Does your cat have itchy, scratchy, or dry skin?
Ideally your cat’s fur should be clean and fluffy, and feel soft and smooth when you pet her. So if you do discover redness, lumps, flaking or other signs of irritation when you pet her, she may have a skin condition that requires treatment. Look out for an increase in scratching, licking or itching in places she’s favoring more often.
What are the causes of cat itching?
Your cat’s itchy & dry skin can have many causes. If she is showing signs of irritation, consult with your veterinarian who will be able to diagnose the condition. Your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason for your cat’s skin condition. Common causes may include:
FOOD INTOLERANCES
This can occur as a reaction to certain kinds of proteins in your cat’s food.
OTHER ALLERGIES
Your cat may be allergic to “inhaled” allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, etc. Some flea treatments can cause “contact” allergies.
PARASITES
Fleas, lice and mites can all cause skin irritation. Bites from parasites are irritating, causing cats to bite and scratch themselves, damaging their skin.
HORMONAL IMBALANCES
Too much or too little of certain hormones can make cats prone to skin problems. These imbalances may point to other serious underlying problems that need to be identified and treated.
INFECTIONS
Bacterial infections can cause skin problems.
If you have a cat, you’ve seen the effort she takes to keep her fur clean. Because of this well-groomed exterior, however, it may take some time before you identify skin conditions that can be bothering her. In fact, you may not even notice any sort of irritation unless you see one of these signs:
- Red patches, spots or pimples
- Scabs, crusts or thickened skin
- Dry, flaky or scaly patches
- Hair loss
- Bad skin odor
- Itching, scratching, licking or rubbing
Check for pests
Examine your cat’s coat and skin thoroughly for the presence of ticks, fleas, mites, lice, or other parasites. If you spot any, ask your veterinarian for advice and follow the appropriate treatment.
Consider allergies
If your cat is pest-free and otherwise healthy, her discomfort may be caused by an allergic reaction to something in her environment, such as pollen, dust or mold. It could result in allergic dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin that results in licking, scratching, loss of fur and dry flaky skin.
Feed your cat well
Even if the cause of your cat’s skin condition is not related to nutrition, your cat may be helped with a high quality at food formulated especially for any skin sensitivity. Look for one containing high quality protein, essential fatty acids and antioxidants — all are important nutrients that can help heal and protect your cat’s skin.
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