Yes, cats can get dandruff, and it is actually fairly common.
What cat dandruff looks like
Cat dandruff shows up as visible white or gray flakes on the fur or skin, often most noticeable on the back or near the base of the tail. It may come with other signs like dry or oily skin, mild itchiness, or a coat that looks a bit dull or unkempt.
Common causes
Cat dandruff usually means something is irritating or affecting the skin rather than just normal shedding. Some frequent causes include:
- Dry skin from low humidity or mild dehydration.
- Allergies (food, fleas, pollen, dust, or contact with cleaners or fabrics).
- Poor grooming, especially in older, arthritic, or overweight cats that cannot reach all areas.
- Parasites such as fleas or certain mites (including “walking dandruff”).
- Skin infections (bacterial or fungal, like ringworm) or other underlying illnesses like hormone or metabolic disease.
Dandruff vs. normal dander
All cats produce microscopic skin flakes called dander, which is normal and usually not visible. Dandruff, by contrast, is made of larger clumps of dead skin cells that you can easily see and usually indicates a skin or health imbalance that may need attention.
What you can do at home
For mild dandruff in an otherwise normal-acting cat, you can:
- Make sure fresh water is always available and consider adding more wet food to support hydration.
- Use a gentle brush regularly to help remove loose flakes and distribute skin oils, if your cat tolerates grooming.
- Keep the home air from getting too dry (for example, with a humidifier in winter).
When to see a vet
A veterinary visit is important if you notice:
- Persistent or worsening dandruff, obvious itching, hair loss, redness, sores, or scabs.
- Other changes such as increased drinking, weight change, lethargy, limping, or reduced grooming.
A vet can check for parasites, infections, allergies, or medical conditions and recommend specific treatments such as parasite control, medicated shampoos, dietary changes, or other medications.
