Cat skin conditions are, unluckily, so common. Parasites like mites or fleas, bacterial or fungal infections, stress, allergies, injury, or hormonal imbalances may cause a cat’s skin some problems. In this article, we are going to discuss about the top ten most common cat skin conditions, as well as ways on how to manage each of them. Read on to learn more!
10 Most Common Cat Skin Conditions
Sunburn
You read it right, sun exposure may cause some skin problems. The cats that have no fur, as well as the light-colored just like the Sphynx are susceptible to sunburn and must be kept out of the direct sunlight in between 10 AM to 2 PM. This is to reduce the risk of sunburn, and to minimize the long-term risk on the development of skin cancers like melanoma.
Stud Tail
The glands that are nearby the tail, which excrete excessive oils may cause stud tails in cats. What the result is a greasy, reeking-smelling waxy brown–colored material atop the tail, near its base. This particular skin condition is most frequently found in the un-neutered cats. However, the fixed females and male can get it as well. The treatments of the stud tail in cats may involve neutering when needed, and twice a day wash with some antiseborrheic shampoo. This shampoo is essential in breaking down the excess oils.
Ringworm
The ringworm is a fungal infection, which is highly transmissible to some other animals, and even to humans. The symptoms of this skin condition may include the round patches, which show some central hair loss with red rings at its periphery. In some of the cats, it just shows as broken hairs all over the ears and face. Furthermore, the ringworm needs veterinary medication with some antifungal medications, as well as extensive cleaning and sterilizing at home.
Psychogenic Alopecia
This is a condition that causes the thinning of the fur in a streak down the vertebral or on the abdominal area. This is mainly due to compulsive self-grooming. The stress may often cause the cats to do compulsive grooming, therefore, treatment may involve minimizing the stress level of the affected cat via the use of some feline pheromone diffusers. This will create a calm environment, and redirect the nervous energy of the cat via play. In some austere cases of the hair loss in cats, veterinarians might recommend a short course of anti-anxiety medication.
Food Allergy Dermatitis
Some cats are so sensitive to various ingredients or preservatives in their own food. This particular sensitivity may result in austere itching at the head, back and neck. Often, it is complicated by the oozing sores and hair loss from the constant biting and scratching. The treatment for this kind common cat skin problems usually involve the elimination diet. This is to see what the exact ingredient the cat is reacting to. Some veterinarians might give steroid shots, in order to ease the itching and swelling, as well as give the skin a chance to heal itself from any damage.
Flea Sensitivity Dermatitis
Some of the common cat skin complications, like the flea sensitivity dermatitis may manifest as pimple-like, itchy bumps, which form at the tail base, or at the back of its hindmost legs, and the inner thighs. Even though a lot of cats may acquire fleas and to have any reactions, in the complex cats, it may take just a flea bit to cause several hours, or even days of the symptoms. The greatest way for you to avoid flea allergy dermatitis, actually, is with some good flea controller. Some spot-on treatments that are sold at the vet’s clinics and reputable online shops are usually the most efficient to use. However, there are several methods that are chemical-free, which may be operative when you use them properly.
Feline Acne
In case of feline acne, comedones or blackheads form or develop underneath the chin, and on the edges of the lips. Rubber or plastic food and water bowls may cause this cat acne. In some severe cases of feline acne, antiseborrheic shampoos, like those that contain benzoyl peroxide or benzoyl peroxide gels, may work to breakdown the excess oils. Furthermore, the supplementation of Omega3 fatty acid and Omega6 fatty acids might be essential. However, check with your veterinarian first.
Contact Dermatitis
Cat skin conditions may sometimes show up as itchy, red bumps. With the contact dermatitis, you will get to see those red, prickly bumps, and inflamed skin at the site with the chemicals or some other irritants. The best way to prevent it is to keep the cats away from the areas where you use chemicals, as well as to feed your cats with glass, lead-free, stainless steel, dishes or bowls.
Ear Mites
In case your cat is shaking and tilting its head, scratching its ears, and has undue waxy, brown material in its ear, it may have ear mites. This particular condition may cause tremendous irritation and itching. If you leave it without any treatment, it may lead to bacterial infection. Furthermore, the eat mites are treatable with eardrops, which contains some mite-killing chemicals, as well as cleaning the ears with a clean cotton ball.
Abscesses
The abscesses are one of the so many common cat skin conditions. This is a painful collection of pus at a particular wound site. They form a swelling, which becomes soft with time and may burst to spill out some purulent discharge. The best way for you to prevent it is to keep your cat indoors and not let it outside the house.
Final Say
If you ever suspect that you cat has any of these conditions, examine the area, bear in mind of the signs, and talk to your vet. Whichever of the aforementioned skin conditions, must get tested by the vet for some accurate prognosis and treatment.