why does my old cat have so much dandruff

My 12-year-old longhair has started getting these tiny white flakes all over his back, and even after I changed his food, they just keep coming back.

I tried the switch over slowly like I always do, but it hasn't helped. Is this just the winter drying him out, or is it something worse? He's got the glaucoma so I worry about anything touching his face or eyes.

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I see this a lot in the winter. My Lulu gets dry patches too, but she is a short hair so it is different. I think the humidity in the house drops and it affects their skin. I use a humidifier now and it has helped quite a bit. You might want to check the air in where he sleeps.

I do have a humidifier but it is mostly in the bedroom. I will move it to the living room where he spends most of his time. Do you think that will make a difference for a 12 year old?

Oh my gosh, dry skin is the worst. Simba gets flaky in the winter too. I actually started giving him a little bit of fish oil, just a drop or two on his food. It helps his coat shine up. But since Smokey has the eye issues, I am nervous about putting anything near his face. Maybe just the back?

Wait, does the glaucoma med cause dryness? I am asking because Whiskers is on the same kind of drops and her skin has been weird around her ears. I found a thread about meds and skin but it was all about the eyes. I am worried this is a side effect and not just the weather. If it is the med, I need to talk to the vet.

That is a good point. I didn't think of the drops. He gets them twice a day. I will ask the vet about that. In the meantime, I am going to try the humidifier thing and maybe some gentle brushing. I read bathing tips but I am not sure I want to bathe him with his eyes acting up.

I am so stressed out already with the baby coming and Chloe being shy, but I am seeing a lot of posts about skin issues. Is this common? I hope it is just the cold. My Chloe is 3 so she is young, but I worry about her getting sick too. I saw a pinned thread about winter dryness but it was so long I couldn't finish it. Does anyone have a short answer?

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