Expert: Tomay - 1/26/2005

Question
My cat has uncontrolable dandruff, worse in the winter than the
summer. I have had her to the vet numerous times, and they
give me this oil to put on her food. It lasts for a little under a
month and costs $35 per bottle, which is becoming very
expendive. she will not eat wet food if i try to give her that, the
only think other than her regular dry food she will eat is tuna
water. (which is great if i'm in the mood for tuna salad) Because
of the dryness of her skin (i assume) she creates a whole lot of
static electricity which is also a pain when trying to brush her or
even pet her. do you have any suggestions on why her skin does
this or how i should go about trying to get the dandruff and
static under control?  

Answer
Hi Randl,
Thank you for your inquiry.  Sounds like this kitty needs a change in diet.  I have a domestic short hair who was dandruffy as well.  I found that switching his diet to Precise cat food (found at better pet shops) made a tremendous difference.  It is a food specifically formulated for skin and coat.  While it may seem that the food costs a bit more than others,  you will find that the cat will eat less, as more nutrients are absorbed into her system, and less goes to the litter box.  So it's actually pretty cost effecient in the long run.  They also make a wet food, and it is very important to give ONLY Precise dry and wet.  Mixing other things in may hinder the good things this diet can do. This is just my personal favorite.  There are many premium foods available that  won't require additives such as oil.  It may be a good idea to set an appointment with a groomer who works with cats, and have your kitty bathed and thoroughly brushed.  That will help immediatly.  Also request either cactus shampoo or an oatmeal type.  These are very good treatments for flaky skin.  To cut down on that winter static problem, try occasionally running a fabric dryer sheet over her.  Helps alot with my own kitties.  Winter is usually worse as the air is dryer from heat.
Hope this has been helpful.
Thank you again for your inquiry,
Tomay