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My cat is losing fur and has dandruff near his tail. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

My cat is losing hair near his rear end. There is also white specks in that area (dandruff?). Please help.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2020

The hairloss and dandruff on Bam Bam could be several things including fleas, allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection or endocrine disease. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not 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. You can check/treat for fleas. Also protect the area from trauma by having your kitty wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the hair loss and dandruff do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have him examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 30th, 2017
I would recommend the Duoxo shampoo (seborrhea if it is dry flaky skin, available online) and pet formulated fish oils from your local pet store. The shampoo will help exfoliate her follicles and the fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory. Ask your local sales rep to point you towards what options they have as far as fish oils go. They are all pretty much equivocal.

I would also consider having her thyroid levels tested and baseline bloodwork analysis done to ensure there are no underlying causes for her unhealthy appearing haircoat. Best wishes with managing The Messaiahs skin.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 5th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a skin infection. You can try to use an anti-microbial shampoo to bathe her to see if there is improvement. You may find this online or at your local pet store. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 27th, 2017
It looks like your question got cut off. I would have your vet check out Mandee's skin and fur when you get them examined next week. Dry skin, dandruff, and hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor nutrition, endocrine disease (such as hyperthyroidism), decreased grooming behavior, bacterial or fungal infections, stress, etc. I would not continue the Argon Oil, since I am not sure that it would be safe if she ingested it while grooming and could skew the exam findings by the vet. You could start her on fish oils or a salmon-based cat food that has increased fatty acids in it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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