Humans are not the only species prone to dandruff. Our feline counterparts can also be affected by dry and flaky skin conditions. Dandruff in cats is actually very common and affects one in every four cats throughout their lifetime. This condition is usually caused by the lack of Omega 3 fatty acids amongst a few other main causes. Check out this link for more information on why the condition occurs. Read more for Tips to Treat Cat Dandruff.
When left untreated, cat dandruff can result in serious skin damage and infections. Because it creates an uncomfortable itch, your feline will inevitably start scratching at their skin which will result in open sores and very painful areas. Before dandruff gets out of hand, it’s important that you take the necessary measure to treat it.
Here are a few tips on how you can save your kitty from dry, flaky, and irritated skin:
GROOMING
Even though you might find your cat grooming themselves every other hour of the day, you should step in when you notice dandruff on their coats. Brush your cat regularly with a pet-friendly brush to remove dead skin and loose fur. Brushing will also stimulate blood flow and improve oil production in the skin. This is especially important in older cats.
Cats have sensitive skin and therefore it is not necessary to bathe them as much as we do our dogs. When you bathe your cat too much, you might also limit the production of natural oil production. Do not bathe your cat too frequently but do bathe them with a suitable cat dandruff shampoo to help stimulate oil production and enhance their skin health.
It comes as no surprise that cats really do not like water. It can be extremely difficult to find ways to wash your feline without ending up with loads of scratches and bruises. When they have dandruff, this is something you cannot avoid. Knowing exactly how to bathe them will help you in flying through the process and hopefully ending up with a cat that does not despise you. Watch this video on how you can wash your furry friend without making them an enemy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29hyb2rrrgo.
Avoid using a shampoo that is rich with fragrances and filled with toxic chemicals. Read the label before purchasing a shampoo or consult your vet for some recommended dry skin shampoos.
While bathing, check out for any pests on their skin that might worsen the condition.
MOISTURE
Treat your feline’s dry skin from the inside out by ensuring they are well hydrated. Dandruff is caused by dry skin and coat and can be treated by adding more liquids into their diet. Even though cats do not drink as much water as dogs, you can find sneaky ways to introduce more liquids into their daily meals.
Instead of giving them dry food twice a day, switch it up by adding one wet food meal into their day. You could also add goat’s milk, bone broth, or water to their dry nibbles. We know that felines can be very picky eaters and that food texture is extremely important. Try and test a few different methods to find the one that best suit their distinguished taste.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Poor air quality and bad chemicals in the home can cause skin irritation for your kitty. Something that seems unharmful to a human can be extremely dangerous to your pet.
Other factors in the house like type of air freshener, cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorant, and chemical cleaners can irritate your feline’s skin. Another serious factor is humidity. If the air is too dry because of seasonal changes it can cause kitty dandruff.
To ensure your home environment is in an optimal condition for your feline, you should make sure that it is well ventilated. Indoor cats especially need an environment where fresh air circulates through the rooms. If you live in a small area that isn’t well ventilated, you should consider getting an air purifier.
Humidifiers can help restore the moisture back in the air and even help maintain a balanced feline body temperature.
DIET
Apart from introducing more liquids into their diet, you should consider the types of foods they eat. A cat can be really picky, but there are loads of flavors available on the market that they will find delicious.
Quality of food should not be underestimated and is extremely important in your feline’s digestive health. Getting the right amount of nutrients and minerals is important to keep their coats shiny and their skin healthy. Foods should always contain all-natural ingredients that are fresh and of high quality. Compromising on the quality because of price will turn out costly to your pet’s health.
Always read the packaging on wet and dry food to make sure you know exactly what is inside. Foods should not have a lot of additives or preservatives. Carb-heavy diets are not recommended for your kitten’s well-being.
A very important ingredient, especially if your kitty is suffering from dandruff, is omega 3 fatty acids. Investing in high-quality fish oils like sardines, salmon, or cod liver will be wise. Some CBD oil manufacturers have created cannabinoid-rich oils that promote not only healthy skin but also a general balanced well-being.
Putting a few CBD oil droplets on top of your cat’s food is enough to improve their general health and skin.
Adding enough liquids, oils, and Omega 3 fatty acids to your kitty’s diet will help them heal from dandruff in no time.
