Treat My Cat
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
In this guide
A few white flakes in your cat's coat are common, especially in winter, and often clear up with better grooming, more moisture in the diet and a little help from you. But dandruff can also be a sign that your cat can't groom properly, has parasites, or has an illness underneath. If the flakes come with itching, hair loss, scabs or a change in how your cat is acting, it's time for a vet check.
Signs of dry skin
- White or gray flakes in the fur, often most obvious along the back and at the base of the tail
- A dull, dry or greasy-looking coat
- Mild scratching or more licking than usual
- Flakes left behind on bedding or your clothes
Common causes
- Dry air. Indoor heating in winter dries the skin, just as it does for people.
- Not grooming well. This is one of the most common causes. Overweight cats and older cats with arthritis often can't reach their back and tail, so dead skin builds up there.
- Diet. Skin needs enough essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and good-quality protein. Most complete commercial cat foods provide these, but some cats on unbalanced home-made diets go short.
- Not drinking enough, especially in cats on dry food only.
- Parasites. Fleas, lice and especially Cheyletiella mites, sometimes called "walking dandruff" because the flakes seem to move. These mites spread easily to other pets and can cause itchy bites on people.
- Ringworm, a fungal infection (not a worm) that can cause flaky, scaly patches and hair loss. It can spread to people.
- Allergies, to fleas, food or things in the environment.
- Underlying illness, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or kidney disease, which can leave the coat dry and unkempt. Cats that are unwell often stop grooming.
Home care for mild dry skin
This is for a cat that is otherwise healthy, eating well and not itchy or losing hair.
- Brush your cat regularly. Brushing removes dead skin and spreads the natural oils through the coat. A soft brush or comb a few times a week is enough for most short-haired cats; long-haired cats need it daily (see cat grooming brushes). Be extra gentle over the back and hips of older cats.
- Add moisture to the diet. Feed some or all meals as wet food, and make water easy to reach with several bowls around the house or a water fountain (see cat water fountains).
- Check the food. Make sure your cat eats a complete, balanced food labeled for its life stage. Ask your vet before adding a fish oil or omega-3 supplement, and only use one made for cats, at the dose on the label or as your vet advises.
- Help with weight. If your cat is overweight, gradual weight loss with your vet's help often fixes dandruff on the back, because your cat can reach it again. Keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories (see our guide to healthy cat treats).
- Use a humidifier in the room where your cat sleeps during the winter months.
- Keep up parasite prevention. Use a vet-recommended, cat-safe product all year round (see our guide to treating fleas).
Bathing usually isn't needed, and frequent baths can dry the skin further. If your vet suggests one, use a shampoo made for cats.
Never use
- Human shampoos, lotions or moisturizers. They can upset the skin's balance, and your cat will lick them off. Some contain ingredients such as zinc oxide that are harmful if swallowed.
- Essential oils, including tea tree oil. Cats can't process them properly and they can cause poisoning.
- Dog flea or skin products. Many contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.
- Rubbing oils into the coat, such as olive or coconut oil. They make the coat greasy and your cat will swallow them while grooming.
See a vet if
- The flakes come with itching, scratching, redness, scabs or sores
- You notice patches of hair loss, especially round, scaly patches
- The flakes seem to move, or people or other pets in the house get itchy bites or a rash
- Your cat has stopped grooming, or its coat suddenly looks unkempt
- Your cat is losing weight, eating or drinking more or less than usual, or seems unwell
- Mild dandruff doesn't improve after 3 to 4 weeks of home care
Your vet may use a fine comb, sticky tape or skin scrapings to look for mites, a special light or culture to check for ringworm, and blood tests to look for illnesses that affect the coat.
Common questions
Is cat dandruff normal?
A small amount of dry skin, especially in winter, isn't unusual. Heavy dandruff, or dandruff that comes with itching or hair loss, is not normal and should be checked by a vet.
Why does my cat only have dandruff on its back?
Usually because it can't reach that area to groom. Being overweight and arthritis in the hips and spine are the most common reasons. Regular brushing helps, and so does treating the cause with your vet.
Can I put coconut oil on my cat's dry skin?
It's best not to. Oils make the coat greasy, your cat will lick them off, and they don't fix the underlying cause. Ask your vet about a cat-safe supplement or skin product instead.
Can people catch anything from a cat with flaky skin?
Some causes can spread to people, including ringworm and Cheyletiella mites. If anyone in the house gets an itchy rash, see your vet about your cat and your doctor about yourself.
What is "walking dandruff"?
It's the nickname for Cheyletiella mites, which look like large flakes that move. They are very contagious between pets and need treatment from your vet for every animal in the house.
The short version
Mild dry skin usually improves with regular brushing, more water and wet food, a healthy weight and a complete diet. Itching, hair loss, sores, moving flakes or a cat that seems unwell all mean a trip to the vet.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.
