Cat Skin Problems

Cats are prone to skin problems, with skin cancer being the second most common cancer affecting them. They also get allergies, infections and sunburn. Cats' skin problems often require veterinary intervention.

Allergies

Allergies to common elements often appear as skin problems. Allergens include natural triggers like grass, synthetic products such as rubber or nylon, certain meats or grains and dust mites. Symptoms include hair loss, lesions, excessive grooming and twitching. Swelling suggests an insect bite. Diagnoses are usually made by testing to identify the cause or eliminating elements from the environment until symptoms disappear. Plastic-covered beds can often help control problems. Effective management isolates the allergen and uses a second form of treatment.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is generally diagnosed in cats middle-aged or older. Skin tumors have a higher rate of malignancy in cats than dogs. Signs include lumps increasing in size, hair loss, and unhealed sores. A higher occurrence of two types of skin cancer results from sun exposure, with white cats most susceptible. A biopsy or other test is done to confirm the diagnosis. Benign tumors are cured by surgery while malignant tumors can recur or spread. Owners should monitor their cats for problems.

Growths

Cats are prone to other problems caused by dermatitis or infections like ringworm. Common growths, bumps and lesions can be benign or malignant. Symptoms such as dry, flaky skin, scratching or redness indicate a problem. Cats develop fluid-filled pustules, small clear vesicles, or abscesses that must be opened, drained and cleaned. Depending on the cause and severity, treatments for growths include surgical removal, shampoos, antibiotics, creams and antihistamines.

Mites

Microscopic ear mites invade the ear canal but can survive elsewhere on the body. A cat with ear mites will shake its head and scratch its ears. The condition requires treatment to avoid damage to the ear canal. Highly contagious, it spreads easily to other animals at home. Eardrops and medicated shampoos are used as treatment. Scabies is often spread by strays and is caused by a tiny mange mite. It first appears on the ears, with itching and hair loss on the head and neck. Female mites burrow into the skin where they reproduce quickly. See a vet for mite control. Scabies is treated with a hair clipping, bathing with a mild shampoo and a dip applied afterward.

Fleas

Flea allergy is the most common allergy affecting cats' skin. Cats allergic to fleas, specifically flea saliva, scratch and bite at the spot where the tail joins the body. The skin has small, crusty lesions. Fleas might not be noticeable because cats groom themselves frequently. A flea preventive is recommended. One bite can make a cat itch for days. Scratching can lead to infection.

Solution

With skin bumps and abnormalities a frequent sign of disease in cats, many problems can be treated and diagnosed quickly with a vet visit. Medicated shampoos, topical treatments, or oral medications are often prescribed to treat common ailments.