My cat Jessie is a moggie, and normally okay, but every year around now, her fur seems to go matted, I'm trying to comb her, and the fur seems "dead" and has knots in it. there's also a lot of white bits, that seem like dried skin or dandruff. It's almost as if there is no oil in the fur if that makes sense..... any ideas? We have four cats, and the other three are okay.
2006-10-12 05:35:30 · 17 answers · asked by pauliepops66 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
All of the answers are great. Firstly you are brushing it more so will drag up more dead skin cells so you may see more flaky skin as a result of more brushing. Mad I know!!! The food might not have the right amount of oils or nutrients, so to check this therory buy a multi vit and see if it helps any for about a month. the vet will only tell you the same if it is that. It sounds totally normal to me. If it was an external parasite one of the other cats would probably have it by now. If it isn't loosing weight or seem himself eg. not sleeping more or eatting more or less it probably isn't any internal problems either. It may be central heating as this gets turned on about this time and true to the cat species, will probably be basking under a radiator or something.
Does not sound like a problem to me I have two and one of mine has flaky skin most of the time he is just lazy about grooming himself, more than the other one. I have seen it also in most of the cats that board with us at the cattery and it does not usually mean anything. central heating is the biggest cause..
Hope this helps if you feel that is is something more a quick trip to the vets is the least of the worries. But I really believe you should keep and eye on it for a while first. Monitor weight, skin condition and watch for any scratching or soreness first I am sure it will be just fine.
Michelle :-)
2006-10-12 06:59:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
all animals moult around this time ,if she is good and healthy try to give her a sardine a day for about a week then one a week then one a month. If sardines are a problem then try tuna with the natural oil, if you cant do that then a fish oil pill. Cats are finicky so good luck. If any of these work brushing will be a breeze. You said she has matts. She does need to be shaved down or her skin will get irritated and could tear, be careful.
Alot of times washing can cause problems with skin,and the sebatious glands. Contact numerous breeders they can tell you more
2006-10-12 05:50:03 · answer #2 · answered by Veronica 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cats moult at this time of the year and just before summer, she will be getting her winter fur ready.
You have to comb her every day to get all the dead hair out.
for the dry skin some times i put virgin olive oil on my cats dry food it makes them have glossy fur :) but if your cat dose not like it you can get something from the vets.
2006-10-12 09:28:24 · answer #3 · answered by HELLO KITTY ! ! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd agree with the sardines idea, cats do need good food oils to keeo their coats in good condition, especially long haird cats. I wouldn't give tuna, Diane Stein is one of many I've read who says that tuna is both addictive for cats and damages their body fat causing considerable arthitic type pain over time. I give my cats supplements like kelp and lecithin every day, and something with omega oils in maybe weekly. Cod liver oil or similar is good. They also need vitamin Bs and will take brewers yeast tablets out of your hand although I've heard that some cats can be allergic to this. Sardines or mackeral are good options maybe once a week and in tins are pretty cheap. Half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a half pint of drinking water is a good tonic too. I find the following books really good
2006-10-12 06:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by carly s 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Our dog's fur went a similar way and it turned out to be thyriod problems. Maybe it's time for the vet to intervene. Good luck.
2006-10-12 05:43:35 · answer #5 · answered by stress-'ead 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have the cat checked out by a vet, that or give her baths that will take care of her fur.
2006-10-12 05:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by Andrea 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get her checked out at the vet just to be on the safe side.
My mum always swears by a bit of butter everyday and, funnily enough, our cats have lovely hair.
2006-10-12 08:09:15 · answer #7 · answered by Xenophonix 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it maybe that is a winter thing but just to be sure there isn't any other problems or a skin condition, I would see the vet soon so they can see what your cat looks like when this happens.
2006-10-12 05:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by kna0831 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is she otherwise perky?
She could just be moulting, and dead skin is becoming trapped behind the dry fur.
Groom her out as much as you can and use a really mild kitten shampoo on her to see if that has any effect.
If there's no change then yes, go to your vet as there could well be underlying health issues
2006-10-12 05:42:55 · answer #9 · answered by trebs 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hiya take jessie to the vet and let them look at her. Well just to be on the safe side
2006-10-12 07:27:05 · answer #10 · answered by chass_lee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋