Our cat has developed very dry skin. What can we do to correct the problem? Maybe in his diet?

Question

When I brush him I get a large amount of dander off him. It has been dry and cold in the NW and Im sure that has contributed but I think he needs something to make his skin and coat better.

Answer 1

I have had this problem with my cats. I know it sounds wierd, but I bathe my cats. Go to the local pet shop and see if you can find a moisturizing shampoo. There is one that is like a milk bath which is very moisturizing. Just make sure to get all the soap out. Brushing will help spread out the skin's oils, so that would help. I would highly suggest taking a close look at the food your cat's getting. There should be some excellent choices in food, with fatty acids and other skin healthy ingredients. And don't be afraid to spend extra money on a better food. It could make a world of difference, not only in skin care, but the over all health of your cat.

Answer 2

Most likely it is the diet. Is the cat grooming as normal as well? My senior cat cannot groom as well, and when I brush him, he has much more dander than he did when he was younger.

If you do change the diet, do not do it all of a sudden. If you find a food that has a higher content of crude oils that you want to try, follow the 1/4+ mix:
Day 1 - 3/4 old food, 1/4 new food
Day 2 - 1/2 old food, 1/2 new food
Day 3 - 1/4 old food, 3/4 new food
Day 4 - new food
As you change the food, pay attention to your cat and their poop. If the stool begins to be loose, first try to slow down the transistion (spend 2 or 3 days on each level instead of just one). If it still is causing digestive problems, reverse the proceedure and try a different food.

If this doesn't help, you may want to speak with your vet.

Answer 3

Very often pets will experience dryer skin in the winter when we heat our homes. Adding a humidifier to your home will help somewhat, but the best solution for cats is to add a small amount of Linatone to their food daily. Please note that the Linatone product is the only one we've had success with, not the other 'similiar' products (such as Dr. Maggies). We insist upon the only one that works.

This also does wonders for cats who have issues with excessive grooming (bald spots). Good luck!

Answer 4

my personal best cat food ever is natural balance venison and green pea. It is also good for cats that have allergies to other cat foods. It also has omega 3 and flaxseed oil to promote a healthy coat. It doesn't contain eggs, soy, dairy products or and kind of grains, which most cats can have an allergy to. My cat since he has been on this cat food has started to regain his coat and is shiny and looks very healthy.

Answer 5

Add a skin and coat supplement to it's diet that is high in essential oils. Don't over-treat symptoms, it makes it worse.
Pet stores and pet med mags carry them. Easy fix if use the right one.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

1. Fish oil for the cat. And a lot of fish.
2. Check what shampoos you are washing it with. Not human, I hope.

Answer 8

salmon oil you can buy it in capsules @whole foods or any food store. helps with skin and coat.
brushing helps as well.

Answer 9

Proper diet is the best step. It has alot to do with the weather to!

Answer 10

Take him to the vet.