Common Skin and Coat Issues in Cats

Our cats’ skin is the largest organ in their body. It’s the protective barrier to their environment as well as protecting their organs beneath. There are several reasons why a feline’s skin or coat might suffer, and in this guide we will discuss many of those reasons – while providing solutions.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMON SKIN AND COAT ISSUES WITH LINKS ON HOW TO HELP.

SHEDDING

ITCHY SKIN

DANDRUFF

Acne in Cats

Feline acne is typically developed in middle aged cats and is not specific to breeds or genders. They appear as small bumps on the skin, usually around the chin or mouth, and they look more like dirt than pimples. If not treated quickly, feline acne can worsen, creating hair loss, itchy skin and even bleeding.

Allergies in Cats

Feline allergies come from only two sources: environment or food. Getting to the root of the allergen is of utmost importance, however, testing is often unreliable and expensive. Switching your cat to a hypoallergenic commercial cat food is not recommended.

Burns on a Cat’s Skin

Severe burns on the skin of cats should be treated immediately and seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Most burns in cats are either from a hot object (thermal) or from a chemical compound. Cool water should be applied for both types of burns and be sure to protect yourself if it is a chemical burn.

Dermatitis in Cats

Feline dermatitis appears as itchy, irritated and inflamed skin. Often times you will see small scabs on the skin that causes constant scratching. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is common in cats that are allergic to the saliva of fleas. It’s imperative that you get to the root cause of feline dermatitis in order to resolve the issue.

Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites can make a cat miserable. They are tiny parasites that infect the external and internal canals of a cat’s ears and cause itching, inflammation, irritation and infection. Because they reproduce quickly, it’s important to treat this condition as quickly as possible.

Eosinophilic Granuloma in Cats

Eosinophilic granuloma complex occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of eosinophils (certain white blood cells) in the body. It typically appears as raised, ulcerated sores that cause severe discomfort. There are different types of eosinophilic granuloma in cats and many reasons why a feline develops this issue.

Fleas & Ticks in Cats

Fleas and ticks plague both outdoor and indoor kitties causing severe itching and scratching. Ticks should be removed from the skin immediately and fleas should be treated without harm to the cat, yet traditional treatments and preventatives are chemical pesticides that can cause secondary health issues.

Greasy/Matted Fur in Cats

Greasy skin can be a result of many things, but often it is due to lack of self-grooming in cats. Certain health conditions can cause some cats to be unable to care for themselves in this way, resulting in the need for the owners assistance. Matted fur is common in long haired cats that have thick undercoats. Daily brushing can often prevent mats, but sometimes the feline needs more help to keep them from getting mat sores.

Rashes, Cuts, Abrasions in Cats

Acute topical issues like rashes, sores, cuts or other abrasions are more common in outdoor cats than indoor, but must be treated quickly. Topical sores can become infected and worsen if not caught soon enough.

Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be highly contagious to both pets and people. It appears as a small, round, hairless sore on the skin and can be itchy to many cats. Kittens and cats with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to ringworm. Natural at home treatments are available to speed healing and reduce the spread.