Causes of Cat Dandruff
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Cat Dandruff
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Cat dandruff is the dry, flaky skin that cats will shed when they scratch or bathe themselves. Dandruff should not be confused with cat dander, though. Cat dander is the dead skin cells that cats naturally shed, and which cause most of the allergies in humans. Cat dandruff, on the other hand, is excessively dry skin that's shed in large amounts but doesn't cause allergies. Cats having dander is a natural process, whereas cats having dandruff is a health concern that should be remedied if at all possible.
Diet, Weight and Environment
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When a cat has dandruff, it may be a sign of a serious health issue. Often it means that the cat isn't getting the proper balance of nutrients and vitamins from its diet. Alternatively, cats that are obese often develop dandruff as a result of their condition. Obese cats are often unable to properly groom themselves, which makes dandruff worse. However, other environmental causes may also contribute to cat dandruff. For short-haired cats specifically, dandruff may be a reaction to sunburn. Dry air could also be a cause or at least a contributor to cat dandruff in all types of cats.
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Other Conditions & Treatment
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Often a cat's dandruff may be caused by something more serious than dry air, sunburn, obesity, or an improper diet. Cats who have thyroid problems, feline diabetes or other systemic disorders may very well develop dandruff as a symptom of these conditions. Cat dandruff could also be a result of parasites, which are eating up the nutrients inside the cat and leading to the same results as a poor diet. If you notice cat dandruff in association with other symptoms such as increased lethargy (particularly in previously energetic cats), scabs, intense scratching and other odd behaviors, you should get the opinion of your vet.
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