What can I do for my cat's extremely dry skin? She has terrible dandruff.?

Generally that's corrected with a better diet. Cats were created by Nature to eat meat - they need a diet high in fat and protein for optimal health, and to support a healthy skin and coat. If you're feeding a dry food from the grocery store, there isn't enough meat and fat in there to support a healthy coat. Try switching her to a better quality food - one with real meat and no corn - and you'll see a big difference in about a month.

Go to the pet store, and actually read the ingredients of what is in the food. Don't be taken in by clever packaging or advertising - what matters is what is *in* the package, not what it claims to be. If the food contains corn - put it back. If the food contains by-products - put it back. You want real meat, and no corn. This will ensure that it has the fat and protein levels your cat needs, and from a quality source (meat) that she can digest.

Occasionally, cats that are on a restricted fat diet will develop dry, flaky skin. There are also some parasitic skin disorders such as Cheyletiella (known as “walking dandruff”) that can cause the coat to appear flaky and dry. In addition, I’ve noticed an increase in these cases during the winter months when the air becomes drier than normal. If obesity is the problem, put your cat on an appropriate weight-loss program. You should have your veterinarian evaluate the skin and coat and make sure there isn’t a parasitic problem. I’ve had great success treating these cats with a fatty acid supplement that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It may take four to six weeks to see any change, but usually after that the coat looks wonderful and there are minimal flakes.

Use fish oil or any other omega 3 supplements . Squeeze the tablets or spread the fish oil on the paws as it will lick it . Most cats don't like to eat with the food

While extremely dry skin may be the result of a dietary insufficiency, it also can be a sign of a medical problem. A cat might have very dry skin if they are not grooming themselves very well, a common problem in a cat that is overweight. They can have dry skin if they have a food intolerance or allergy. Before adding in any supplements, it would be a good idea to have a physical examination at the veterinarians to assess the problem. Once that is done, proper treatment can begin.

hahaha i love the answer above!

Yeah ring your vet, they give advice for free over the phone and if it's just dry skin they probably wont call you in.

My vet suggested fish oil tablets to help with the same problem. Do not use mineral oil (baby oil) as this is toxic to cats.

Ask the vet.