My cat's skin is flaking all over the place, what's wrong?

I have a cat I'm fostering from the humane society. Already I've discovered he has ear mites due to black coffee grind buildup in his ears and the constant head shaking, but I've also noticed, especially this weekend after I went out for almost the whole day that he sheds skin everywhere. There is black flakes of skin all over my couch! Some small flakes, some big. I thought maybe he might have fleas so I did the flea dirt test, by putting the flakes on a wet paper towel, but no blood. If I didn't sweep my place 3 times a day it'd be covered with black skin flakes. His skin doesn't seem red or have any bumps or scales from what I can see. Anyway idea as to what's causing this?
My cat's skin is flaking all over the place, what's wrong?
Kudos for fostering!!!


He has most likely been under large amounts of stress. This will cause the cat to shed more than usual. Once he settles in, you may see a decrease.


Skin health directly reflects both the quality of food he is eating and the grooming habits he is receiving. Getting him on a high quality cat food with low fillers like corn or meat byproducts will also help.


I would also try a skin supplement on the food. My vet just gave me a fish oil to put on their food and I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the softness of the coat and a great reduction in the skin flakes in the coat.


The flakes I see are white though...black flakes are a little concerning to me. I would probably check with vet to make sure it's not some other parasite.
My cat's skin is flaking all over the place, what's wrong?
Food allergies I believe. Try to change her food or give her home made cooked meals. Try this approach for one month and you'll see a great improvement. Good luck.
Reply:Hon, though your kitty really does need to see the vet, I think it could be a bacterial infection of the skin. I once had a cat with this condition; after many, many various treatments, I began bathing her with medicated pet shampoo (from my vet) twice week. That solved the problem.


I am, however, mystified as to why the flakes are black, unless he's a black cat with black skin.
Reply:Maybe he has dandruff.


My kitty does.


You can go to PetCo..


And they'll have a variety of shampoos that can help with this.





But, you really need to take him to the vet.


sounds awful.