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Dandruff is easily recognizable on yourself — and so you wouldn’t be off to suspect the dusting of snowy flakes on your cat’s back is also the same. That’s right, cats can have dandruff too. And just as with the human variety, there are a few different options for getting rid of cat dandruff.
Read on to get all the details on cat dandruff, including why it happens and tips from experts on getting rid of it.
What Is Cat Dandruff?
Dandruff is the dead skin cells that flake off on your cat’s coat. It’s similar to dander, or the very tiny dead skin cells that your cat sheds regularly. But unlike dander, you can see dandruff with your naked eyes.
Dandruff is pretty common among cats, especially older cats and cats with longer hair, says Dr. Amber Carter, DVM, ABVP board-certified feline practitioner.
5 Reasons Why Cats Get Dandruff
Older age
Healthy senior cats without any pre-existing conditions commonly have dandruff.
Dr. Carter says this can happen due to age-related changes and challenges like arthritis, reduced mobility, limited flexibility, and declining mental ability. Some senior cats may simply stop grooming as fastidiously as they did in their younger years.
But with the help of combs and damp washcloths, a human touch can mimic natural grooming and keep dandruff at bay.
Nutritional deficiencies
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies and imbalances can contribute to feline dandruff. Holistic veterinarian Dr. Candy Akers says calcium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids all play a role in your cat’s skin health.
- Calcium supports your cat’s immune system and helps protect them from skin infections.
- Vitamin C is linked to the production of skin cells and collagen.
- Omega-3 fatty acids help make new healthy skin cells.
Without these nutrients, Dr. Akers says new skin cells will be weaker and less functional than normal skin cells, and the immune system barrier between your cat’s skin and germs is more likely to have disturbances, which can lead to dandruff.
Cheyletiella mites
A Cheyletiella mite infestation isn’t dandruff, though it goes by the name “walking dandruff.” This condition mimics dandruff because the mites are small and white, Dr. Carter says.
Signs of “walking dandruff” include:
- Flakes moving in your cat’s hair
- Hair loss
- Skin redness and irritation
- Increased scratching
- Increased sensitivity on your cat’s back.
If you suspect “walking dandruff,” make an appointment with your vet right away so your cat can start treatment. Cats typically fully recover within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Poor grooming routine
Cats who don’t have underlying health issues can usually get rid of dandruff flakes with a few good licks from their scratchy tongues.
However, overweight or obese cats may have trouble grooming, says Dr. Maria Botinas, DVM. If your cat can’t remove dead skin cells, dandruff can quickly build up and become a problem.
Working with your vet to develop a balanced diet and weight loss plan for your cat can help improve their overall health, not to mention their ability to groom. In the meantime, you can also help with grooming by brushing your cat.
Medical conditions
Sometimes, dandruff happens as a side effect or symptom of a much larger issue. The most significant health issues contributing to dandruff are metabolic and systemic diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease.
These illnesses affect the quality of your cat’s coat. What’s more, cats living with these issues may feel so sick and unwell that they stop grooming. Dr. Carter says this combination of grooming aversion and sickness can lead to dandruff, greasy or dry skin, and lackluster hair.
Other health issues that include dandruff as a side effect include:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Malnutrition
- Skin and food allergies
- External parasites such as fleas
- Mange
When To Ask A Vet About Cat Dandruff
“Unless there are other clinical signs, just having dandruff is not an emergency,” Dr. Botinas says. Other clinical signs to watch out for include:
- Losing hair
- Skin scabbing or bleeding
- Red and inflamed skin
- Scaly skin
- Frequent scratching
- “Walking” or moving white flakes
- Changes in appetite
- Drinking more or less water
- Changes in litter box use, including not using the box
- Increased vocalizations
- Hiding
- Vomiting
If your cat suddenly starts behaving unusually, a visit to the vet can help you get to the bottom of their symptoms.
Home Remedies For Cat Dandruff
If your vet gives the OK, you can try a few different home remedies and preventative treatments to help get rid of cat dandruff for good.
Start a grooming routine for your cat
You can mimic grooming if your cat has trouble. Dr. Botinas suggests taking a damp washcloth, wiping your cat down, and using a fine-tooth comb to brush them gently.
Use low-stress handling and techniques to make the experience as positive as possible.
Joey Lusvardi, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and founder of Class Act Cats, suggests:
- Brushing and combing gently: Accidentally pulling your cat’s hair can cause pain and may leave them fearful of brushing in the future.
- Paying attention to your cat’s body language: If they seem uncomfortable with what you’re doing, stop and try again more gently, or in a different spot. You may need to offer a treat and try again later. It’s OK to take it slow!
- Figuring out what brush your cat likes best: Some cats prefer certain brushes over others, so don’t hesitate to try a few different styles or materials.
- Considering a glove-style brush: Some cats see this as something positive because it’s similar to petting.
- Using the power of treats: Try giving them treats or using a lick mat to distract them while brushing them.
- Keeping it short: Try short brushing sessions rather than longer ones. Aim for 30 seconds at a time unless your cat really likes the brushing.
- Asking for extra help: Professional Fear Free Certified® groomers can handle more reactive or skittish cats gently, with patience and care.
Help your cat maintain a healthy weight
If your cat has dandruff because they’re overweight or obese, weight maintenance can help get them back into shape so they can groom themselves well enough to stay dandruff-free.
For your cat’s health and safety, ask your vet before you change their diet. Your vet can recommend nutritious weight-loss foods for cats and offer more guidance on portion sizes.
Use flea and tick preventatives monthly
Did you know that indoor-only cats can still pick up parasites?
Along with Cheyletiella mites, indoor-only cats can get fleas and ticks. Dr. Botinas suggests putting all cats in your household on monthly flea and tick preventatives to guard against external parasites.
Take your cat for yearly vet visits
Preventative action is key!
Taking your cat to the vet at least once a year makes it easier to catch any illnesses or conditions with dandruff as a side effect, including serious conditions like diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Use supplements with caution
While omega-3 fatty acids may help with dandruff, it’s best for your cat to get this nutrient from their diet.
“Most fish oil supplements made for pets are extremely low quality and have been overly processed. Some even present toxic dangers like heavy metals or rancid fats,” Dr. Akers says. “Never use fish oil-like supplements designed for humans for your cat. Supplements made for humans often have added ingredients like vitamin D, which can cause big problems for your kitty.”
If you’d like to try omega-3 fatty acids to get rid of cat dandruff, ask your vet for more guidance.
Should I Bathe My Cat to Get Rid of Dandruff?
If your vet prescribes a medicated shampoo, Dr. Botinas says it’s important to leave it on your cat for 10 to 15 minutes. This contact time is an important step in the process. However, bathing a cat is not necessary or recommended unless their condition is severe. And, for the sake of your health and safety, she suggests finding a professional groomer trained to bathe cats.
What cat shampoos can you use?
If you know you need to bathe your cat at home, Dr. Akers recommends Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Cats. She says her clients report great results with Burt’s Bees products for pets and that these shampoos are gentle and moisturizing.
Molly Bissantz, owner and groomer at Grooming by Molly, uses high-quality degreasing shampoo followed by cat shampoo that releases the shedding undercoat and helps condition the skin and coat. Bissantz says these products aren’t widely available, so going to a groomer may be the best way to get rid of your cat’s dandruff.
Lastly, you should never use human shampoo on cats, says cat and dog groomer Rion Harper, a National Cat Grooming Institute member and owner of Compassionate Grooming. He uses the original unscented Chubbs bar when bathing cats with dandruff because it’s soothing and moisturizing.
