Can Cats Have Dry Skin

Change your kitty s cat food.

Can cats have dry skin.

Parasites like fleas can easily be seen with the naked eye and some cats can have a severe reaction even if they aren t under a large infestation. Special shampoos and supplements of omega 3 fatty acids can help treat feline dandruff. They will have what looks like dandruff in their fur notes dr. Encourage your cat to drink more water.

Your dog or cat may also be scratching. A balanced diet of proteins fats and essential vitamins and minerals is critical when it comes to skin health. A diet lacking in fat for example can lead to dry skin in cats. When this happens your cat will experience discomfort.

Flea and tick prevention. Parasites viruses fungi or bacteria can cause skin infections in cats that present with symptoms like dry flaky skin obsessive scratching and licking. Like people some cats get dry flaky skin in the winter. Dry skin can also result in a diminished shine to your cat s fur.

For most cats one or two fleas aren t a serious problem. Sometimes a flea infestation can cause dry skin. Lower quality cat foods contain meat meal and meat by products such as the feathers blood and bones of animals. Skin and allergies environmental allergies and other outside factors are common causes of skin conditions in cats.

Cats have sensitive skin that can dry out easily. Essential fatty acid supplements moisturize dry skin from the inside out. The happy cat site notes that obese cats have trouble reaching certain areas to groom and may have dry or matted spots as a result. Getting rid of the fleas should resolve the skin problem unless an infection has also developed.

If your cat is currently on a dry diet regardless of how high quality it is it s more than likely that your cat s dehydrated. Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian look for products that contain omega 3 6 and 9 fatty acids. Topical spot on products can also help cats with dry skin. Indoor cats are more likely to have dry skin because of a lack of humidity in the air.

Avoid external parasites by putting your pet on a parasite preventative all. Persistent dandruff may be a sign of poor nutrition inadequate grooming or an underlying medical problem. However in the rare case that your cat has a flea allergy even a few small bites can lead to dry irritated and flaky skin. It s usually nothing serious but have your veterinarian take a look.

Dry skin on the back itches and breaks off in flakes giving the appearance of dandruff. A humidifier may put enough moisture in the air to relieve the itching. Better quality cat foods contain. If the dry skin enters the air the dander may cause allergies.

In this case antibiotics or a special ointment may be necessary. Other less common causes of dry cat skin can include.