Dry & Flaky Skin on Cats

Skin problems in cats often have many contributing factors, such as diet, shampoo and the presence of medical conditions. Understanding the cause of dry, flaky skin is a key factor in treating it successfully.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms associated with dry skin include the appearance of dull, flaky skin and a cat scratching, licking and biting its skin. Hair loss often results from constant itching and scratching.

    Causes

    • Dry, flaky skin can be caused by flea allergies, mange, ringworm, seborrhea and hypothyroidism. Other causes may include an allergy to shampoo, excessive bathing or food allergies. According to the Cat Health Guide, poor nutrition is a common cause of dry skin in cats. Giving your cat food that contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E is essential to good skin health.

    Treatment

    • The treatment for dry, flaky skin in cats depends on the cause of the condition. Conditions caused by allergies are treated by eliminating the cat's exposure to the allergen. Cats with medical conditions, such as mange, may require treatment from a veterinarian.