Everything you need to know about dry skin and dandruff in cats 

Did you know that cats can suffer from dandruff, just as we can?

Cat's skin is an incredibly protective organ, and there are a lot of ways it can react to insults, with changes in its texture being common. There are several skin and health problems that can cause your cat’s skin to become dry and flaky, with white flakes in the coat – you may even notice little flakes being left behind if your cat has just got up off your lap. It can be fairly mild and localized, or more severe and affecting the whole of your cat's body.

What is dandruff?

The most superficial layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis, is composed mainly of a type of cell named keratinocytes, which mature and differentiate in a process called keratinization. This is a normal part of cutaneous (skin) regeneration, in which new cells are formed to replace the old cells that are dying and slough away in a continuous cycle. This cycle usually takes about 21 days in cats.

When there's an imbalance in the skin, this keratinization process occurs more rapidly, and the most superficial skin cells peel off excessively, creating the flakes we commonly refer to as dandruff. This is known as dry seborrhea or seborrhea sicca.

One thing to note is that dandruff and dander are not the same thing: dander is the normal, healthy shedding of skin cells, which can sometimes trigger allergies in humans. Dandruff, on the other hand, is an excessive shedding of skin cells due to an imbalance in the skin.

Most often, dry skin and dandruff manifests as a reaction of the skin to underlying insult. However, there are some cats who may have primary keratinization disorders, which are believed to have an inherited component.

Impaired grooming abilities

There are a number of problems that can impact your cat’s ability to groom itself, which can result in accumulated dandruff. Mobility issues caused by osteoarthritis or excess weight, painful conditions, or other diseases that can cause lethargy can all lead to reduced grooming in cats and consequent accumulation of dandruff.

If you have a senior cat or if your cat is not capable of grooming itself properly, be it because of a health-related issue, or due to temporary limitations (such as having to wear an e-collar, for example), we recommend that you give them a hand in keeping their coat clean.

Cat's environment

There are many environmental factors that can exacerbate skin water loss, dryness, leading to dandruff. Examples include dry winter air and central heating causing low air humidity. Good diet is optimal for skin health, so a poor diet can also lead to dandruff. If you bathe your cat, we recommend to use a shampoo developed for cats as bathing with an inappropriate shampoo can dehydrate skin and lead to dandruff.

Allergies
Even though the main sign of allergies in cats is itchy skin, scratching and overgrooming are likely to follow. Further damage to the skin then occurs, which can manifest as a variety of lesions, including hair loss, excoriations, crusts and rarely greasy brownish flakes around the other lesions.

Skin infections
While skin infections may be seen with dandruff, they are most often observed in cases of oily skin. They are usually the result of an underlying problem that damages the skin’s protective barrier. These secondary infections can be bacterial linked of self-inflicted lesions or yeast-related (Malassezia dermatitis). The underlying problem needs to be identified to prevent from reocurrences.

Nutritional deficiencies
As most commercial cat foods are balanced diets, nutritional deficiencies are more often the result of gastrointestinal problems that may impair nutrient absorption than the quality of the diet itself. However, low-fat foods, usually recommended for weight loss in obese cats, can lead to dry, flaky skin.

Endocrine diseases
Hyperthyroidism and diabetes are the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases that can affect cats. These can cause alterations in the skin’s elasticity and texture, such as thin, dry skin, scaling, dull and matted hair, and hair loss, as well as other systemic signs, which include:

While skin tumors most often manifest as a nodule or ulcerated lesion in cats, neoplastic disease that is not localized on the skin itself can lead to cutaneous lesions, such as dry skin and dandruff, and more often a greasy coat.

Red skin and scaling on the top of the nose or tip of the ears are often seen in cats that enjoy basking in the sun due to UV damage (sunburn). These lesions can then progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant skin neoplasm that is very locally aggressive.

Although rare, autoimmune disease, such as pemphigus (where the cat’s immune system attacks its own skin), can cause dandruff and dry skin in cats.

Primary keratinization disorders

As primary keratinization disorders are inherited, cats are already born with these problems, and dry skin, dandruff and greasy coat tend to manifest early in life, usually within the first 6 months.

For instance, Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthaired cats are known to be predisposed to primary idiopathic seborrhea and dermatitis affecting the face.

If you notice your cat has dandruff and ongoing dry, flaky skin, first think about the air quality and if your cat is a bit overweight. If not and you still notice other signs such as redness, hair loss, without any relationship with environmental conditions, make an appointment to see your veterinarian to establish the cause of the dandruff in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Topical products to help your cat’s skin

When cats’ skin is dry and flaky, it usually means that the skin is fragile and would benefit from hydration. Cleaning, nurturing the skin and restoring the skin cell normal cycle are essential to restore the skin’s health and protective function.

This can be achieved by applying appropriate topical products, such as DOUXO® S3 SEB line. DOUXO® S3 SEB products are specially formulated to help control dandruff and odor by normalizing sebum production while hydrating the skin. Thanks to Ophytrium®, the key ingredient selected for its threefold action, the formulas help support the skin’s physical barrier for supple, hydrated skin, help support the microbial flora for healthy skin, and help soothe irritated skin.

DOUXO® S3 SEB is available as a shampoo and a leave-on mousse. The mousse delivers the same active ingredients as the shampoo, so your cat can enjoy the benefits without the need for a full bath.

Maintain a good grooming regime

Most cats enjoy some quality time with their owners whilst being groomed, and it’s so beneficial for their health, too! Regular brushing distributes the skin’s natural oils evenly across the body, aerates the skin and coat, and removes dead skin particles. It’s a simple yet important way to help your cat if they suffer with dry skin and dandruff.

Feed a good quality diet

Feeding your cat a high quality diet is vital in keeping their skin healthy. Good quality ingredients, including essential fatty acids, all tailored to your cat’s age and health status is key. If you’re not sure what the best diet is for your cat, speak to your veterinarian who will be able to recommend the most appropriate food.

Treatment of the underlying cause

However, as valuable as topical products are in the treatment of dry, flaky skin in cats, it is very important to try and figure out why the skin developed seborrhea in the first place and treat the underlying condition. If your cat’s skin is flaky and dry, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.