How to Care for Dandruff on Cat Fur

Dandruff is loose dead skin, and it is a skin condition that is fairly common among cats. A healthy cat should have sleek, smooth fur that has little to no dandruff in it, and if you are concerned about your cat's health, dandruff should be taken seriously. Dandruff treatment is simple and can be accomplished by even a novice cat owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Strong light
  • Magnifying glass
  • Humidifier
  • Fish oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the dandruff with a magnifying glass under a strong light. You need to make sure that your cat actually has dandruff and not mites. If you see the small specks moving, talk to your vet for medication that will help you get rid of mites.

    • 2

      Consult your veterinarian. If your cat suddenly has a lot of dandruff after having none, it can be a sign of a health issue. Your cat might have developed feline diabetes or a fungal infection, both of which can produce dandruff in your cat's fur.

    • 3

      Switch your cat over to a high protein diet. If you have been feeding your cat a poor quality food that contains mostly filler, there is a chance that he has developed a food allergy. Make sure that you are feeding your cat a high protein cat food that has meat listed as the first ingredient.

    • 4

      Turn on your humidifier. If the air conditions in your home are too dry, your cat can start to experience dry skin. By putting more moisture into the air, you can help reduce the dandruff.

    • 5

      Give your cat fish oil. There are fish oil supplements that are specifically made for cats and they can be mixed into your cat's food or given in capsule form. Fish oil supplements can help improve your cat's skin condition and prevent it from getting too dry. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure that you are giving your cat the correct dosage.