Member

Posts: 18
From:New York
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-15-2003 06:35 AM         

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Hi, My boy cat who is 1 years old has bad dandruff in his back, spinal area...close to his tail. It use to be a little bit and now it is a lot worse. Any suggestions on what I can give him to control the dandruff? What do you think is causing it??

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Member

Posts: 20
From:Providence, RI, USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-15-2003 07:28 AM         

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Overweight, poor grooming habits, lack of essential acids in the diet, or even dry air in the home can contribute to dandruff. If they are not on a veterinary-supervised weight management program, I would start there and discuss with your vet the dietary approach. (commercial weight control foods are not ideal for every cat, sometimes adjustments may need to be done, such as type of food, commercial vs prescription, or simply adjusting the feeding amounts, but all must be based on the individual cat's dietary needs, optimal weight prediction, and general health status)
You can also ask your vet about adding Linatone or a fatty acid supplement to the diet for coat condition (ask your vet first please, you don't want to oversupplement a diet without a health check first)
If you think the air in your home might be dry, try using a humidifier. Gas heat and constant heat in winter months will not only affect their coat condition but can cause excess shedding as well (cats generally are less active in winter months anyway, especially when the home is always warm)

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-15-2003 08:07 AM         

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It could actually be the dander from fleas that you are seeing. Try treating him with advantage or frontline.

One of my cats had a dandruff problem, so I started brushing her a lot. Her coat looks great now. I think she just wasn't groooming one spot very well.

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Member

Posts: 18
From:New York
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-15-2003 10:13 AM         

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Yes, I think its hard for him to groom his back bone area, which is leading to the dryness. Also our house is dry and warm. Must be a combo of things. I have cat malt for shedding and coats, so I just started to give that to him. Hoperfully that will work. I see the vet in about 1 month; I will ask then. Thanks for your responses!!

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-15-2003 01:51 PM         

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Just brush him a lot. I kept the brush by the couch so whenever she jumped up to be pet I would brush her. Also I switched them to a food that has fatty acids in it. I also live in a very dry climate, but those two things helped. A recent visitor said that she had the nicest coat out of all my cats.

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 12-15-2003 05:44 PM         

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I have 2 that seem to get dandruff during the colder seasons. I imagine it has alot to do with the climate in my home...it seems to get rather dry in here.

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