My mom's cat has dandruff, is this normal?

Answer 1

http://www.catchow.com/catcarecenter_3_adult_1.aspx?combinedID=20067

There are several reasons why a cat can develop “dandruff”. Some cats get flaky skin in the winter. The air is dry, and the skin dries out a bit, and flakes form. Many veterinarians sell shampoos that are specially formulated to dissolve the flakes (“keratinolytic” shampoos), or sprays with emollients that help moisturize the skin and decrease the flaking. Overweight cats who aren’t as meticulous about grooming themselves can get dandruff, especially down the center of their backs, since that’s the spot fat cats have trouble reaching with their tongues. The shampoos or sprays mentioned above will help control the flakes. Controlling the cat’s weight will often resolve the problem. There are medical reasons why dandruff can occur. There is a parasite called Cheyletiella that has the appearance of dandruff. In fact, veterinary dermatologists often call Cheyletiella “walking dandruff” because if you comb out the flakes and sprinkle them on a black surface and look closely, you can see them move! Fortunately, this parasite is easily treatable. Seborrhea, while much more common in dogs, can occur in cats, and lead to flaky skin. The list of diseases that can lead to seborrhea is extensive, which is why I recommend that you consult with your veterinarian to make sure that the cause of the flakes is benign, and that no medical therapy is warranted. If medical therapy is, in fact, warranted, your veterinarian can prescribe the proper medications or shampoos.
http://www.geocities.com/pndtpa/glossary/dandruff.htmDandruff: A health cat healthy have a soft skin free from scabs and dandruff. If dandruff is present, it is a possible sign of fleas, tapeworm, allergic dermatitis, or some other ailment. Consult a vet.


Dogs and cats don't wear blue blazers or black scarves, so dandruff doesn't show up as much as it does on people. But they get it just as often, usually for the same reason: Their skin is a little drier than it should be, and it is flaking off fast enough to become visible in their coats, says Peter S. Sakas, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Niles, Illinois.

Some pets have dry skin simply because that is how nature made them. Vets call this condition dry seborrhea. "The itching can drive your pet crazy," says Robert Rizzitano, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Los Angeles. Dry skin and dandruff are much more common in the winter, he adds, because indoor heat removes large amounts of moisture from the air. Frequent bathing can also lead to dry skin.

Dandruff itself isn't a problem, but the dry skin that causes it may be. Pets with dry skin get very itchy. Since dogs and cats don't know when to stop scratching, they may dig in so hard that they will scratch themselves raw, getting skin infections in the process. Allergies, parasites, or infections of any kind can also be a cause of flaky skin.

Dry skin and dandruff may be a sign that something is wrong in the diet. Dogs and cats need certain nutrients, especially fatty acids, to keep their skin healthy. Most pet foods contain plenty of fatty acids. But some dogs and cats either don't get enough fatty acids or they need more than the usual amounts. This can disturb the skin's normal balance, leading to dry skin and dandruff, Dr. Sakas says.

A tiny parasite known as walking dandruff can cause large white flakes to appear on the neck and back. It can cause Fur loss as well. All pets can get walking dandruff, but it is most common in puppies.

It doesn't happen often, but dandruff may be a sign that the thyroid gland is underactive and producing too little hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of thyroid disease include Weight gain, thinning fur, and a loss of energy.

See Your Vet If...

Your pet is gaining weight or is lethargic
She is losing fur in places
She is scratching a lot or developing skin sores
Your pet spends a lot of time indoors in the winter
Your pet is shedding or scratching more than usual
He has scales, bald patches, or a rash
He has severe dandruff or dry skin
His fur is greasy or smelly even after baths
Your pet has broken out in hives and is having trouble breathing
He has a bad sunburn
There has been a significant change in skin color, or the skin seems loose
There is a lump or swelling beneath his skin
Your pet has a sore on the skin that won't heal
The skin of the lips, abdomen, or rectal area is yellow
There are red or purple dots or splotches on his skin

Answer 2

It is generally a normal thing, but it can also reflect the type of food your cat is eating. Even though all major brands of cat food meet the minimum requirements the cat needs, sometimes a change of brand will result in a shinier coat and less dandruff. Additives such as Petromalt can also help. If the dandruff seems severe, it might be good for your mom to take the cat to the vet since there are skin allergies that can create that problem.

Answer 3

I can see there many good anwers to your mom's cat dandruff problem. Yes I see diet can be the cause for that. I too give my cat fish oil and change a better diet. Before bathing the cat I put a bit of olive oil on her. Then a bit of tea tree oil in the bath ( a bit tea tree can't kill or poison her) Yes good idea to get a mild shampoo for dandruff for the cat.
Good luck and I hope this will help you.

Answer 4

Cat's skin is just like ours. Sometimes it gets dry from irritations. If the dandruff is at the small of the back. It is usually because the cat is over weight and can not groom it self. Try a shampoo with oatmeal in it. Hope it hleps

Answer 5

kitty skin is not like ours--their pH is different. dandruf in kitty is probably related to diet--not enough oils in food make cats dry and flaky.make sure thetre are no fillers in the food kittyn eats--no corn starch, wheat gluten, oat flour, etc.those can cause allergic reactions and dry skin.
allow kitty all the dry fod kitty wants. i use a feeder dish kitty regulates amkount eaten.
feed a kitten 2-3 of the 3 oz cans of cat food each day. if grown cat--1 can every day. i add 3 drops of UNFLAVORED cod liver oil to the wet food and mix it in well.
this will make kitty's coat very soft and beautiful. if kitty gets loose stools because 3 drops is too much--i do not know the age and weight of kitty. 8-10 pound kitty gets 3 drops. smaller kitty get 1 drop. kitten gets 3-4 cans wet food every day, so no need for oil.
you will see the change in the fur and skin within 3 days.
and kitty will enjoy the codliver oil.

have fun with kitty.

Answer 6

my mom used to mumble under her breath, "got dandruff and some of it itches" if you say it right it sounds like a curse

Answer 7

my cat is allergic to fleas. her skin is itchy and I put skin so soft bath oil on her coat it helps the dry skin.
I also give her fish oil capsules --any thing to put oil back into the skin

Answer 8

petsw having dander is normal. ask your vet about getting a shampoo that will soften her skin and reduce the flakes

Answer 9

petromalt will help with dandruff and hair balls