When caring for a cat, it is natural for your cat to experience a number of skin conditions. Although most skin problems that affect cats are not serious, a skin condition could potentially be a symptom of a more serious condition. Cats have relatively sensitive skin, and may require regular grooming in order to maintain good skin health.
In some cases, a cat may repeatedly lick a certain area, which will create a skin lesion. These lesions usually scab over, and may be mistaken for an injury. The most common cause of a skin lesion is a bug bite, usually from a flea or mosquito. To help stop the itching, a cat will lick the area until the skin sloughs off, which alleviates the itching.
Allergic reactions are another common cause of skin conditions in cats. If your cat is allergic to a specific food ingredient, for example, they may develop a skin condition. Allergic reactions usually manifest as fur loss, which is not contained to a specific area. In addition to this, a cat with an allergic reaction will sometimes have extremely dry, flaking skin. If you believe that your cat is having an allergic reaction to a specific food ingredient or airborne allergen, it is best to seek veterinary advice.
Though it is relatively rare, it is possible that a cat will develop a skin condition as a symptom of mange. Mange is a potentially fatal condition that usually affects cats in contained areas, such as animal shelters. A veterinarian will be able to run a definitive test for mange, at which time a treatment program can be selected.
Just like humans, cats can also get dermatitis. Dermatitis manifests as reddish bumps, similar in appearance to acne, that appear on a cat’s skin. This is a relatively uncommon condition, though can still affect some cats. Some veterinarians prescribe over-the-counter treatments for this condition, which can be found in the pet care section of most pet supply stores. However, the treatment for dermatitis in cats will sometimes require prescription medication.
The best way to identify what is causing a skin condition in your cat is to be observant. Any recent changes in environment can trigger a skin reaction in a cat, especially if they are sensitive to an airborne allergen. If you notice that your cat’s skin condition begins to deteriorate, try to categorize any recent changes in your cat’s lifestyle. Switching cat food formulas is a common cause of skin conditions in cats, since some cats may develop a sensitivity to certain food ingredients (such as corn). If you believe that your cat has developed a sensitivity to your cat food formula, try switching to a higher-quality or grain-free cat food formula. If someone in your household has recently started smoking indoors, this can also be a cause of certain skin reactions in cats. Air fresheners, perfume, household cleaners and other substances may also be causing a skin reaction in your cat. However, as with most health problems in cats, it is always best to seek the advice of a veterinarian.
Sun, Nov 1, 2009