Does your cat have skin problems? You can do it!

Is your cat experiencing itchiness or developing bald patches in its fur? Skin problems in cats are quite common and can occur regardless of their age. Luckily, the solution is often straightforward. In many instances, treatments, medications, or adjustments to diet and lifestyle can provide quick relief. Here, you’ll find detailed information on the most common causes of feline skin issues and practical steps to address them effectively!

What symptoms do you recognize in your cat?

A cat with skin problems will have dull, thin, scaly fur. Other typical symptoms can be:

• Excessive licking and scrubbing
• Scabs on the back
• Bald spots
• Wounds
• Scratching and biting
• itching
• Executioners
• Swollen and inflamed skin
• Ear problems (scratching and tremors)

What causes your cat’s skin disease?

The most common causes of your cat’s bad skin or coat: atopy, fleas, diet, contact allergies, autoimmune diseases, fungal infections and stress.

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1. Atopy

Atopy is an increased allergic reaction to harmless environmental stimuli. Like humans, cats can also be allergic to grass or tree pollen. Depending on the type of allergy, seasonal itching usually occurs. Additionally, house dust mites and environmental mites can cause atopy in cats. Other animal species such as canaries, dogs or rabbits can also be responsible.

How is atopy recognized? Atopy manifests itself with itching all over the body. Miliary dermatitis can often occur where scabs are found on the back.

2. Fleas and flea allergy

When a cat is bitten by a flea, the saliva on the skin causes itching. This applies to any cat, but in an animal allergic to fleas the symptoms and itching become even more intense.

How do you recognize a flea allergy? Red spots and scabs appear on the lower back. The itching can spread to the entire body, especially the stomach and groin area.

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3. Food allergy

With a food allergy, the cat reacts hypersensitively to an ingredient in the food. This is usually an allergy to one type of protein, which does not mean that a cat is allergic to proteins in general. A cat may be allergic to a certain type of protein, such as: B. on beef, chicken, pork or other animal proteins.

How do you recognize a food allergy? Cats with food allergies often suffer from itching all over their body or in certain areas. Furthermore, a greasy coat with an unpleasant smell is typical. Skin infections or gastrointestinal problems may also occur. If you have a food allergy, it makes sense to feed hypoallergenic foods. Supportive therapies such as shampoos or fish oils can help.

Allergic cats are just like humans: depending on the severity of the allergy, even small amounts can have dangerous consequences. So be careful! It is not enough to simply reduce the ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.

4. Contact allergy

In case of contact allergy, your cat’s immune system reacts hypersensitively to substances in the environment after contact with the skin. For example, your cat may develop rashes and itching after exposure to perfumes, soap, grass, cleaning products, plastic, or pesticides.

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5. Stress

Just like we bite our nails when we’re nervous, a stressed cat may lick itself. Have you recently moved, have unknown visitors or new roommates such as a child, dog or another cat? This can quickly upset cats and lead to nervousness and skin problems. Stress licking in cats is expressed primarily through belly licking and symmetrical licking of the flanks and/or hind legs.

6. Autoimmune disease

In an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks cells, proteins, or other structures. As a result, the immune system is dysregulated and functions less well.

7. Fungal infections

A cat can also develop skin problems caused by a fungus (also known as ringworm).

How do you recognize a fungal infection? Your cat suffers from bald, scaly patches. Unlike the skin diseases mentioned above, a fungal infection is not noticed through itching.

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What can I do if my cat has a skin disease?

Go to your vet. He will carefully examine your cat’s skin, ears and claws. Your cat’s medical history will also be checked. He will ask you questions about the other animals in the house and about your little four-legged friend’s diet. This way you will find the right treatment to prevent further infections or chronic problems.

Why is nutrition important for cats with bad skin?

Healthy cat food can prevent skin problems and keep your cat’s coat thick and shiny.

Your cat will not develop any food allergies and will have sufficient resistance against itchy creatures such as fleas, ticks or mites. Having trouble finding the best food for your cat? We are happy to help you!