Cat Dandruff Treatments and Prevention

Dandruff, those loose white flakes that drop off your hair, can be found in pets, too. Cats can get dandruff, and it gets trapped in the animal's hair or fur. Cat dandruff is not the same as cat dander, which are skin cells that are naturally shed. Dandruff can be caused by food allergies, fungal infections, and by overactive or clogged oil glands.

  1. Natural Remedies

    • Add a little olive oil to your cat's dinner to help her coat.

      The best way to treat and prevent dandruff caused by dry, itchy skin is to improve your pet's natural oil production. Adding a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat's food a few times a week will help to improve natural oil production and give him a shiny coat. A good diet can also help, as cats need a specific amount of fatty acids and water to keep their coats in good condition. Good-quality canned food or a few pieces of tuna added to dry food can make improve your cat's skin.

    Bathing &Shampoo

    • Rinse your cat well during her bath.

      Bathing a cat is never an easy task, but when you do it, make sure that all the shampoo has been rinsed off. Any residue can cause itching, thereby leading to dry, flaky skin and dandruff. It is important to use a dandruff shampoo formulated specifically for cats, as human dandruff shampoos are too harsh and may harm your pet.

    Grooming

    • Brush your cat regularly, especially if he has thick fur.

      Even though cats groom themselves each day, they still require regular brushing, especially if they have a thick coat. Brushing your pet's fur on a regular basis helps remove any dandruff that is stuck in the fur. A tool called a FURminator, which can be purchased at any pet store, is a helpful cat grooming tool as it gently removes loose hairs. The brushing motion also revitalizes the skin so that natural oils can lubricate it.

    Environment and Dermatitis

    • Dry, itchy skin leads to flaking, so if your home is prone to dry air, use a humidifier to add some moisture to the air. Another possible cause of dandruff could be dermatitis caused by flea bites or other parasites. If you think your pet may have mites or fleas, check with your veterinarian for treatment.