Clumps of cat hair can be pulled out

Question
Hi Norm

I noticed the fur towards the back end of my female tortoishell looked matted together, and so gently pulled on some of it.  I was very distressed to find that I cld pull clumps of the hair out.  I pulled out a good handful.  It didn't seem to be upsetting my girl at all, however.

She has been shedding masses of fur - two brushes past my legs and I am covered in what wld look more like two day's worth of brushing past!

There is also a white dust visible on her fur at present.  Cld that be dandruff?

What wld be causing her fur to be pulled out so easily?  

She eats a regular diet, jelly meat and biscuits.  I have her on biscuits for a sensitive tummy, as I noticed a couple of months ago that her poo was runny, but this seems to have cleared up nicely now.  

Other than that, she seems to be in good spirits.  I took her to the vet recently and had a blood test done, and it was all clear.  

Any suggestions wld be greatly appreciated

Many thanx
Rebecca (New Zealand)

Answer
Rebecca,

In New Zealand, it is shedding season. So, having lots of hair coming out is not abnormal.  The dandruff usually means he coat is dried out.  If she is not matted and not knotting, I would bath her to help with getting the dead hair out.

Also, I would supplement her diet with some fish oils (like Halo Dream Coat or Dermcaps Liquid). This should help keep her coat from drying out.

If she has never been bathed before, it could be exciting and, I would make sure you clip her claws first.

Best regards... Norm.