why does my cat have course hair and dry skin down her spine

Skin problems like dermatitis or scabies

, the latter caused by mites which burrow into the skin. This rough fur can be accompanied by dandruff, alopecia (hair loss), dry skin and even wounds opening up where the skin breaks. There are also many systemic diseases which can lead to our cat's developing a poor coat and rough fur.

Full Answer

Why does my cat have dry skin on his back?

Dehydration is a common cause of dry skin on a cat’s back. Cats are descended from desert-dwelling wild animals. This means that cats naturally retain water comparatively well. Unfortunately, this means that cats rarely drink enough water. The cat’s body will react to this lack of water by creating more oil to compensate.

Why is my cat losing hair on his legs?

This is called Flea Allergy Dermatitis and is one of the most common reasons for hair loss in cats. Cats with this issue can be so allergic that a single flea bite can make them itch and have hair loss for weeks even though you never saw any fleas on them.

Why does my cat keep scratching her skin?

Cat Skin Problems If your cat's dignified poses have given way to constant scratching and licking, a skin problem may be to blame. Cats are susceptible to skin infections, parasites, allergies, and many other conditions commonly seen in people. WebMD has compiled images of some of the most common feline skin problems.

Why does my cat have dandruff on his back?

Dandruff in cats is usually linked to dry skin. When a cat’s skin dries out, it’ll start to flake and fall off. Often, cats have dry skin on their back, near the tail. Feline dandruff is most noticeable in cats with black fur. It can impact cats of any color, but the contrast of white skin flakes against dark fur makes the problem more noticeable.

Why does my cat have dandruff at the base of her tail?

“The causes of dandruff in cats can range from relatively simple—such as obesity that limits a cat's ability to groom, allergies, or the build-up of the undercoat—to more serious issues—such as fleas or a skin infection—to very serious issues—such as cancers like cutaneous lymphoma,” Teller said.

Why does my cat have a crusty back?

Fleas, mites, and lice are by far the most common cause of scabs on your cat. Regardless of whether your cat is allergic to bug bites, fleas and other blood-sucking pests can lead to scabbing and bleeding after they bite your pet. If you notice scabs on your cat, immediately check your cat for any type of parasite.

How do you get rid of dandruff on a cat's back?

How Can I Help Get Rid of My Cat's Dandruff?Feed your cat a nutritious diet. Make sure the food you feed your cat is formulated for skin health. ... Groom your cat with a brush or comb. ... Try a special shampoo. ... Help your cat maintain a healthy weight. ... Keep your cat hydrated. ... Use a humidifier at home.

Why is my cat's fur coarse?

A coarse coat can develop due to the skin itself having a problem. Skin problems like dermatitis or scabies, the latter caused by mites which burrow into the skin. This rough fur can be accompanied by dandruff, alopecia (hair loss), dry skin and even wounds opening up where the skin breaks.

What does miliary dermatitis look like on cats?

What are the symptoms of feline miliary dermatitis? Red, crusty bumps, especially around the head, neck, and back, often with intense itching. Hair loss. Scratching.

What parasite causes cat dandruff?

Cheyletiellosis, also called walking dandruff, is a highly contagious skin disease of cats caused by Cheyletiella mites. These mites can also infect dogs and rabbits. These large mites cause excessive flaking of the skin, or dandruff, and their movement on the top layer of skin gives the disease its distinctive name.

Why does my cat has greasy fur and dandruff?

Greasy skin and dandruff can be caused by the cat being too obese to groom herself properly, or because she has arthritis or an injury that makes it painful to do so. They can be caused by parasites or even ringworm, or they can be a sign of feline hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of thyroid hormone.

Does my cat have dandruff or flea eggs?

But flea eggs are smooth and oval-shaped, and usually don't tend to accumulate on cats (flea eggs typically fall off within a few hours). Dandruff, on the other hand, tends to stick to and stay in the hair. So if you're seeing white flakes on your cat, it's most likely dandruff.

Should I worry about my cats dandruff?

In most cases, cat dandruff is harmless. However, if you notice a concerning amount of flaking skin and/or other alarming symptoms, you should have the condition checked out by your vet. Some common reasons for cat dandruff include: Poor diet: Cats need enough fat in their diet for healthy skin and fur.

Why is my cat's fur looking scruffy?

Lots of things can cause kitty's coat to be dull, or its skin to be dry and flaky. A few of the most common causes include: Poor nutrition. For healthy hair, skin, and body, your cat needs a diet with a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, just like you do.

Why is my cat's fur dry and matted?

So matting of the fur may be your first indicator that your pet is anemic, isn't breathing well, has kidney failure, is diabetic, has heart disease or even cancer. It is your cat's way of showing you he/she isn't feeling well. Stress will also influence grooming habits.

Why does my cat's fur look dirty?

Key Takeaways. Loss of fur in cats can be due to anxiety, stress, infection, hyperthyroidism, allergies, ringworm, mange, and more. Hyperthyroidism, seborrhea and diabetes mellitus can cause a cat to have oily fur. Cat dandruff may be caused by skin mites, ringworm, diabetes mellitus, seborrhea and dry air.