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• Method 1 of 3: Determine if your cat has dandruff
• Method 2 of 3: Remove dandruff with coat care
• Method 3 of 3: Remove dandruff by changing the diet

Cats, just like humans, can suffer from dandruff. If your cat has white flakes in its coat, chances are it has dandruff. You can ignore the problem and tell yourself it's just a cosmetic problem, but that's not a good idea. It's important to pay attention to dandruff as it could indicate something is wrong with your cat's health. In addition, cat dandruff can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. So it is good for everyone to keep the dandruff to a minimum.

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Method 1 of 3: Determine if your cat has dandruff

1. Identify dandruff. Dandruff consists of skin cells of the cat's body that adhere together. The lumps may look like flakes or chips. However, not all flakes are dandruff, so it is good to have your cat examined by a doctor.
2. Take your cat to the vet. A vet check-up is recommended to make sure your cat is not suffering from an illness that affects his overall health and the condition of his body. These can include diabetes, overactive thyroid, arthritis and seborrhea. If your cat has any of these conditions, the vet will suggest a treatment plan.
3. Rule out infections that can masquerade as dandruff. A particularly common confusion is a skin mite infection, Cheyletiella yasguri. This mite feeds on dander, which causes more dander to form. Furthermore, the mite itself also resembles a skin flake, which gives it the nickname running rose has got.
   • The vet can quickly determine if it is Cheyletiella by looking at some rose samples under a microscope.
   • If the mite is identified, your cat should be treated with a product containing fipronil. This treatment is usually applied every other day in the evening, with a minimum of 3 treatments. This kills the mite and solves the apparent dandruff problem.

Method 2 of 3: Remove dandruff with coat care

1. Address physical conditions that make dandruff worse. Be aware that arthritis, obesity, and toothaches can cause dandruff. Keeping the skin and coat healthy requires regular grooming by the cat, which spreads the good oils all over the coat. If the cat is overweight or has difficulty moving, such as with arthritis, it will not be physically able to reach all areas of its body. That means those spots are at risk for flaky skin.
   • If this is the case, you should groom the cat daily until it can do it on its own.
   • If your cat is not grooming itself because it cannot reach the areas due to obesity, consider putting it on a diet. A slimmer cat would be able to take better care of itself.
   • A sore mouth can also prevent the cat from grooming itself and limit its ability to eat. In these circumstances, medical care is essential to remove loose teeth, remove tartar and apply antibiotics against gum infections.
2. Protect your cat from warm, dry weather. It may seem like nothing to worry about, but cats' skin can be damaged by the weather. This is especially the case for cats with a thin coat or no coat at all. Hot, dry conditions can lead to dry skin and even sunburn. So keep your cat indoors when it is very hot outside.
   • Dry winter months can also cause flaky skin, even though there is less chance of sunburn.
3. Brush your cat gently. Regular brushing can remove dead skin cells, reducing dandruff. Use a soft cat brush and brush in the direction of the hair. Don't apply too much pressure, you should stroke, not scrub. Regular brushing is a good way to reduce dandruff. Namely, it improves blood flow to the skin, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and nourishes the skin.
   • However, expect the dandruff to get worse in the first 3-4 weeks. You will completely loosen loose skin cells, which will then end up in the coat.
   • Always brush gently and stop immediately if you notice any irritated skin or signs of pain.
4. Avoid bathing your cat too often. Cats are not like humans when it comes to washing. They are quite good at keeping themselves clean, which means they only need to be washed very rarely. Unless your cat's coat is visibly dirty or oily or if the fur is sticking together, you shouldn't need to bathe the cat more than a few times a year.
   • Washing your cat more often can remove essential oils from the skin, causing it to dry out and flake. Washing the cat is especially advantageous for you (not much for the cat) if you are allergic to cat dandruff, because it will then be temporarily washed away.
   • If you decide to bathe your cat, use a moisturizing shampoo, such as one that contains oats. Avoid human shampoos as these are too stubborn and will strip away the natural oils.
5. Use a soft cream. Believe it or not, there are special moisturizing lotions and creams for cats with dry skin. The most likely place to find these is at the pet store, but if you don't find one there, the vet may be able to help you out. These products are usually also easy to find on the internet.

Method 3 of 3: Remove dandruff by changing the diet

1. Switch foods. Some cats have dry or flaky skin due to insufficient nutrients in the diet, which are necessary to keep the skin in good condition. A diet low in essential fatty acids usually adversely affects the condition of the skin and leads to excessive peeling. Cats need a lot of linoleic and arachidonic acids in their food because they cannot produce these acids themselves. High quality foods usually contain these acids, but cheap foods or foods that have been improperly stored and exposed to high temperatures may contain lower values.
   • To avoid this, feed your cat high-quality food that has a particular meat listed as the main ingredient. Also, make sure that the food is stored properly, away from extreme temperatures that can reduce the vital fatty acids in it.
2. Supplement your cat's diet with omega fatty acids. To provide extra skin care, consider supplementing with omega fatty acids, also called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These should be given with food to improve absorption into the circulation. Fish and fish oil that are a balanced source of Omega 3 and 6 are ideal for your cat.
   • About 75 mg / kg is the recommended daily amount, which means that an average 4-5 kg ​​cat will get about 300-450 mg per day.
3. Make sure the cat is drinking enough water. Dehydration can also be a cause of dry, flaky skin. Most cats don't need that much water, but it's important that they always have access to water. Provide your cat with plenty of fresh water every day, whether it drinks it or not.
   • Change the water regularly to ensure that there is always clean drinking water.
   • It is also a good idea to wash the water bowl from time to time to kill any bacteria that may be present.