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My cat has dandruff. How to stop him running out & counter surfing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 10.13 lbs

Hello my cat was born in my bedroom and I've had him since birth but I just noticed he has dandruff and was wondering if it was normal and how to help it? Also I have some behavioral problems he keeps trying to run outside and also will eat table food off of the counters he ripped open a package of chicken while we ran down to get the other half of the groceries and it was on the counter in a bag? How can I fix these behaviors a water bottle doesn't work he loves the water

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 29th, 2017

Hello, to help dandruff, make sure you are feeding Batman the best quality food you can afford. A little dandruff can be very normal, so as long as he is not especially itchy, I would not be too concerned. If he is itchy, then have him checked over to make sure this is not a mite infestation.
Not running outside is a tough one. Once he has spent some time outdoors, it is difficult to convince them to stay indoors. Perhaps you can build a small enclosure that he can spend time outdoors without going too far & getting into trouble.
Make sure no food is ever left on the counters. If water does not bother him, then try an empty aluminum soda can with a penny within. The noise should startle him & hopefully keep him off.
Take care.
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