Dandruff

[Tonya]

Raven has dandruff really bad right now. I don't want to take her to the vet unless it is necessary because she gets traumatized really easily. What do you think it could be? What should I use to fix it? I've been using some allergy/sensitive skin stuff for pets, but it isn't working. I am tempted to use head and shoulders on her. lol.

[jazzcat]

Are you bathing her often? That will dry her skin out and cause it.

Ripley goes through phases were he has it worse, usually in the winter when it's so dry. I don't do anything for it because it goes away in the spring.

Sorry I'm not much help.

[Tonya]

I normally only bathe her once or twice a year. But I've bathed her a few times lately because of this dandruff problem. Maybe I should let it be since it's not bothering her, but it looks pretty gross.

[heinz57_79]

You could try putting a little olive oil in her food... If it's really bad, you may have to chance a vet visit. One thing, do NOT bathe her in head and shoulders, tempting as it may be! It would probably irritate her skin more than it would help.

[Craftlady]

When we switched to Nutro dandruff went away. Better quality food really helped our gang.

[catcrazylady]

There are several oils on the market that you can mix with their food, and vitamins as well, that are designed for skin and coat. One of those might help. I can't think of the name of any but I see several different types when I go to Petsmart. I think Walmart even carries some. It might be worth a try. You will have to let us know how it works if you get any.

[catmandu]

I am finding that the Older cats,who cant groom,the back,of thier tails,are fairly prone,to dandruff,and I have to get the slicker,out,to clear away the dead skin!

[RedHedd]

My vet suggested Flax Oil for Mitzi because she had horrible dandruff when I adopted her. As Mitzi is my oh-so-very picky eater, I opted for a better quality food that has more of the omega oils and flax oil in it and her fur has gotten a whole lot better. Almost no kitty dandruff anymore. Brushing her regularly (almost every day) also helps get the dandruff out and redistribute her skin oils into the fur. She's only been bathed once and it seemed to have helped the problem. My vet doesn't encourage bathing as indoor cats rarely need it. HTH

[kuhio98]

Originally posted by RedHedd
My vet suggested Flax Oil for Mitzi because she had horrible dandruff when I adopted her. As Mitzi is my oh-so-very picky eater, I opted for a better quality food that has more of the omega oils and flax oil in it and her fur has gotten a whole lot better. Almost no kitty dandruff anymore. Brushing her regularly (almost every day) also helps get the dandruff out and redistribute her skin oils into the fur. She's only been bathed once and it seemed to have helped the problem. My vet doesn't encourage bathing as indoor cats rarely need it. HTH

The same thing has worked for Cammie. We ATTEMPTED to bath her once, but stopped when she exploded in terror. (No one needed stitches, but it was close). Daily brushing has really helped the situation.

[QueenScoopalot]

One of my friend Barbara's cats had horrible dandruff....the most severe case I've ever seen. The vet had her add safflower oil to his food daily, and within days it cleared it up!

[Tonya]

Thank you!