How to Clean Your Lazy, Messy, No Grooming Cat that has Dandruff and Bad Hair

Until recently, I thought my cat was born with dry skin because all of my other cats have silky, shiny hair that rarely falls off in clumps. I had to take my male cat, Scooter, to the vet and asked if there was ANYTHING I could do to help the dandruff and fur balls that have come to define my otherwise beautiful cat. Our veterinarian had several suggestions and after only a week, Scooter’s hair is smoother, he is shedding less and the dandruff has decreased significantly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lazy Cat
• deShedding Tool
• Quality Liquid Oral Supplement
• Waterless Shampoo and Conditioner

1. One of my cat’s problems is that he is lazy. Seriously, LAZY is the exact word the veterinarian used when I asked him why Scooter had such terrible fur.

2. My vet told me that some cats are simply “lazy groomers”. These cats rarely clean themselves, so the responsibility to keep them neat and tidy falls on us. In addition, when the cats do not groom themselves regularly, the undercoat robs the outer fur of the oils that otherwise would allow the coat to glisten.

3. 
   The FURminator deShedding Tool

   To address the overgrown undercoat and the shedding, he suggested a wonderful contraption called the “FURminator deShedding Tool” (also made for dogs). Basically, it safely extracts the excess and loose fur. I use it almost everyday and have noticed a huge difference in Scooter’s coat. The deShedding tool has helped with the dandruff and Scooter does not have as many hairball "hack attacks".

4. 
   Derm Caps Liquid Supplement

   The veterinarian also suggested a highly concentrated oral supplement called "Derm Caps Liquid" for daily use. It can be used in dogs and cats and one 177mL bottle can last 6-12 months depending on the species and weight of the animal. It consists of Omega-6 fatty acids, fish oil, and a few other ingredients to nourish the skin from the inside out. My cat LOVES the taste so I let him lick it right out of a spoon as a “treat”.

5. 
   The Lazy Cat

   The last thing I have started using regularly is another FURminator product. "This Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner" smells wonderful and leaves the coat extremely soft. Scooter loves all the attention and I am enjoying the decrease in fur floating around in the air and the unsightly presence of dandruff on my beautiful grey and white cat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, I would recommend using the deShedding tool outside and taking a trash bag with you. Initially, the fur will come off in large clumps.
• Start gently with the deShedding tool and apply more pressure as you become more comfortable using the tool and as your pet starts to trust that you are not trying to hurt him.
• Make sure you get an accurate weight before giving the supplement so you don’t give your pet too much or too little.
• If your cat has had a healthy coat until recently, take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup to rule out any medical conditions that might be the root of the problem.

Resources

• FURminator Official Site
• Amazon.com has Discount Pet Products!
• More Grooming Tips
• Alternatives to Cat Declawing

[sneedc]

on 12/25/2008 Good lawwwwD, by the title, I was ready to take your cat to the pound! (I am so mean) Seriously, I'm glad there was a happy ending. :-)

[motherNN]

on 10/23/2008 How is your cat doing now? His condition better?

[MarlaineMarie]

on 10/16/2008 Add long hair to the lazy and buy stock in razors! Hahahahaha! I noticed the matted hair the first year, and keep combing but I have to use scissors now and then to get the clumps behind her ears. Good article!

[kim82600]

on 10/10/2008 I'll have to give this a shot with my long-haired cat. I have an article you might like called "how to keep your house clean if you have cats" (which also has a pic of my furry feline). Thanks!

[motherNN]

on 10/8/2008 Cat dandruff can be a sign of health problems too, it's good advice to take it to the Vet.