Despite their independence and self-cleaning ability, we know that domestic cats are susceptible to numerous disorders - not only internal but also on their fur and scalp. However, on many occasions these skin conditions are not serious and can be treated in a natural way. This option is increasingly attracting more interest in cat owners.
Did you know that, just like humans, your cat can have dandruff? You can combat this problem in a simple way, so in this AnimalWised article, we will talk about home remedies for dandruff in cats.
Dandruff in cats and natural treatment
Dandruff in cats is a condition that is located on the scalp and gives the impression that the skin is flaking. However, the white dots we can observe are actually dead cells that are accumulating.
As with humans, the dermal cells of cats undergo a periodic regeneration process, which can be altered for different reasons and result in an accumulation of dead cells that cannot be released properly. The main problem that this presents is the itching the cat can suffer. This, in turn, can lead to excessive scratching and can cause wounds. Therefore, while we are not facing a serious problem, we must give the necessary attention.
Home remedies to treat dandruff that we can apply will be aimed at soothing the itchiness of the skin and favor a cycle of proper cell regeneration. However, you should know that dandruff in cats can be masking other skin conditions. So, we recommend you go to the veterinarian to rule out the presence of them.
Photograph by fleascience.com
Nutritional supplement: Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are popularly known as healthy fats , since they have numerous beneficial effects, not only on the human body, but also on our pets. In this case, a nutritional supplement of omega 3 will act mainly in two ways:
- It has a very beneficial effect on the health of the scalp and the fur, generally improving the condition of the skin and its structures.
- Omega 3 is a powerful anti-inflammatory , so if it has been itchy and scratched the skin will be inflamed and this symptom will be relieved when applying this remedy.
We recommend that before you resort to a nutritional supplement you supervise the feeding of your cat, since they can obtain this substance in an even more natural way, through olive oil and oily fish. For more information, do not miss our article with all the benefits of olive oil for cats.
Aloe vera, the best remedy for dandruff in cats
The effects of aloe vera on the cat's skin are simply amazing. In fact, the pulp extracted from this cactus contains numerous active principles, all of them studied and related to the therapeutic effects of this plant.
Aloe vera will promote proper cell regeneration, but it will also relieve the itching by its refreshing effect and will decrease the inflammation that your cat may have caused through excessive scratching.
The best way to apply it is by extracting the pulp directly from a plant stem. If you do not have this possibility you should opt for a pure aloe vera gel suitable for topical application on humans.
Good hygiene to treat and prevent dandruff in cats
Cats take great care of their hygiene, so veterinarians do not recommend that they be bathed regularly, but only when strictly necessary. If you bathe your cat too often or if you do not use the right products, you can cause dandruff or worsen it, if it already exists. You can find all the information you need in our article: "Is it bad to bathe cats? ".
A hygiene product specifically designed for cats will help prevent this condition of the skin, and if it has already occurred, a specific product for the scalp may be the solution. However, this should be used in a complementary way and applied only once, since regular bathing is not a good method to treat this disorder.
What should be done frequently is brushing their coat. This will help eliminate dead cells and improve blood circulation and thereby cell regeneration. However, a metal bristle brush is not recommended as it may cause more swelling, a soft brush with soft bristles is ideal.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies for Dandruff in Cats, we recommend you visit our Home Remedies category.