Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dry Air Is A Common Cause
Just like human skin, cat skin can dry out when the air around them is dry. This happens most often indoors during winter, when heaters run for hours at a time and pull moisture out of the air. If you notice more flakes during colder months, dry indoor air is often the reason.
Your Cat May Not Be Grooming As Much
Cats are famous self groomers, and their tongue does a lot of the work in keeping their coat clean and oils spread evenly. If a cat grooms less than usual, oils and dead skin can build up instead of spreading through the fur, which shows up as flakes. Older cats and cats carrying extra weight sometimes have a harder time reaching every part of their body during grooming.
Diet Plays A Bigger Role Than You Think
Skin health depends a lot on what your cat eats. A diet low in the right nutrients, especially fatty acids, can leave the skin drier and flakier than normal. If your cat has always had a bit of dandruff, take a look at the ingredient list on their food.
Brushing Less Often Can Add Up
Regular brushing helps spread natural oils through your cat’s coat and removes loose hair and dead skin before it builds up. Cats who are brushed rarely, especially long haired cats, tend to show more visible dandruff than cats who get brushed every week.
A Little Dandruff Is Usually Normal
Seeing a few white flakes now and then is common and not something to worry about. Most cats will have a small amount at some point, especially during dry seasons or if brushing has slipped in your routine.
When It Might Be Something More
If the flakes suddenly increase, come with scratching, redness, or bald patches, or your cat seems uncomfortable, it is worth having them checked out. These signs point to something beyond simple dry skin, and a professional can help figure out what is going on.
Simple Ways To Help At Home
Brushing your cat a few times a week is one of the easiest ways to cut down on dandruff. Running a humidifier during dry months can also help keep their skin from drying out. Making sure your cat stays hydrated and eats a good quality food rounds out the basics.
According to WebMD, small amounts of dandruff are common and often nothing to worry about, though larger amounts are worth having checked. Hill’s Pet also points out that dandruff can show up in cats of any age or breed and is often tied to grooming habits and coat care.
If your cat has also been scratching more than usual, take a look at our guide on why your cat is pulling her hair out, since the two often show up together.
