Noticing little white flakes on your cat's back, especially near the tail? It's probably cat dandruff, and while often not serious, it could indicate your cat's skin isn't as healthy as it could be.
Here, we answer "can cats have dandruff", list feline dandruff causes, how to get rid of it and when you should see a vet.
Can cats have dandruff?
Yes. Cats can get dandruff, and it looks like visible, small flakes on their fur. It doesn't always mean your cat has a health issue.
A small amount is normal, while excessive flaking, especially when combined with hair loss, dryness or skin inflammation, can mean there's something deeper going on.
You'll likely find dandruff on your cat's back, often near the tail base. But you may also see it on your cat's bedding and furniture too.
The difference between dander, dandruff and flea dirt
It's easy to confuse cat dandruff, which is visible skin flakes, and dander, which is microscopic skin particles. All cats have dander, as it's a natural byproduct from shedding dead skin cells. But not all cats have dandruff.
Dandruff and dander both refer to skin shedding. But dandruff is a larger collection of skin cells which form flakes, while dander is just microscopic dead skin cells.
An easy way to tell the difference is that you can see dandruff with your naked eye. It's bigger since it's often the accumulation of dead skin cells due to an underlying issue, like itchy skin. Dander, meanwhile, is tiny; you can't see it and it is the body’s way of shedding old skin cells. You can think of dander as a natural process, while dandruff is often a symptom of a deeper issue.
Pet parents can sometimes confuse dandruff for flea dirt, too. Flea dirt is small black or brown flecks, which are a flea's poop. Flea dirt is found in similar places to cat dandruff so it's easy to mistake them.
But flea dirt isn't a symptom of an issue like dandruff; it's often the cause. It's evidence that your cat has a flea problem, which can lead to symptoms like:
Dandruff
Excessive scratching
Flea allergy dermatitis, known as FAD (flea saliva allergy)
Hair loss
Lethargy and pale gums due to anaemia
Restlessness and irritability
Skin irritation
Visible fleas
Feline dandruff causes
Feline dandruff is a symptom, not a cause. Numerous issues can cause cat skin flaking, which is why you should check your cat for other symptoms and see the vet if you're worried.
Finding and understanding the root cause is essential to stop dandruff. Possible causes include:
Allergies
Allergic reactions to flea saliva, food or the environment often leads to skin issues.
Dry skin due to environmental factors
The problem isn't always with your cat. Environmental factors, like low humidity, can contribute to dry skin and dandruff. Many humans also experience seasonal changes in their skin quality too, with things like central heating playing a part in this.
Excessive grooming (or overgrooming)
It can sound odd, but overgrooming can lead to major skin problems. Excessive grooming irritates the skin, which can lead to flaking and hair loss. Typically, cats do this in response to anxiety, boredom or stress, but it can have medical causes too, like allergies or parasites.
It's important for your vet to rule out underlying medical causes (like allergies or parasites) before diagnosing the issue as behavioural. But still make sure to discuss any changes in your cat's behaviour with your vet.
Impaired grooming habits
Sometimes, dandruff builds up because cats can't groom themselves properly. They may struggle to reach certain areas, like at the back near the tail.
Reasons why their grooming is impaired can include:
Arthritis
Dental problems (stops them licking)
Lack of energy or lethargy
Nutritional deficiencies
Obesity
Pain
Nutrition
A poor quality diet or lack of essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, can affect skin health and cause the build-up of dandruff. Make sure your cat is getting the nutrition they need.
If yours is getting enough nutrition but issues are still happening, see a vet. They may have a problem with absorbing nutrients from food.
Our pet nutrition guide can help.
Parasites or skin infections
Numerous parasites can cause skin issues, like:
Fleas (which can lead to FAD)
Lice
Mites like Cheyletiella (which are transferable between humans and pets) and Demodex
We can see dandruff or crusting due to other infections too, like ringworm (a fungal infection).
Underlying health conditions
Sometimes, seemingly unrelated health conditions can lead to feline dandruff and skin problems. Common underlying conditions that cause dandruff include:
Autoimmune disorders
Hyperthyroidism
Dandruff isn't exclusive to outdoor cats, who you'd expect would face more allergens and hazards. It's why insurance for indoor cats is worth it - they still face risks.
How to get rid of cat dandruff
Addressing dandruff isn't usually solved with one solution. You'll need a multi-faceted approach, with a mix of at-home care and veterinary guidance.
Most treatment plans will involve:
Bathing
Very occasionally, a vet will prescribe cat-safe shampoos to bathe your cat with. Never use human shampoos or cleaning products on cats.
Dietary changes and supplementation
A vet may recommend dietary changes to reduce dandruff. This can range from a brand new diet to supplementation with omega-3s and 6s.
Never use human supplements on cats unless a vet has approved them.
If a food allergy is causing the skin issues, then a vet will discuss a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet with you.
Environment changes
If the environment is a problem, you may need to change things, like adding a humidifier, eliminating potential allergens or making sure your cat has quiet areas to groom undisturbed.
Regular grooming
Brushing your cat to remove loose fur and distribute their natural oils can reduce dandruff.
You may need a professional grooming service in some cases, especially if your cat has health or mobility issues that stops them from grooming.
Our guides on cat grooming tips for the summer can help here.
When to consult a vet
It's essential to see a vet if you notice any of these signs:
A greasy coat
Excessive scratching
Lethargy
Notable shifts in grooming habits
Parasite symptoms
Severe redness, scabs or soreness
Significant activity level changes
Unpleasant odour
What to expect at the vet (diagnostic procedures)
A vet may use a mix of diagnostic tools depending on symptoms, like:
Allergy tests
Blood work to check for underlying issues such as hyperthyroidism
Biopsy (for complex cases only)
Fungal culture
Physical examination
Skin scrapings
Wood's lamp evaluation
Then once they've formed a diagnosis, they'll likely recommend treatment. This can be a mix of dietary trials, lifestyle changes and/or medication.
How cat insurance helps
Cat dandruff is usually manageable, and it tends to go away with just a few small changes. Small amounts may even resolve without intervention. But if your cat has persistent or severe dandruff you must get them checked out. It isn't nice for them, and it is their body's way of saying "Hey! Something's up".
Preventative measures, like good nutrition, regular grooming and the right environment help. Always chat with your vet if you're worried.
Thankfully, cat insurance is there to help you with the unexpected. We have up to £20,000 vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, plus all of our plans have 24/7 video vet access.
That means you can chat with a vet about issues like feline dandruff whenever and wherever your kitty needs.