I’ve a Four-year-old indoor Himalayan/tabby combine who has cat dandruff on the again half of the highest of her again. I used to be questioning what could also be the reason for the cat dandruff and what remedy would assist. She has had it since she was a kitten, however it just about solely turns into apparent after I brush her or take her to the vet. My vet has seen it earlier than, so it is probably not one thing to even be involved about? -Amber
First, what’s cat dandruff?
What’s cat dandruff and is it one thing to fret about? Images ©Aksenovko | Thinkstock.
Provided that veterinary drugs even has a time period to explain freckles in ginger cats — lentigo simplex — it shouldn’t shock the reader that veterinary drugs has a time period to explain extreme dandruff: seborrheic dermatitis. I desire to name it dandruff.
Is cat dandruff widespread? Why does cat dandruff occur?
Sure, cat dandruff is widespread. It happens most steadily precisely the place you will have described: on the again, nearer to the tail than to the top. This cat dandruff could also be accompanied by greasy hair.
More often than not, dandruff, even when extreme, shouldn’t be consultant of a illness. Nevertheless, some pores and skin parasites (notably one referred to as Demodex) and fungal infections (resembling ringworm) can result in cat dandruff. So can glandular issues resembling hyperthyroidism, allergy symptoms to fleas or meals, and even extreme issues resembling lymphoma. Some cats seem to answer dermatological insults (resembling publicity to chemical irritants) by producing dandruff.
What do you have to do about cat dandruff?
To make sure, you probably did the proper factor by taking your cat to the vet. I hope that she did the suitable checks to rule out these extra severe issues. If she did, it’s protected to say that your cat has , old school case of feline dandruff. Meaning two issues. First, the issue shall be exhausting to resolve. Second, the issue isn’t an issue and it doesn’t must be solved.
Cat dandruff is, in my expertise, exhausting to deal with. Some vets have touted success with dietary dietary supplements resembling omega-Three fatty acids. Others suggest particular shampoos or spot-on therapies (particularly, I’ve seen some vets suggest Douxo Spot On or Alloderm). Just a few homeowners have reported success after altering their cats’ diets.
Nevertheless, most individuals who’ve cats with dandruff find yourself annoyed. In my expertise, the cat dandruff “downside” doesn’t enhance it doesn’t matter what is finished.
The ultimate phrase on cat dandruff
I put “downside” in quotes for a motive. In case your vet has dominated out severe pores and skin illness, and your cat shouldn’t be affected by itching, hair loss or ache, then so far as your cat is worried, there is no such thing as a downside. Cats, not like people, don’t fear about first impressions. They don’t obsess within the mirror.
For the reason that dandruff isn’t bothering your cat, I like to recommend that you just not let it hassle you. Why threat gastrointestinal upset from a weight-reduction plan change, or an hostile response to a shampoo? The issue isn’t actually an issue, so why not do nothing? Veterinary drugs has a elaborate time period for this as effectively: benign neglect.
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This piece was initially revealed in 2017.
Inform us: Does your cat have dandruff? What are your finest ideas for dealing with cat dandruff?
