Cat Dandruff: Know The Signs and Symptoms

Is Dandruff on Cats Normal?

Yes, cat dandruff can be normal. According to Vet Med, cat dandruff is a minor condition and is often described as a “cosmetic inconvenience.“

However, cat dandruff can also be a symptom of a more serious health condition. There are a number of issues that dandruff may be a symptom of.

Usually, the difference between cat dandruff being normal and being an issue is the amount – a small amount of dandruff is normal, while excess dandruff is a sign of poor grooming and skin issues.

We should note that cat dandruff is not the same as cat dander. Simply put, the term dander is used when describing normal skin shedding, while dandruff is used for excessive flaking of the cat’s skin.

Dandruff is the fancy medical term for dead skin cells that normally flake from the cat’s skin. According to Royal Canin, dandruff on a cat will look like white flakes.

More often than not, dandruff is accompanied by excessive itchiness and even hair loss. It is also possible for the white flakes to spread to pet owners’ clothes or bedding.

Regular dandruff should be differentiated from the so-called “walking dandruff, “ which are, in fact, parasitic Cheyletiella mites (they look like dandruff but move quickly and are larger than regular mites).

Cat dandruff can be caused by various issues – from something as simple as reluctance to groom to something as severe as skin disease. Let’s take a closer look at the causes of cat dandruff.

Poor Grooming. Cats are notorious for their grooming skills. So, if a cat stops grooming, it is because grooming is painful. This is particularly true for cats with arthritis (taking the proper grooming positions is uncomfortable). Poor grooming is also common in overweight cats as obesity prevents cats from being flexible and reaching different body parts.

Low-Quality Diet. A good diet is vital for overall health. Cats eating low-quality foods lacking adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids may develop dry skin. Dry skin is often accompanied by dandruff. In addition to causing skin conditions, low-quality foods have a negative impact on the cat’s health in general.

Dehydration. Cat dandruff can be a sign of dehydration. If a cat isn’t receiving the necessary amounts of water, the results can be dry skin and dandruff. The weather can also affect cat dander. For example, if a cat lives in an arid climate that is particularly dry, such as California or Arizona, dehydration can occur more quickly.

Food Allergies. Allergic reactions to food are a common cause of dandruff in cats. Allergies are a common issue and, sadly, challenging to diagnose and manage. In addition to dandruff, a cat with food allergies will have itchy and dry skin. It can also show signs of stomach upset (vomiting, gassiness, and diarrhea).

External Parasites. There are many different external parasites causing dandruff in felines. Common ectoparasites are fleas, lice, and mites. These pesky tiny parasites are a nuisance and can trigger an array of health problems. Luckily, they are easily preventable through the use of prevention products (spot-on and collars).

Skin Infections. Skin infections also result in excess skin dryness, flaking, and dandruff. Skin infections in cats can be classified as bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections. One of the most common fungal infections is ringworm. It causes circular and bald patches that are very itchy and usually surrounded by dandruff.

Feline Seborrhea. Seborrhea is a specific skin condition in which the cat’s sebaceous glands produce excess amounts of natural and protective skin oils. The presence of excess skin oils cause increased cell shedding and, consequently dandruff. A cat with seborrhea will have a repelling smell.

Hyperthyroidism. Feline dandruff can be caused by hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a hormonal imbalance in which the cat’s thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones. Other signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include increased appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, urination outside of the litter box, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity.

Old Age. Old age is also a potential cause of cat dandruff. As the cat ages, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and becomes dehydrated. The dry skin together with decreased blood flow and occasional chafing can all result in flakiness and dandruff. Plus, senior cats are less likely to groom on a regular basis.

Flaking, irritated patches of skin, and hair loss are the main signs of dandruff in cats. Let’s take a look at these signs in more detail:

According to Germantown Vet, a little dandruff is harmless and is no cause for concern. Even so, a small amount of dandruff can still cause irritation and can be a nuisance for the cat.

Basically, a pet owner should be worried about cat dandruff if it is present in excess amounts or accompanied by other troublesome signs and symptoms.

Yes, you should take your cat to the vet for dandruff. This is especially true if dandruff seems to be excessive or if the cat is exhibiting other illness signs (general or skin-related).

Sometimes, dandruff is caused by systemic, potentially life-threatening issues. Therefore, it is better to err on the side of caution and have your cat checked by a vet.

Getting rid of your cat’s dandruff can be challenging and requires a multimodal approach. In the long term, managing the underlying cause is imperative.

However, if wondering how to treat cat dandruff momentarily, here are some useful tips:

Since there is no single cause of dandruff, prevention requires several approaches. Here are some things pet parents can do to prevent feline dandruff.

Cat dandruff can easily be overlooked and brushed off as no big deal. However, pet owners should not disregard the fact that it can be a telling sign that their cat’s overall health is not where it should be.