Remedies for Cat Dandruff

Cats can develop a skin condition called dandruff, which is when the skin becomes dry and flaky. The dry skin flakes are white in appearance and quite noticeable. An illness, poor diet or even the environment can cause or contribute to dandruff. If you have ruled out illness, you can safely treat your cat for dandruff at home with remedies varying from dietary change to adding supplements and better grooming.

  1. Hydration

    • Water is important for keeping skin hydrated and healthy. Lack of water can cause your cat's skin to become dry, thus causing dandruff. Make sure you have fresh drinking water available to your cat at all times. The environment your cat lives can contribute to its dry skin as well. If the air in your house is dry, run a humidifier. This will also help keep your cat's skin hydrated, preventing it from becoming dry.

    Diet

    • If your cat eats mainly dry cat food, this could be a cause for dandruff. Canned cat foods, as well as raw and homemade cat foods, generally have higher quality ingredients in them. Canned foods have added water in them; this contributes to better hydration for your cat. Changing your cat's diet to include better quality foods will help to remedy the dandruff. To remedy poor skin you must make sure your cat is healthy, and this starts with a healthy diet.

    Supplements

    • Adding supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids or fish oil will greatly reduce your cat's dandruff problem. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep your cat in good health from the inside out and will keep its skin and coat healthy, lessening or even getting rid of the dandruff. It is safe to give your cat these supplements on a daily basis. Follow the instructions on the bottle or ask your veterinarian for the proper dosage for your cat. You can find these supplements in health food stores, grocery stores and pet stores.

    Proper Grooming

    • An older cat or one that is overweight may have trouble reaching certain areas of its body to properly groom itself. If your cat has a build up of dandruff that is concentrated to one area of its body, like the base of the tail, for example, it may not be able to reach the spot. If this is the case with your cat, be sure to brush it regularly.