Why do cats get dandruff?

Dandruff- a fairly common problem in humans. But it affects not only people, but also animals, including dogs and cats. Moreover, if you find “snow flakes” on your furry pet, then there is reason to think and start acting, because this is a sure sign that your cat is not completely healthy.

The cat has dandruff on her back

It is not uncommon to see white flakes of dandruff on your pet. There are two types: dry and oily. The first one looks like white dust all over the body, it falls off when you start petting the cat. The second can be liquid or thick. With liquid dandruff, the animal's fur becomes shiny, appears greasy, and begins to resemble icicles a couple of days after bathing. Thick dandruff is not visible to the naked eye. It can be detected when parting the fur in the form of stuck together tubercles of scales, or under the nails when scratching the pet behind the ear.

What could be causing this problem:

• parasites - their presence can irritate the epidermis of the animal, which leads to the detachment of skin scales, in addition fleas, lice eaters and ticks cause itching;
• lack of vitamins - most often occurs in pregnant cats after childbirth, they lack vitamins and microelements;
• fungal skin diseases;
• impaired metabolism - occurs when the pet’s diet is incorrect and unbalanced, with a lack of minerals and fatty acids;
• allergies for hair care products, food, medications, dust, plants and many other factors;
• bathing too often, especially in hot water;
• dry indoor air and sunburn from frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays.
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• hormonal imbalance;
• stressful situations;
• problems with the genitourinary system;
• disease of internal organs;
• thyroid disease;
• diabetes mellitus

The cat has dandruff on its tail

If your pet has dandruff on the back near the tail, then there are two possible options: poor diet and obesity. In the first option, the animal lacks omega-3 and omega-6, essential vitamins and microelements. This is why there is a disruption in the functioning of internal organs, problems with the skin and hair, as a result of which dandruff occurs.

Tail dandruff is common in obese animals because being overweight makes it difficult for them to groom themselves and reach for their tail to perform personal hygiene. In the first case, it is enough to review the pet’s diet, introduce the necessary products or vitamin and mineral complexes. And in the second case, it is necessary to consult a specialist and follow his advice on diet and cat care.

Treatment of dandruff in cats

Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.  In any case, you should consult a veterinarian. At the same time, you definitely need to tell about all the cat’s problems, what she eats, where she walks, how often she is in the sun, what diseases she had, how long ago you treated her for fleas, ticks and worms. Based on your story and tests, the specialist will advise how to treat the animal.

To treat the problem, there are special cat anti-dandruff shampoos that can be found in pet stores. A good product should include exfoliating agents, an antifungal and antibacterial agent, substances that improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and an anti-inflammatory component. In addition to shampoo, cats need to purchase a vitamin complex.

If the animal has not been treated for ticks, worms and fleas for a long time, then it is best to start treatment with this. After bathing, you can rinse the animal's fur with a decoction of burdock root and calendula flowers. In addition to caring for fur and skin, it is necessary to review your pet’s diet. Eliminating fatty and sweet foods, adding foods with vitamin A.

To prevent your animal from suffering from dandruff, follow a few rules:

• a bowl of clean water should be constantly available;
• proper diet and tracking your pet’s weight;
• humidification of dry air;
• limiting the cat's exposure to the sun;
• water for bathing an animal should be warm, not hot;
• bathing products of only the best quality;
• water procedures no more than 4-5 times a year;
• on time and regularly deworming and treatment for ticks and fleas.