We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Pets

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Can I Treat Cat Dandruff?

By Patti Kate
Updated: Jun 04, 2024

If you are looking for an effective way to treat cat dandruff, you should first rule out any possible health reasons for your cat's dandruff, so schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. After confirming your cat is in good health, you might want to modify her diet. The cat dandruff may be a result of overly dry skin, so adding more moisture to her diet could help. You can do this by feeding semi moist food along with the usual dry food. Nutritional supplements made for cats may be another way to control cat dandruff.

Try cutting back on dry food and adding a high-protein canned variety to your cat's diet. A diet that contains salmon is a good choice for healthy skin and a dandruff-free coat. Sardines and herring given as an occasional treat may add some oils to your cat's diet as well. In addition, you might want to put a few drops of cod liver oil into your cat's daily food. Fish oil can help control cat dandruff as well.

For dry, flaky, or itchy skin, try raising the humidity level in your home. You can do this by using a cool mist humidifier or placing some shallow pans of cool water around the house. Also, be sure the cat has access to fresh drinking water at all times.

If your cat is overweight, this could be a contributing factor to her skin issues. Cat dandruff is more commonly seen in overweight cats, so be sure your cat is at a healthy weight. Ask your veterinarian for advice regarding special diets for overweight cats.

Check for fleas or mites on your cat's fur. Any type of parasite may cause cat dandruff. If your cat has fleas, you should have her treated with a medicated solution and use a flea collar for added protection.

To avoid any further infestation and more flaking, keep your cat indoors. An indoor cat will be safer and less likely to become affected by parasites. Keeping your cat indoors will also prevent her skin from drying due to sun exposure.

One more thing to try to control cat dandruff is a special medicated shampoo. You might be able to find something suitable at your veterinarian's office or pet supply store. Before trying something new, however, it's a good idea to get the approval from your veterinarian.

All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By discographer — On Dec 15, 2013

@fBoyle-- I'm not sure, maybe it has to do with the immune system. Have you spoken to your vet about this? You really need to ask for advice from your vet.

My cat used to have cat dandruff but he has never been overweight. I started giving him a cat bath once every couple of months with baby shampoo and that seemed to do the trick. It was difficult in the beginning but he's used to it now. I think he kind of enjoys a warm bath.

By fBoyle — On Dec 15, 2013

Why is being overweight a risk factor for dandruff in cats? My cat is overweight and he recently developed what looks like cat dandruff. He never had this problem before. Do I need to put him on a diet?

By literally45 — On Dec 14, 2013

I completely agree with the article about fish oil. I used to buy a less expensive cat food for my cat. It had lots of vitamins but no fish oil. My cat started shedding a lot and developed cat dandruff.

My vet recommended a medicated shampoo, but after some reading online, I decided to try fish oil first. They actually sell liquid fish oil at pet stores to add to wet food. But my cat is kind of picky, so I ended up getting dry cat food with fish oil in it.

The results were amazing. In about a week, my cat had less shedding and in two weeks, her dandruff was completely gone. This cat food costs more, but it's totally worth it. I don't want my cat to have health problems.

Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/how-can-i-treat-cat-dandruff.htm
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.