Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this in the appropriate grooming section, but notice there is little activity over there.. thought I may have better luck here.

Oooooooh kay. So, my 12 year old short hair tiger cat, Rascal, is developing some pretty nasty dandruff that seems to be only getting worse. I'm heading out to buy some oil to start putting in his food.. Tried "Shed-x" before, didn't seem to do a whole lot. Going to see what the store offers.

Anyway, I would love to bathe him, but the few times I've tried I just ended up with about 300 scratches, a sore back and an angry, bitter kitty. I've tried that waterless foam shampoo but that really doesn't seem to do anything for his coat, either. Its getting to the point that when I brush him, it snows like Denver... yuck.

I'm frustrated! I know dandruff can be a sign of illness -- we took him to the vet for other issues he's been having just recently (although the dandruff has been present for years -- its just getting really bad lately) and he may be diabetic. They need to do more tests.

Can anyone give me advice? His dandruff is just getting terribly bad and I'm at an impass. Thanks for any advice I can be given!!

It sounds like you are working with your vet to find the problem and you are awaiting the results. Have you asked your vet how to treat the dandruff?

I know as my boys have gotten older (they're 16 now) their fur has gotten much drier. The consistency of their fur has changed. I think this is common. They don't have excessive dandruff like it seems you are facing.

I would rule out medical problems first and not use any over the counter remedies without clearing with the vet.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

My vet told me to brush daily. It helps bring out the natural oils in the cat's fur/skin.
Of course brushing daily can be a task if the cat doesn't want to be brushed.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Gabby and Tucker