What causes cat (and how to get rid of) cat dandruff?

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.

Top-quality cat insurance

Purr. Pounce. Ouch.

We protect your cat from any unexpected accidents - even if they always land on their feet.

Protect your pet

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

• Diabetes

• 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

• Hair loss

• 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.

Top-quality pet insurance

Squeaky-clean pet insurance

Our cover helps your pet with accidents and illnesses with no nasty surprises, like hidden fees and annual payout limits.

Protect your pet