her tail on her back) until I switched her off of Iams and onto Innova, a much better quality food. It only took a couple of months to see a huge difference, even the amount of hair that she shed was less. I would suggest trying something with lots of fish in it, or even better, no grains like Innova EVO or Orijen. My kitties are super soft and silky now!

[Stacer]

Yup, what they said. The food makes all the difference. A higher quality food will combat skin problems in addition to supplements if you so desire. There are lots of fish oil supplements at pet food supply stores.

[petdr]

There are cat and dog friendly shampoos to remove dandruff. Unfortunately, for hydrophobes (those afraid of water) the best solution to dandruff is still medicated soap and water, followed by some type of water based emollient rinse.

I have yet to meet the dandruff stricken dude who pours vegetable oil on his head to treat dandruff, or maybe I did in university but have subsequently blocked it from my mind. Pets are the same: dandruff is just an accumulation of an outer layer of dead skin cells that are not being shed. Normal process of turnover, abnormal accumulation of scurf (thin flakes of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin). Bath time for Bonzo.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490

[electra73]

My cat has dandruff, and I'm wondering if it may be the litter. Would a change in Cat Litter do the trick? If so, what brand is the best to switch too?

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by electra73

My cat has dandruff, and I'm wondering if it may be the litter. Would a change in Cat Litter do the trick? If so, what brand is the best to switch too?

I doubt the litter has anything to do with it. Is the dandruff a new thing or has your cat always had it?

[Dj~ChinaEyes]

I have 2 cats they both eat meow mix my 2 year old female has bad dandruff bad. and my 1 year old hardly none would useing olive oil on their food help babygirl? they both eat and drink out of same dishes

[kathryn]

Originally Posted by Dj~ChinaEyes

I have 2 cats they both eat meow mix my 2 year old female has bad dandruff bad. and my 1 year old hardly none would useing olive oil on their food help babygirl? they both eat and drink out of same dishes

I use salmon oil on top of my cats wet food. Olive oil is okay but I'd rather use salmon oil. Meow Mix isn't very good anyways.

You should try using a new brand of food just for the heck of it, and brush your dandruffy cat more often. You can use waterless bath foams and wipes to help add some moisture to her fur in a safe and easy way. Blue Buffalo has foam kind that you rub into the fur, brush the cat and then wipe her down.