Dry skin in cats can cause dandruff, flaking, itching, and general discomfort. It can also make the skin more susceptible to infection. Fortunately, there are ways to treat your cat's dry skin and prevent it from coming back.
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| Dry skin in cats |
Causes of dry skin in cats
Dry skin is typically a symptom of another problem. You may notice flaky skin, itching, and an unkempt coat pattern. You may also notice that your cat is grooming itself more than usual. The key to treating dry skin is to first determine the cause.
Environment
Weather and temperature changes can cause cats to develop dry skin. For example, indoor heat in the winter can cause a cat's skin to dry out. In the summer, air conditioning can cause sensitive skin to dry out. Other environmental factors that can contribute to dry skin include cigarette smoke, fragrances, and household chemicals.
Grooming problems
With normal grooming activity, cats can clean their skin and hair. Cats may find it difficult to groom themselves if they have limited mobility due to problems such as arthritis or obesity. Lack of grooming leads to dead skin and hair buildup on the coat. This can lead to dry, unhealthy skin.
Overgrooming can also lead to dry skin and hair loss. Cats usually over-groom when they are itchy or their skin feels uncomfortable.
Bathing
Cats generally do not need to be bathed unless they get very dirty or have a skin problem. Occasional bathing with a cat-safe shampoo is usually harmless, but frequent bathing can cause dry skin.
Poor diet
Cats that eat an incomplete or unbalanced diet can develop dry skin. Homemade diets are often made with the best of intentions but are often not complete and balanced.
Even a complete and balanced commercial diet may not be optimal for some cats. Cats tend to thrive on high-protein, low-carbohydrate wet foods.
External parasites
External parasites such as fleas or mites on the skin can cause the skin to develop a dry, scaly appearance. Fleas and flea dirt can be seen with the naked eye in some cases, but discerning cats can remove signs of fleas during grooming. Most mites are not visible to the naked eye. The exception is Cheyletiella mites, which are often referred to as "wandering dandruff."
Allergies
Cats with allergies often have skin problems, including dry skin. Cats can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, food, chemicals, and fragrances. Allergens can cause a cat's immune system to react with itchy, inflamed and dry skin.
Skin Disease
Several types of skin disease affect cats, and some cause dry skin. Some bacterial and fungal infections can cause the skin to look dry and scaly. Without treatment, the skin condition may worsen over time.
Systemic disease
Systemic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease can affect the appearance of the skin. The skin can be affected by the disease itself, but also because some sick cats are often unable to groom themselves properly.
Emphasize
Stress can have a major impact on human skin and hair, and it can do the same on cats. Possible sources of stress around your cat include moving to a new home, adding or loving a family member or pet, noisy events in and around the house, and illness.
Treatment
If you notice dry skin in your cat, the first thing you should do is ask your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian may recommend an examination to evaluate the skin and provide the proper treatment. The recommended treatment will depend on the cause of your cat's skin problems. Your cat may need antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory medications, special foods, or even supplements. Some veterinarians recommend fatty acid supplements for cats to improve skin. Never give your cat home remedies or supplements without first asking your veterinarian about the best options for your cat.
There are some ways to change your cat's environment and possibly relieve dry skin. Keep your home clean and as dust-free as possible. Washable materials should be washed with gentle, additive-free detergents. Consider purchasing an air purifier to reduce allergens in the air. Avoid using harsh chemicals and fragrances in your home.
If your cat seems to have difficulty grooming, try brushing your cat out every few days. Ask your veterinarian about the underlying cause of the grooming problems, as your cat may have a medical condition that needs to be treated. If your cat is overweight, this can be managed through diet and exercise.
Avoid bathing your cat unless it is necessary. If you do bathe your cat, use a gentle, soap-free, moisturizing shampoo for cats.
Use an effective monthly flea control product to keep fleas at bay. Not only can fleas cause skin problems, but they can also aggravate existing skin conditions.
Take steps to reduce stress in your cat's environment. Slowly acclimate your cat to new pets or people, but always provide a safe place for your cat to hide. Consider using calming pheromones such as Feliway spray or diffusers. Take time to play and bond with your cat.
Make sure you take your cat to the veterinarian for routine health exams as recommended. Your veterinarian may be able to spot the early signs of illness. Stay in touch with your veterinarian about your cat's condition and do your best to follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
Thanks for reading: Dry skin in cats [2022], Sorry, my English is bad:)