WHY DOES MY CAT HAVE DRY OR FLAKEY SKIN?

Cat skin problems may be difficult to identify and sort. What do you do if your furry friend starts experiencing dry skin, or even sporting dandruff?

Not to worry, we’ve got the answers.

DANDRUFF IN CATS

What does dandruff look like? Dandruff appears as white flakes or tiny spots on your cat’s skin or fur. Similar to human dandruff, it may look like dust and accumulate in certain locations, commonly in the lower back or tail areas.

This is not to be confused with dander, which all cats produce but is microscopic to the human eye and not a signifier of any issues. Dander is the dead skin cells that healthy cats shed regularly.

The causes of your cat’s dandruff accumulation may include:

• Inability to groom themselves due to

• Arthritis

• Pain

• Weight

• Skin problems like

• Allergies

• Fleas

• Infections

• Diseases

• Parasites

• Ringworm

• Hormonal conditions

• Autoimmune conditions

• Dry skin 

• Poor diet

• Dehydration

• Stress 

If your cat collects dandruff primarily on the lower back area, it's important to note that this may be caused by a difficulty to groom (one of the factors stated above). Cats with limited mobility fail to reach these areas and dispose of dead skin cells, thus leaving a buildup.

When your cat suffers from obesity, stiffness, arthritis, pain—or any other reason they may struggle to groom themselves—you can prevent dandruff accumulation by regularly grooming your companion for them. A few times a month, or more during shedding seasons, brush your cat with a tool they’re comfortable with. Its advisable to do this outdoors as to not leave dead skin cells and dandruff in your home environment.

Prevent flaky skin by giving your cat a quick bath. We recommend our Pet Shampoo Bar made in the UK and perfect for grooming those hard-to-reach spots.

DRY SKIN IN CATS

Is your cat frequently scratching, licking, or chewing? Do they seem irritated and itchy?

They may be dealing with dry skin. Dry patches can come alongside dandruff or be entirely independent of it.

The Merck Veterinary Journal suggests a cause of this may be diet. Believe it or not, “cats need nutritionally balanced food with adequate amounts of certain fatty acids, without which their skin can become dry and scaly and their coats can become dull.” Consider a food change or supplement if this is the case. Always consult your veterinarian if switching routines for medical purposes.

It is entirely possible that mites and lice are creating itchy patches of skin for your cat. While they are rare in cats, parasites will cause discomfort in your cat and can even trigger anaemia if not treated properly.

Sensitive skin or allergies can also irritate your cat’s skin and promote dryness. If you believe this to be the case, take stock of any new cleaners, detergents, animals, foods, or medications you may have subjected your cat to since symptoms began.

Dehydration, nutrition, and even stress can trigger dry cat skin on their own. If this is the case, keeping a close eye on your cat’s behaviour is the key to helping them. This can be supported with increased bathing, which introduces frequent grooming and the discarding of dead skin cells to their routine. We recommend Be:Gone Pet Shampoo (Bar!), as it works well with sensitive skin.

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