Does your cat have dandruff or flaky skin? Perhaps you also observe other related symptoms like dry skin, itchiness and scratching, skin irritation, and increased shedding. These symptoms arise due to food allergies in cats, seasonal allergies, dry air during fall and winter, and other causes. In this complete guide by Sploot Vets, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to address this common skin issue in cats.
Why Does My Cat Have Dandruff?
Cat dandruff is caused by various factors, which generally relate to skin health, grooming habits, or environmental factors, namely:
- Cat dry skin — this is the most common cause of cat dandruff. When humidity is low, especially during colder months of fall and winter, a cat’s skin can become dry, leading to dandruff.
- Grooming issues — If a cat has difficulty grooming (due to obesity, arthritis, or mobility problems), they might not be able to clean and moisturize their skin and fur, leading to cat dandruff or cat flaky skin. In addition, frequent baths can also strip away natural oils from the skin, causing dry, flaky skin in cats.
- Feline allergies — food allergies, flea allergies, or sensitivities to environmental allergens, like pollen or dust mites, can irritate the skin and lead to cat dandruff and dry skin.
- Dietary deficiencies — mainly deficiencies in vitamin E and omega-3 for cats
- Stress — in some cases, stress can cause your cat to have dry, flaky skin due to the increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, which impacts the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
- Skin issues in cats — bacterial and fungal infections (e.g. ringworm in cats) can disrupt the skin’s structure, causing dryness, cat dandruff, inflammation, and hair loss. The cat’s skin may also produce new skin cells rapidly to combat the infection, leading to more dandruff.
How Do I Treat Cat’s Dry Skin & Dandruff? [Treatments]
There are various ways to ensure that your cat’s skin is properly moisturized, healthy, and free of cat dandruff. By following these tips to restore your cat’s skin health, you can help them feel more comfortable—while also strengthening their skin barrier against infections and irritants.
Note: Though some of these cat dry skin treatments are beneficial for all cats, we recommend seeing a vet, especially if your cat’s dry skin or dandruff is accompanied by excessive scratching, physical changes to the skin, pus, lesions, and other symptoms of infection.
1. Regular Brushing
Regularly brushing your cat helps to remove loose fur and dead skin cells, which can reduce cat dandruff. It also stimulates the skin’s natural oil production, helping distribute oils throughout the coat, and preventing dry skin in cats.
According to our guide on establishing a cat care routine, these are the recommended frequencies for fur brushing:
- Daily brushing — for cats with medium-length and long fur
- Weekly brushing — for short-haired cat breeds
2. Reducing Stress
Cats are creatures of habit and can be stressed out when there are sudden changes to their routine or environment. If stress is causing your cat’s flaky, dry skin, a few improvements can help reduce your cat’s stress, such as the following:
- Create a Consistent Routine — Keep feeding, play, and other activities on a regular schedule to give your cat predictability.
- Provide Safe Spaces — Set up cozy spots, hiding places, or cat trees where your cat can retreat and feel secure.
- Use Calming Products —Try cat pheromone sprays or diffusers, to help reduce stress.
- Offer Vertical Spaces — Cats feel safer with places to climb and observe, such as cat trees or window perches.
- Daily Play & Mental Enrichment — Interactive playtime with your cat (e.g., feather wands or laser pointers) helps reduce anxiety and burn off extra energy. In addition, puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys provide mental stimulation which helps keep your cat calm and content.
- Minimize Loud Noises and Disturbances— As much as possible, reduce your cat’s exposure to loud sounds, and provide a quiet area for your cat during noisy events and gatherings during holidays.
3. Bath Schedule Adjustments
Most cats do NOT need frequent baths, since they are capable of grooming themselves. We recommend only bathing your cat on an as-needed basis — such as when they have soiled fur, they’ve been exposed to allergens, or if they need a medicated bath for skin issues.
→ Learn more - How to Wash a Cat [Step-By-Step Guide]
4. Choosing Moisturizing Cat Shampoo
Though cat baths are done as needed (e.g. contact allergies, soiled fur), using a moisturizing cat shampoo has the added benefit of having a gentle formulation and serving as an effective cat dry skin treatment. We recommend using an oatmeal shampoo for cats, which soothes itchiness and inflammation (symptoms that typically accompany skin dryness).
Note: Using oatmeal shampoo is not always possible, especially if you need to use a medicated cat shampoo (which tends to dry out the skin). Ask your veterinarian if you can use oatmeal conditioner afterward.
5. Dietary Adjustments: What Can Cats Eat to Help Dry Skin & Dandruff?
A few dietary adjustments can help reduce cat dandruff and dry skin. Veterinarians may recommend certain foods or supplements as part of your cat’s dry skin treatment; a few examples of this include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids—These are essential for skin hydration and overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation, helping soothe irritated skin and give your cat a healthy coat.
- Wet Food—Wet food provides more moisture than dry food, helping keep your cat’s skin hydrated and reducing cat dandruff.
- Vitamin E—This antioxidant protects cellular health while also helping rehydrate dry skin in cats.
Note: Before getting cat vitamins or supplements to treat cat dandruff or dry skin, consult your veterinarian. Veterinarians will determine if these are beneficial for your cat and recommend a dosage that fits your cat’s weight, age, and/or underlying health conditions.
6. Topical Solutions: Do Cat Moisturizers Work?
A majority of cat moisturizers or cat lotions in the market are for the paws and nose. However, there are a handful of leave-on moisturizing sprays that are safe on a cat’s skin and fur. It’s important to look for products that are intended for cats because some sprays that are safe for dogs are NOT safe for cats.
In some cases, food-grade, non-toxic essential oils and ingredients may be used to hydrate a cat’s dry skin and reduce cat dandruff—however, this is best done with vet guidance.
Note: When applying anything on a cat’s skin, total or partial ingestion can occur due to the cat’s grooming habits. This is why only cat-safe sprays and food-grade, non-toxic cat-friendly oils can be used on your cat’s skin. In addition, make sure to consult a vet before trying any of the above remedies.
Some beneficial essential oils and ingredients include:
- Oatmeal Extract — this is present in some cat-safe moisturizer sprays as well as cat shampoos. Oatmeal helps lock in moisture while also soothing irritated or allergic skin.
- Coconut Oil — Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, which helps moisturize dry skin in cats. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight mild skin infections. This can be used topically or incorporated into cat food. Either way, it’s best to use a small amount because too much coconut oil can upset your cat’s stomach.
- Vitamin E — Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps boost skin health and hydration. It can be given as a supplement or applied directly to dry skin. It’s always best to use the amount and mode of usage recommended by your veterinarian.
The Best Cat Moisturizers for Dry Skin
As mentioned earlier, there are only a handful of cat moisturizers that rehydrate dry skin and help reduce cat flaky skin. It’s important to note that though these moisturizers can be helpful, they are typically NOT used as standalone treatments. To give you a starting point to discuss with your vet, here are the best cat moisturizers available on SplootRX:
Important Note: Before using a cat moisturizer, test a small amount on your pet's skin to check for any sensitivity. If any irritation or adverse reactions occur, rinse immediately and consult your vet. In addition, do NOT apply these products to open wounds or broken skin, as this may cause irritation or worsen the injury.
1. Dermallay Oatmeal Spray Conditioner
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
Formulated with oatmeal extract, Dermallay’s leave-on conditioner helps reduce cat flaky skin and dryness by reinforcing the skin’s moisture. Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for skin irritation that can accompany dryness. Last but not least, the proteins and fats in oatmeal are also beneficial for your cat’s fur, leaving it softer and less prone to tangles.
2. Atopivet® Skin Care Collar
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
The Atopivet Skin Care Collar reinforces the skin barrier and moisturizes dry skin in cats. This collar makes use of a patent-pending technology called Biosfeen® in the collar’s polymer; from there, it will spread through the skin—continuously nourishing your cat’s skin for 2 months.
Note: Not all cats are comfortable wearing a collar. Some cats may try to remove and chew on their collar, which can lead to accidental ingestion. Before considering the Atopivet cat dry skin treatment, we recommend getting your cat accustomed to a regular collar—as well as monitoring your cat’s response when switching collars.
Final Thoughts on Cat Dry Skin Treatments
Cat dandruff and dry skin can occur at any point; however, they are more commonly observed during dry air seasons (i.e. fall and winter) and high-pollen seasons (i.e. spring, summer, and fall).
Aside from seasonal factors, cats can also experience dry, flaky skin due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, and so on. By consulting a vet, you will be able to find out the root cause of your cat’s dry skin and dandruff, allowing you to get the most effective cat dry skin treatment.
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To for Fear Free Cat Care
If you have questions about cat dry skin treatments, cat dandruff, and other health concerns, we’re here to help!
Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to cat vet for all-in-one care, including primary, urgent, and emergency vet services. Our dedicated medical staff uses the latest veterinary techniques and is Fear Free certified, ensuring your cat gets top-tier care with utmost comfort.
Visit one of our serene vet clinics in Denver and Chicago, open 365 days a year. Experience next-level vet care today! Book your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
