Home Remedies for Your Cat's Dry, Itchy Skin

So your cat is scratching again? Poor thing! You do what any kind caring cat owner would do. The best flea treatment Frontline Plus is too expensive for your pocketbook; you do the next best thing. You run water in your bathtub and give your cat a flea bath. Poor thing! After the cat has been bathed, and your hand is bandaged from all the scratches, you proceed to take the flea comb and get all the nasty parasites from its body. You are confused; you cannot find one single flea. Plus your cat is scratching again. Could it be that your cat has dry itchy skin?

What causes your cat to have dry itchy skin? First, believe it or not, cats get dandruff just like humans. Well, the above scenario is not always hazardous to your health. I do give my cats flea baths when I cannot afford the Frontline. Since I am forgetful when I go to the pet store, I forget to pick up shampoo. For their flea baths, I use Heads and Shoulders. It is convenient since my family uses this when we take showers.

Speaking of fleas, they are a cause of dry itchy skin, even if you successfully remove every one. They and other parasites cause a skin infection called walking dandruff.

If your cat goes outside, especially in the summer, he can get sunburn. Parts of his body that has sparse hair can get overexposed to the sun. This also causes your cat's skin to itch.

Only give your cat a bath if it is absolutely necessary. Since they are constantly washing themselves, they are cleaner than you can imagine. However, if you decide that it is in your best interest to give your cat a bath, make sure that you rinse him thoroughly. If your cat has any shampoo left on his fur, dandruff will build up. However, before you give your cat a bath, consider these home remedies.

Help groom your cat on a daily basis. Buy a cat brush from a pet store. When you brush your cat, you are removing loose hair and dandruff. A domestic short hair cat may be easier to brush than a Persian. When you have a longer haired cat, you will have to lift his upper coat and brush the lower coat first. This way you are brushing close to the skin.

Another remedy is to put some baby oil on your hands. Massage your hands through your cat's fur. Make sure you get close to the skin. Baby oil does wonders on itchy skin.

Check out what your cat is eating. He needs oil in his food to have a healthy skin and coat. Look for food that is high in protein and fatty acids. If you prefer to give your cat dry food, mix a raw egg yolk in with the food. Another option is to add a tablespoon of olive oil with his food. Not only will this help your cat's skin, he will be licking his lips at this treatment.

Cats are a part of many family's lives. To some, a cat is like a son or daughter. What do you want most for your cat? The answer is for him to live a healthy life.

Reference:
Cat owner for over ten years