Cat Walking Dandruff: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

March 31, 2025

Have you noticed white flakes on your cat’s coat? Just like humans, cats can suffer from dandruff. While it may look like dry skin, sometimes it’s a sign of something more serious — a condition known as walking dandruff.

What Is Walking Dandruff in Cats?

Walking dandruff is a skin condition caused by Cheyletiella mites, parasites that live on the surface of your cat's skin. These mites are highly contagious and can also affect dogs and rabbits, especially in homes where multiple pets live together or in overcrowded environments like shelters.

The condition is called "walking dandruff" because the flakes of skin seem to move — caused by mites crawling underneath. This infestation can lead to intense itching, redness, and visible flakes; in some cases, you might even see the mites with the naked eye.

Common Symptoms of Walking Dandruff in Cats

Look out for these signs:

White flakes or scaling on your cat’s back
Persistent itching or scratching
Excessive grooming
Hair loss
Crusty or inflamed skin
Some cats may show no symptoms at all

How Vets Diagnose Walking Dandruff

To confirm walking dandruff, your vet may:

Brush your cat and inspect the flakes under a microscope
Use tape to collect skin debris for analysis
Take a superficial skin scraping
Examine plucked hairs for attached mite eggs

Sometimes, diagnosis is made based on your cat’s response to treatment, especially if mites are hard to detect. In some cases, stool tests may reveal ingested mites.

Treatment Options for Walking Dandruff in Cats

Since Cheyletiella mites are very contagious, all pets in your home — including dogs, cats, and rabbits — will need treatment, even if only one shows symptoms.

No specific medications are labeled for Cheyletiella mites, but most flea and tick preventatives are effective. Your Veterinarian will recommend the best option for your pets and may advise repeating the treatment depending on the product used.

While long-acting flea treatments usually eliminate the need to treat your home, you might still consider using household flea sprays or cleaning solutions. Mites can survive off-host for up to 10 days, potentially leading to re-infestation.