Your vet can quickly tell if Cheyletiella is a problem by knocking samples of dander onto a microscope slide for examination under high magnification. If the mite is identified then your cat needs treatment with a product containing fipronil. This treatment is generally given every other night, with 3 treatments minimum, in order to kill the mite and resolve the apparent dandruff. [2] X Research source Parasitic mites of dogs and cats. Foley. Comp Cont Ed Prac Vet 13.
If this is the case then you should groom the cat daily until the cat is able to do it itself. If your cat is not grooming itself because it can’t reach areas due to its weight, consider putting it on a diet. A leaner cat should be able to more effectively clean itself. A sore mouth can also stop the cat from grooming, and can also impact on its ability to eat. In these circumstances veterinary attention is essential, to extract loose teeth, clean away tartar, and give antibiotics against gum infection.
Drier winter months can also be a source of flaky skin, even if there’s less of a risk of sunburn.
However, expect the dandruff to initially get worse in the first 3 - 4 weeks. You will loosen up sloughed skin cells that are then shed into the coat. Always brush gently and stop right away if you notice irritated skin or signs of pain.
Bathing the cat more often can strip the essential oils from its skin, leaving it dried-out and flaky. Bathing the cat is mainly of benefit to you (rather than the cat) if you are allergic to cat dander, as it will temporarily wash it away. If you decide to bathe the cat then use a moisturizing shampoo, such as one containing oatmeal, and avoid human shampoos, which are too harsh and will strip out natural oils.
To prevent this make sure to feed a good quality food that lists a named meat as the main ingredient. Also make sure it is stored appropriately and away from extremes of temperature, which could degrade the vital fatty acids.
Around 75 mg / kg a day is the advised dose, which means giving an average 4 - 5 kg cat around 300- 450 mg a day. [4] X Research source Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Bauer. J Am Vet Med Association 239 (11)
Change its bowl frequently to ensure it always has good water to drink. It’s also a good idea to wash the water bowl from time to time to kill any bacteria in it.
