Home remedies for flaky skin

I have noticed some white flakes on Lulu's back recently. She is seven and usually has a very smooth coat, so this is out of character. I am worried it is just dryness from the heating in the house, but I want to be careful not to make it worse.

I tried a tiny amount of coconut oil on a cotton ball and rubbed it into her skin. It looked better for about ten minutes, but then her fur started to look greasy and she kept licking it. I do not think I want to do that again. Does anyone have experience with other home remedies or oils that are safer? I saw a thread about lavender but I am not sure if that is a good idea.

Be very careful with oils. My Milo is a British Shorthair and has patches where the hair falls out, though I do not see flaking like you describe. I read that essential oils can be toxic if ingested, and since cats groom themselves constantly, that is a big risk.

I think you should look at the lavender oil thread to see the warnings there. I would not put anything on her unless I was sure it could not be eaten. Maybe just focus on the environment first?

I agree with Claire about the oils. My Charlie is a Maine Coone mix and has a lot of hair, so I am always brushing him. If you use an oil, it will just mat the fur and make it harder to clean. Brushing techniques are usually better for thick coats.

I think the issue is likely diet or hydration. I have seen good results when I increase the wet food portion for my cats. Has Lulu been drinking enough water? There is a thread about water intake that suggests dry food can cause dry skin.

My Dot is very anxious, so I cannot do much with her skin care, but I do use a humidifier in her room. It makes a huge difference in the air quality and I think it helps her coat. I would suggest trying the humidifier thread before trying anything topical.

Also, if you do try a topical treatment, I have found that colloidal oatmeal is much gentler than oils. You can mix it with water and apply it lightly. I saw a thread about oatmeal baths that had some good tips for doing this without stressing the cat out. It is not a full bath, just a spot treatment.