My cat has flaky skin on her tail. What causes it and how to treat?

I suggest you use essential 6 supplement topically (it is spot-on) and an oral supplement like Wellactin. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=119092 https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=101959 Cats do not take to bathing well. What you can do is use a leave on mousse that is for seborrhea (dandruff). You can use it twice a week until the dandruff decreases and then you can go to once a week. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=117952

Cats can develop scaling of their skin or dandruff for a number of reasons, which can be the result of a host of reasons. Some of these can include parasitic infections (including lice or mites), fungal infections, allergies, hormonal disorders, or nutritional imbalances, among many others. The only way to definitively diagnose the cause of dry skin is by starting with a trip to the veterinarian. After a physical exam, diagnostic testing may be needed depending on a cat’s concurrent clinical signs. These tests may include skin cytology, skin scrapes, fungal cultures or blood tests. In some cases, a simple diet change to a high quality balanced diet may remedy the problem.

This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Luna regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

Poor Snickett! Those spots on Snickett could be several things including allergies to fleas, something in the environment or food. Thyroid disease can also cause skin problems. I recommend for him to be examined by his veterinarian as they will likely prescribe treatment since it's all down his back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they are unlikely to address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It looks like Lil'l Striped has dry skin. Make sure he is up to date on his flea treatments, and I can give you one if he isn't up to date on them. You can also give him fished based food, which has omega 3 fatty acids that help with dry skin. There are supplements for cats available online that contain omega 3 fatty acids, and you can try supplement his diet with one of those. Dose him according to the package instructions. I would also have him seen by a vet for a health check. Dry skin in cats can be caused by medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, heart problems kidney disease, and diabetes. He should get a geriatric blood test, physical exam, and urinalysis just to make sure he is healthy. If a medical condition is found, the vet can prescribe treatment for it. I would have him seen by a vet tomorrow. Flea treatment: First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps :-)

Those spots on your kitty could be just dry skin causing itching bad enough to lose hair (do know that dry skin alone should not cause hair loss) but there are several things including fleas, allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection or endocrine disease which could also look the same way. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. That's great that you are using an omega 3 fatty acid supplement this can help improve the skin health. Make sure it is a formula for pets (better absorption) and you may need to squirt it directly in his mouth. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having your kitty wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the skin does not start improving within 2-3 weeks or if it is getting worse, have him examined by the veterinarian to look for other causes. Unfortunately, lotions and sprays don;t tend to moisturize as well as supplements and diet. There are some moisturizing sprays and your cat will need to wear an elizabethan collar at all times because otherwise he will lick the product. Moisturizing shampoos and conditions for pets are also an option but not all cats enjoy baths and may bite and scratch their owners. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

A flea allergy often causes irritation at the tail base or top of the tail. It could be some other cause of inflammation as well, but I would recommend that you start her on a good monthly flea product if she's not already on something. You can try a product such this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone. Also, put an e-collar on her to prevent her from licking at it; and if its not improving within a few days, arrange for her to see a vet. You may be able to find a house call vet or mobile vet in your area who would come to your home, this may make it easier for you both. Thanks for asking PetCoach!