Cat dandruff is common among diabetic cats. A study shows that about 1 in 200 cats have what is known as diabetes mellitus (DM). There are many other kinds of skin disorders that can affect cats. If your cat is suffering from a skin problem, and if you want your pet to get better, here are some things you can do.
Often, a skin problem is caused by poor nutrition. So it’s a good idea to start by changing your pet’s diet if you’re currently feeding one of the budget brands of cat food. There are many high quality foods available on the market. Your vet might even suggest a prescription food to address certain dietary needs.
You can also give your cat supplements of fish oil, which has been shown to help get rid of the dandruff problem. Tuna, which is rich in Omega 43 fatty acids, will also help to improve the problem.
Skin problems manifest themselves in a number of ways. Your cat may show a loss of appetite, excessive urination, a great thirst, dehydration, lethargy and weight loss, in addition to an unsightly coat because of poor grooming.
Besides diabetes, there are other things that could be the cause of your cat’s skin problems. Steroid injections, neutering, and old age can all be contributing factors. If your cat goes outside, cold weather can be another cause, as it dries the skin. This can be treated with a topical application for dry skin.
Just like people, animals can suffer from allergies that result in skin conditions. Household cleaners, pollen, foods or plants could be the culprit.
If your cat goes outside, his skin condition could be a result of sunburn. Studies show that sunburn burns the top layer of skin, which then flakes off. Repeated sunburns can result in skin cancer, so you might want to limit your cat’s outside activities to times of low sunshine.
In winter, sleeping near a fireplace or wood stove can dry a pet’s skin. It’s important to keep some humidity in the air. A good humidifier will offset the drying effect of the fire.
It’s no secret that fleas and ticks are major causes of skin problems in cats, especially in the summer. You should inspect your pet for these bugs regularly, and use a flea and tick treatment when needed.
Of course, any medical condition in your pets should be referred to a veterinarian. There’s no substitute for the experience of a medical professional, and your vet will also be aware of the latest developments in medications. A skin disorder left untreated will cause your cat much discomfort and will endanger his general health.
