If you spot that your cat’s coat is covered with dandruff, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. As well as being a sign of an allergy, dandruff can also be an indicator of environmental stressors. It’s not only unsightly, but dandruff can also make your cat’s skin feel sore and uncomfortable.
Figuring out what’s causing your cat’s dandruff is essential. Sometimes, you can solve the problem at home; other times, you may need to bring in your veterinarian as well. Either way, treating your cat’s dandruff will make them feel more comfortable and happier.
We’ve rounded up eight natural home remedies that you can try to see if they help relieve your cat of this scratchy issue. 
1. Bathe your cat
If you have hypoallergenic cat shampoo at home, that’s a good option that will help soothe and moisturize your cat’s skin, reducing their dandruff. You can also make an easy DIY oatmeal shampoo for your cat using ingredients that you’ve probably got in your house already!
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of organic oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap (do not substitute for other brands)
If your oatmeal is coarse, it’s best to grind it to a finer powder using your blender. Then mix the above ingredients with 4 cups of warm water. Apply this mixture to your cat’s coat, working it down to their skin with your fingers. Allow it to sit for up to five minutes — if your cat will accept this! Placing lickable cat treats on the side of the bath is a great way to distract some cats from the fact that they’re covered in oatmeal!
Oatmeal will help moisturize and soothe your cat’s skin while avoiding the use of harsh shampoos that can cause further outbreaks.
2. Groom your cat
Regularly brushing your cat’s coat can help improve blood circulation across their skin, as well as spreading the natural oils throughout their coat. This can help moisturize their coat as well, decreasing the likelihood of your cat’s dandruff reoccurring.
3. Encourage your cat to drink more water
Cats often don’t drink enough water, so their dandruff can be a sign that they’re dehydrated. Many cats don’t like drinking from still water sources, like a bowl. Cat water fountains are a great way to encourage your sensitive kitty to drink more, but you can also collect rainwater and place it in a small dish for your cats, as many of them prefer the taste to tap water!
4. Consider changing your cat’s food
Some skin conditions like dandruff can be linked to a food allergy. You might want to try changing your cat’s food to a limited-ingredient diet to try and rule out food allergies. This is one remedy that you’ll probably need to bring your veterinarian on board for. They can help advise you which foods could be triggering an allergic reaction in your cat, as well as which foods to switch to remedy the situation.
5. Add an omega-3 supplement
Dry skin is one of the main culprits when it comes to dandruff in cats. Improving the condition of your cat’s skin from the inside out can solve their dandruff woes.
Your cat may simply not be getting enough fatty acids in their diet to keep their skin in the best condition.
6. Use a humidifier
If you live in a dry climate, then this can dry out your cat’s skin, increasing the risk of them developing dandruff. Using a home humidifier to raise the level of moisture in the air will help your cat, and you, feel more comfortable!
7. Check for fleas and parasites
If your cat has picked up fleas or other parasites, they can start to develop skin irritations and even develop an allergic reaction to the bites from these pesky little critters. If your cat is scratching their skin frequently, it can make dermatitis and dandruff worse.
If you have flea remedies at home, you can treat your cat after checking them over to confirm that you can see fleas. You might want to speak to your veterinarian if you suspect another type of parasite or if you need to stock up on flea treatments.
8. Moisturize your cat’s skin
If you have coconut oil at home, this can make a wonderful moisturizer to help soothe any dry and scurfy patches on your cat’s coat. Simply rub a little oil onto their skin, and let it work its magic. You might need to keep an eye on your cat to make sure they don’t lick it all off. Coconut oil does have antimicrobial properties and can be safely fed to cats, though, so you don’t need to worry too much!
Wrapping it up
Home remedies can be used to help your cat suffering from dandruff. Sometimes, solving the problem will be a simple fix, like adding more water to your cat’s diet or using a humidifier.
Other times, you might need to invest a bit more time and money into changing their feed or treating them for parasites. Either way, your cat will thank you when their dandruff disappears, and they start to feel more comfortable again!
Featured Image Credit: photong, Shutterstock
