Better Cat Grooming
Flake-Free Felines: Tips for Managing Dandruff in Cats
by Lynn Paolillo
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as spending an hour bathing, blow-drying and brushing a cat only to find the coat still speckled with flakes. Dandruff in cats is a common challenge in the grooming salon, but contrary to what pet owners—or even some grooming resources—suggest, this isn’t a case of “dry skin.”

The dandruff we see on cats is made up of oily, dead skin cells. It’s not flakiness from a lack of moisture or winter air. It’s a direct result of a lack of regular bathing. And unless there’s a more serious health issue involved, most of the time the solution is simple: routine, professional grooming.

What Dandruff Really Is (and Isn’t)
Let’s clear something up for good: cat skin doesn’t get “dry” in the way we might think of it on dogs or humans. When flakes appear on a cat’s coat—especially in the lower back, flanks or base of the tail—they’re typically embedded in an oily buildup that’s been accumulating for weeks or months. That greasy coating traps dead skin cells and loose dander against the body. Without regular degreasing, that buildup becomes visible, and often feels grimy or sticky to the touch.

Cats who haven’t been bathed in months (or ever) are the most common culprits, especially if they’re overweight or long-haired. Their self-grooming isn’t enough to manage the sebum production from their skin, and the result is that telltale snowstorm of oily flakes when you start blow-drying the coat.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as spending an hour bathing, blow-drying and brushing a cat only to find the coat still speckled with flakes. Dandruff in cats is a common challenge in the grooming salon, but contrary to what pet owners—or even some grooming resources—suggest, this isn’t a case of “dry skin.”
The dandruff we see on cats is made up of oily, dead skin cells. It’s not flakiness from a lack of moisture or winter air. It’s a direct result of a lack of regular bathing. And unless there’s a more serious health issue involved, most of the time the solution is simple: routine, professional grooming.
What Dandruff Really Is (and Isn’t)
Let’s clear something up for good: cat skin doesn’t get “dry” in the way we might think of it on dogs or humans. When flakes appear on a cat’s coat—especially in the lower back, flanks or base of the tail—they’re typically embedded in an oily buildup that’s been accumulating for weeks or months. That greasy coating traps dead skin cells and loose dander against the body. Without regular degreasing, that buildup becomes visible, and often feels grimy or sticky to the touch.

Cats who haven’t been bathed in months (or ever) are the most common culprits, especially if they’re overweight or long-haired. Their self-grooming isn’t enough to manage the sebum production from their skin, and the result is that telltale snowstorm of oily flakes when you start blow-drying the coat.

In some cases, persistent dandruff can signal an underlying health concern, like diabetes, arthritis or thyroid disease. These cats typically present with additional red flags, which can include thinning or clumpy coat, poor muscle tone, signs of discomfort, or sudden changes in grooming behavior. When you notice any of these signs in a cat, you should suggest the owner consult a veterinarian. But for the vast majority of cats who come in looking like they rolled in powdered sugar? The root cause is simply a lack of proper, routine bathing.

Step-by-Step: Getting Rid of the Flakes

If a flaky feline shows up on your grooming table, here’s how to tackle it head-on with a grooming routine that addresses oil buildup, exfoliates the skin and finishes with a flake-free polish:

  1. Start with a Degreaser on a Dry Coat. Before the cat ever touches water, go in with a spot application of degreaser on a dry coat in those super-oily areas. This can include along the spine, flanks and at the base of the tail. Work it into the coat using your fingertips (not nails!) to make sure it gets to the skin, not just the outer coat. Let the product sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This gives it time to break down that waxy buildup and start loosening the clumped-up skin cells.
  2. Gently Exfoliate During the First Shampoo. After rinsing out the degreaser, follow up with a cleansing or clarifying cat shampoo that will help exfoliate without irritating the skin. I like using a scrubbing glove or a bar shampoo in a net bag that allows me to lather up and work product into the skin. Again, it’s all about gentle pressure—just enough to lift debris and dead skin, not enough to cause redness or discomfort. This round of shampoo should be your deep clean. Focus on scrubbing the areas that had visible flakes, and be sure to rinse extremely well to avoid residue.
  3. Follow with a Medicated Shampoo. Now that you’ve degreased and exfoliated, the skin can benefit from something soothing and therapeutic. A medicated shampoo formulated with chlorhexidine or antifungal agents can help rebalance the skin, particularly if you see irritation or excessive flakiness that looks beyond routine buildup. The medicated shampoo doesn’t have to go everywhere, just focus it on the areas with excess flakes or any irritation. Let the shampoo sit on the coat for a few minutes before rinsing. This is not only helpful for any mild skin imbalances, but also gives you a solid third round of cleansing to make sure those oils and flakes are truly gone. And be sure to rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
  4. Use the Right Drying Nozzle. Drying technique matters here. For dandruff-prone cats, I recommend using a water-peeler-style nozzle that gives a powerful blast of air without being overwhelming. These help you push water and loosened flakes out of the coat efficiently. They also give you more control when drying near sensitive areas like hips, thighs and underarms. I avoid using cone-style nozzles on cats, as the pressure and noise can be a bit much for them. Also remember to wear eye protection and a mask to cover your nose and mouth during blow-drying.
  5. Finish with a Boar Bristle Brush During Final Dry. Once the coat is completely dry, I go in with a soft boar bristle brush. These brushes aren’t good for detangling or styling, but they’re perfect for gently sweeping through dry fur and lifting stubborn flakes that may still be clinging on. Pair this brushing with continued low-speed airflow and you’ll be amazed at how much cleaner and smoother the coat looks—even on the flakiest cats.
Educating Pet Owners: The Importance of Bathing Frequency
The final step is arguably the most important: setting clear expectations with the cat’s owner. If this is a cat’s first professional groom in over a year, it’s not realistic to expect one bath to magically fix everything. Some cats will need a few appointments before their coat and skin fully rebalance. Others might require a grooming schedule of every four to six weeks to keep buildup from returning.

Owners are often shocked to learn that cats need regular baths—not just brushing or nail trims. This is where you come in as the expert. Walk them through what’s going on, show them the dandruff on your tools or towels, and explain how a routine schedule will improve not just appearance but skin health and odor, too.

Quick Pro Tips For Flake-Free Felines:

  • Always photograph before/after: It helps you show clients the difference and track long-term improvement.
  • Keep notes: If a client returns every six months with the same greasy buildup, document it and recommend a better frequency.
  • Watch for red flags: If you’re seeing persistent flaking, greasy buildup, thinning coat or lethargy, mention it to the client as a possible health issue.
For some cats, especially seniors or those with mobility issues, regular grooming is essential for comfort. A matted, greasy, flake-covered cat isn’t just unsightly—it’s uncomfortable and at higher risk for skin infections or sores.

There’s no miracle shampoo that fixes months (or years) of buildup in one appointment. But with the right prep, products and schedule, you can send home a cat that’s smoother, shinier and flake-free—and help their owner keep it that way long term.

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