my kitties back , when I stratch it he makes this wierd licking thing and he slowly turns his head . We thought maybe he got bitten by fleas back there , but then I lifted up his hair and it looks like he has skin coming off (like dead skin) or dandruff . His fur his also very coarse back there , do you think he is in pain ?
2006-11-13 11:12:57 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Is your cat a bigger kitty? My Phoebe is big (big-boned and a little over weight) and lazy. She won't always reach around and clean her back, so she gets dandruff.
When it gets especially bad (and coarse looking) I take a warm damp washcloth and clean her back for her, then brush the heck out of her. She PURRS and licks (me, herself, the brush, the furniture whatever is in her reach LOL)... after the "bath" she starts cleaning herself a little better for a while. Oh and looks 100 times better when she's dry!
2006-11-13 18:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by lmakings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Save your money - don't waste time at the vet on this one. When my cats were about 2 years old (so they were just getting out of kittyhood) I came across the EXACT same thing with my black cat. I freaked! I took her to the vet because I thought she had some 'bug' or something, just like you suspect, and I didn't want her to spread it to the other animals. Both my cats are 11 yrs old now and have done it for years. This is what a $75 vet visit told me: The white flakes are a kind of dandruff. When the weather changes they do shed or grow coats (so some fur will feel more or less coarse) and the oils in their skin change accordingly sometimes causing this white flaky stuff. The best way to describe the licking thing is... You know when you scratch a dogs belly and they kick their back leg...same exact thing. The cat is perfectly fine. If the dandruff gets too much or you notice HER itching, get a food like 'Avo-Cat'. This has a lot of oils in it that can help with their skin. The flakes will go away in a couple weeks when the weather figures out what it is doing. I don't know where you live, but I noticed my cats did it more in dryer climates. Other than that, lol, have fun with it... it is really funning to watch and they love being scratched. I notice my cats do it the most when you scratch their spine at the arch of their back.
Your cat is basically saying 'Oh man mom! Right there, don't stop!'. Our one cat will even do that and then start licking you and nibbling at you while you do it. They love it!
2006-11-13 11:36:50 · answer #2 · answered by The cat did it. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My black cat gets dandruff as well unless kept on a premium diet. He eats a mix of Nutro Indoor and California Natural. This mix keeps the flakes at bay.
2006-11-13 17:41:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jenn C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, cats can get dandruff too. My tuxedo cat gets dandruff bad, especially if he gets nervous or upset. A good bath will help, and it's okay to use dandruff shampoo on your cat. (Just be sure to rinse well.) It will help keep you kitties coat nice and dandruff free, though just like humans, sometimes dandruff is wild and uncontrollable.
2006-11-13 16:47:23 · answer #4 · answered by Rainier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the person who posted thier answer second. Your cat really isn't in pain as he is saying ahh that feels good. You can also try bathing the cat in a moisterizing shampoo.... most pet centers carry this... you can also try to give the cat vitamin suppliments. this will help with the oil problem. these suppliments can be found at any store with a pet section.
2006-11-13 12:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by Teal'K_the_Fat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is your cat vaccinated and covered against mites etc? These can cause skin problems like what your describing. Get your kittens to a vet.
2006-11-13 11:16:08 · answer #6 · answered by RenBunny25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
suit up young pickle
2006-11-13 11:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by Nickelodze 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
go to the vet....it will work
2006-11-13 11:40:11 · answer #8 · answered by jmriddhy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋