SkinConditions.

lierne, Flickr The condition of a cat's coat is a good gauge of its overall health. Cat dandruff, characterized by a dry or oily coat with visible flakes, can be caused by anything from dry air to parasites, obesity, and serious diseases like skin cancer. Therefore, if you see these symptoms of dandruff on your cat, a trip to the vet's office may be in order. "Many diseases show up first in the skin," says Dr. Jean Hofve, a holistic veterinarian and author of "The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care." "It's impossible to diagnose skin disease just by looking at it." A veterinarian can analyze a cat's skin cells under a microscope and perform blood tests or biopsies to narrow down the ...