Yes, thank you Melusine, it could well be that. I will comb and brush her for the next few days and see how it goes.

Seriously??

Yes! And, judging from the replies, it is not that uncommon.

oh, ok..!!
You know, once I consulted a doctor for dandruff problem he suggested to keep a check on alcohol consumption, booze dehydrates.

Yes, but I limit her intake to just a couple of Scotches a week now

At least you didn't go this far...

My ex suffers from dandruff, and he found a particularly clever hairdresser who told him it was not dandruff but stress particles the art of how to flatter a customer to be sure he'll come back

Did you turn the heating on?

No!! But I did turn the aircon off!

My black cat used to have dandruff because he was fat, being from Fribourg he obviously was hitting the double creme and meringues too much after fondue. No, seriously, when he was 9 kg he had tons of dandruff around his back and the base of his tail. Now at a "slim" 7 kg he has no more dandruff at all. The vet says it is because he is more flexible to reach around and clean that area. So if your cat has a weight problem, that could be an answer. If your cat doesn't have a weight problem, maybe something is wrong with its back that makes it not want to contort and lick? But I also think that dandruff shows up more on black cats and a certain amount is to be expected with indoor cats.

Thanks Nicole. My cat is not overweight but I did notice when I was combing her tonight that the problem seems to be fairly localised at the end of her back and base of her tail. I guess it could be a seasonal thing and it is, of course, much more noticeable in a black cat. I am guessing that a lot of different coloured cats have it too but it does not show. I will keep combing and brushing her and giving her a drop of olive oil daily and, if it does not clear up in a week, will take her to the vet.