Looking for good ways to manage cat dander

**Catty1** · 01-30-2007, 07:18 PM

What works for me - though cats will have dander, as their skin refreshes itself (I think we humans have dander too, but I don't wanna go there!

)

I thoroughly cleaned a dropper bottle I had (it just had Stevia in it before), and put canola oil in it. You can also use olive oil (NEVER castor).

Also - Omega oil from the vet, use according to instructions.

Put ONE SINGLE drop into a small amount of wet food that Cassie will eat right up. Do this daily. Within a week you should see a change.

I use this when it's drier in the winter here and Oscar especially starts to scratch. Works like a charm.

My mom tried it on one of her cats who scratched a lot - again, success.

I know Cassie isn't itchy, but if her problem is dry skin, a wee drop of oil just might set things right!

**slick** · 01-30-2007, 07:37 PM

My RB Speckles used to get awful dander or dandruff as I called it. Her skin down by her tail was nothing but white flakes. I started squeezing a Vit E capsule into her wet food about 3 times a week and that really seemed to help alot.

**Catlady711** · 01-30-2007, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by cassiesmom

She's not itchy. I thought of fleas, but she doesn't go outdoors unless I physically take her out and hold her while we stand on the balcony.

Most probably it is just winter dry skin, however be sure to actually check for fleas or flea dirt (tiny pin sized black specks next to the skin, indicating fleas have been present). Fleas can be carried inside by humans and other animals. I actually found one in my hair the other day after hugging a dog!!! EWWWW. Fortunately I got it out and checked for others, otherwise I might have brought fleas home to my own cats.

Good luck with your dander problem. If you find an omega 3 oil she likes, then start using it in the fall around Sept. before the heaters start kicking in, it will give you a head start and already be in her system before it gets cold.

**cassiesmom** · 01-31-2007, 12:09 PM

This morning I wiped Cassie's sides, back and tail with a Kitty Wipe while she was lying on the foot of my bed, in the warm draft from the space heater. She didn't protest at all - Yay! Catlady711, thank you for the info about fleas. I'll look closely to make sure she doesn't have them. I'm not sure how she'll respond to either canola oil or vitamin E, but it's worth a go.

**columbine** · 01-31-2007, 07:36 PM

My cat Smudge digs holes in his face he's so itchy! This morning I boiled some water just for the humidity because I have a sinus infection, and tonight - no scratching. A bit of water in the air might help with dander too!

Love, Columbine (who gets awful itchy & flakey this time of year too)

**cassiesmom** · 02-01-2007, 06:18 PM

Here is the latest. She was meowing and doing figure eights around my legs again this morning (translation: Pet me, Mom!). As I was petting - I noticed the dander again, along with more loose hair - so I started combing and she started purring. She loves to be combed. She's not itchy. I pushed her coat apart in several spots and didn't see flea dirt. I'm using the humidifier overnight. I also noticed that she is eating more dry food and less canned food. I bought her Purina Chef's Blend and she chows down on that. Her 10th Gotcha Day is on Saturday and I am thankful for her every day.