Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/12/2006

Question
I have two 9 yr old cats Menace & Joy-my adored treasures! They
are both indoor cats & have dry flakes in their fur. What do I do?
They both hate to be brushed, I have to chase after them! At
petco, they suggested a moisture spray that has to be brushed
into the coat. They hate it! I can't reward w/treats, they are both
a little fat.What is causing the flakes? My apt. is dry, but it's
always  been dry! It's very noticeable w/Menace, he's a tiger cat
w/a thick dark brown stripe down the middle of his coat. Joy is a
cute calico grey/white w/spots of light beige, not as noticeable.
What to do?    Bianca  

Answer
The skin flakes off normally, but if these flakes are not removed from the skin, they will show up on the fur.  IF you cannot bathe them or brush them, then let a professional groomer or a vet do that for you.  Cats rarely get skin infections and if they had allergic disease they would be crusty on their skin and very itchy.