As a pet owner you need to use cat shampoo that suits your pet's skin and coat. A healthy and shiny coat is an indicator of good health, and cats suffering from skin conditions like flea allergy dermatitis and dandruff exhibit symptoms such as hair falling out, skin inflammation and itchiness.
Cat Dandruff
Dandruff is a common skin condition in cats and is often associated with underlying medical conditions like parasite infections, obesity and diabetes. Although there are many commercially available shampoos and solutions that get rid of the dandruff and soothe the pet's skin, it's important to find out if the dandruff is accompanied by an underlying skin condition or whether it's simply caused due to lack of proper grooming or an improper diet.
Treating Dandruff
Although the vet will prescribe medication to treat the underlying medical concern, it's beneficial to use shampoos that stop the formation of flaky skin. Since there are several shampoos formulated by different manufacturers, look for products that are approved for use in pets and shampoos that contain oatmeal or aloe vera, as they soothe the skin.
Cat Shampoos for Dandruff Include:
- NaturVet Flake Away Dandruff Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
- Tomlyn Products Nova Pearls Dandruff Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
- Earthbath Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Totally Natural Pet Shampoo
- Vet Solutions Universal Medicated Shampoo
Tips for Pet Owners
It's important to read and follow instructions listed on the package before shampooing the cat. Take care while washing the pet so that the shampoo doesn't get into his eyes, ears or anal area. You should bathe the cat periodically with the dandruff control shampoo and follow up with routine grooming procedures like brushing of the coat and checking for fleas. Since fleas are known to cause flea allergy dermatitis, you should disinfect your home and use pet friendly pesticides to treat outdoor areas of your home.
Improving Skin Health
Apart from using shampoos and getting rid of flea infections, you should also feed your pet a diet that's high in vitamins and minerals. Avoid feeding your pet food that contains additives, preservatives and fillers because these ingredients cause health problems in the long run. Food that contains a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids is ideal for cats suffering from dandruff.
Allergic Skin Reactions
Cats are known to develop allergic skin reactions when they come in contact with allergens in the environment. Cigarette smoke, pollen and dust often give rise to excessive itching, redness and inflammation. In order to keep allergies at bay and protect the pet's skin, you need to prevent your pet from coming in contact with allergens.
If you fail to treat the dandruff it will become severe and your pet may lose hair in patches. The cat's skin will also be exposed to harsh UV rays due to the hair loss. You should conduct a vet check if you notice any dry or flaky skin on the cat's body and initiate treatment at the earliest.