Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/12/2005

Question
I have a 1 year old black cat.  He almost always has white flakes on his back.  Obviously they are worse after scratching his back or brushing him.  We have changed his food (now using Wellness to help with skin) and he also received a cortisone shot a month or two ago.  None of this seems to have helped.  We have wondered if bathing him would help or if we should give him a supplement for this problem.  What would you recommend?  Thank you very much for your help.  

Answer
I would suggest using a food supplement with Omega3 fatty acids to help the skin and coat.  YOur vet will have this for you to buy. Try this for 30 days and it should help with the flakiness.  If there is a parasite or a skin infection, there may not be complete resolution.