Itchy Kitty? Understanding and Treating Skin Conditions in Cats

Like us, cats can suffer from skin issues that cause itching and discomfort. If you notice your cat scratching itself more than usual, it could be a sign that there’s more than just a little itch going on under the fur. 

There’s nothing worse than knowing your cat is uncomfortable. As a loving pet parent, all you want is to be able to fix any skin problems they might have. To do that, you first need to identify the underlying issue — which can be challenging. 

Here, we discuss some common skin conditions for cats, how to treat them, and how your cat’s diet can impact the health of their skin and coat. 

What are skin allergies?

Cats can be allergic to many elements they come into contact with. Common allergens can be foods, chemicals, grass, pollen, fleas — even dust.

Reactions to allergies can lead to your cat having itchy, irritated skin and may result in them overgrooming, causing even more damage.

How to identify skin allergies

Signs that your cat may have allergies are severe scratching, an itchy rash, raised red lesions, hair loss in areas and over-grooming. They may also show other physical signs like sneezing, wheezing or watery eyes.

How to treat skin allergies

If you think your cat has an allergy, book an appointment with your local vet. There are several types of allergies cats can have, so getting the correct diagnosis and treatment is essential. 

Your vet will usually perform a physical exam and an allergy test to diagnose the condition. They'll help alleviate the symptoms for your cat as best they can and assist you in a plan for controlling the allergies at home.

A parasite is a living organism that lives on or in a host and depends on that host for survival.

Parasites, including fleas, lice and ticks, are all extremely common in cats and suck their blood, causing a lot of irritation to the skin. 

Many vets see patients for skin conditions caused by untreated flea infestations. Fleas can carry much more significant risks, like transmitting other life-threatening diseases and parasites like intestinal tapeworms.

How to identify skin parasites

A good scratch is normal for cats, but if you notice it starts getting excessive, it could be a sign of fleas or mites. Common symptoms include live fleas or mites, flea dirt, redness and blood spots under the fur. 

If your cat is experiencing severe restlessness, persistent licking or biting of the skin, patchy hair loss or crusty sores, this may indicate mange. Mange is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that is very contagious.

How to treat skin parasites

If you suspect your cat has a skin parasite, immediately treat it with the appropriate medication. Treatment will depend on the specific infestation, so if you are unsure, contact your pet health professional for advice. 

As always, the best treatment is prevention, so keep up to date with your cat's parasite protection at home. 

What is ringworm?

Surprisingly, ringworm is a fungal infection with nothing to do with an actual worm. 

Ringworm can be passed on to your cat from another cat, animal, human or contaminated surface and is very contagious.  

How to identify ringworm

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are patches of hair loss, brittle hair, scaly and crusty skin patches, lesions, a change in skin colour and inflamed patches of skin. Your cat may also be grooming the area more than usual.

How to treat ringworm 

If you think your cat has ringworm, take them to your vet for a proper diagnosis. If your vet confirms the ringworm is present, they will usually use a combination of topical and oral medications. They will also set you up with a strict cleaning protocol for the home to ensure no residual contamination.

What is feline acne?

A cat can get acne, just like us, and it forms when the hair follicles get blocked due to the overproduction of a protein called keratin. This skin condition can cause cats mild skin irritation and occasionally painful oozing sores.

How to identify feline acne

Usually, feline acne is found around the cat's chin and resembles tiny bumps, blackheads and whiteheads. Sometimes, it can look like specks of dirt rather than a skin condition. If left untreated, severe cases of feline acne could lead to redness, swelling, bleeding, and even hair loss.

What is an abscess?

Abscesses are areas of infection that appear on and underneath the cat's skin. They are caused by bacteria entering the skin, often due to a bite from another animal or a cut.  

If the abscess results from a fight, your cat may be at risk of transmitting the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) via blood and saliva. FIV attacks the cat's immune system, leaving them vulnerable to other infections and is sadly incurable.

How to identify an abscess

The main sign of an abscess is a wound area that may be swollen and red and have hair matting caused by oozing fluids. 

Your cat could show signs of fever, experience mild or severe pain around the area, and the wound may give off a foul smell.

How to treat an abscess

If your cat has an abscess, you will need to take them to your vet for treatment. 

The abscess will often require lancing and flushing, and your vet will prescribe any necessary antibiotics and antiinflammatory medication to fight infection. 

If the abscess originated from a fight with another cat, your vet will test for the FIV virus six weeks after the incident. If FIV is found present, your vet will advise you on managing the disease to prevent the likelihood of secondary infections.

Grooming issues 

As cats get older, they can start to struggle to groom themselves efficiently. This can lead to fur matting, which can pull at the skin and make them uncomfortable. 

If you notice your older cat is having difficulty grooming, you will need to assist them by brushing their fur regularly, clipping their nails and having regular check-ups at the vet.

Neoplasia

Neoplasia is a condition that comes in many forms, where cells within a cat's body divide and multiply abnormally rapidly. Neoplasia is most commonly seen in older cats. 

The fast growth of the cells can lead to lesions and malignant or benign tumours. Malignant neoplasia is a cancer that can invade other areas of a cat's body and lead to severe health issues and death if left untreated. 

If you see unexplained lesions or tumours on your senior cat, or they start to experience weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea, take them to your vet. 

Your vet will examine your cat and, depending on their suspicions, will probably plan additional tests. If a type of neoplasia is diagnosed, your vet will advise of the best treatment for your cat.

Good quality cat food is essential for our furry friend’s skin and helps prevent many diseases in our feline population. 

Depending on your pet's needs, they might require a specific food formulation. Some cats benefit from zinc supplementation, while others require a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.

Cats that have been diagnosed with a food allergy will need a particular hypoallergenic diet to ensure they avoid any uncomfortable reactions.  

For any changes to your cat's diet, see your veterinarian, who will advise you on the best type of food for your pet.

ur cat's skin and coat condition is essential to their overall well-being. We recommend regular skin checks, an up-to-date parasite protection plan, and a healthy diet as part of their routine. Knowing when to take your kitty to see their vet is also vital and can lead to the early diagnosis of serious conditions and the assurance that your cat’s skin is at its absolute best.

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller