Why is my older cat's back crusty and flaky, and he's not grooming?

Question

My elder cat hasn't been out of the house in 5 years, but has started getting a crusty, scaly flaking on his back. He eats canned salmon and Iams for older cats. His grooming hasn't been good for awhile, so I brush him several days a week. What could be causing this crusty flaking? Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered | 12 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Canned salmon is not a good food for a cat and could be the reason for the flaking. He likely is not grooming due to either pain (cats older than 7 years usually start getting osteoarthritis and will groom less the worse the arthritis pain gets) or being so stiff, that he cannot reach everywhere. You should also check his teeth and gums. If they are red, if he smells bad from his mouth and/ or if you see brownish crusting on his molars (cheek teeth) , then he may have a tooth ache and not groom because of that. Besides brushing, you may also want to take a moist towel and wipe him down. Most cats like that. He may have mites, which causes crusting, flaking and thinning of the fur. These would not necessarily be itchy. I suggest you make an appointment with your vet for a geriatric exam, some base line blood tests, to make sure he is healthy.

Why is my older cat's back crusty and flaky, and he's not grooming?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

Share