Cat Skin Disorders

According to Dr. Arnold Plotnick DVM of Manhattan Cats, skin disorders in cats are one of the more difficult illnesses to diagnose. Hair loss as well as scabbing and crusting of the skin are the most common signs of a disorder. Nevertheless, these symptoms can be caused by a range of disorders and sometimes a combination of them. Psychological issues may be present as well as allergies or parasites. Once diagnosed, most skin disorders can be controlled through a treatment plan with a focus on prevention and management.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis is an over sensitivity to flea bites. Sometimes, just one flea can cause a myriad of symptoms in your cat, such as raised bumps or scabs on the skin, hair loss and excessive biting and scratching, particularly at the base of the tail or the back. The first step toward relief is to rid your cat and her environment of fleas. Secondly, your cat may need antibiotics or a soothing topical medication to treat the bites.

Food Allergy

According to CatWorld.com, cats with a food allergy will often have skin disorders characterized by hair loss and excessive itching, especially on the head and front half of the body. These symptoms combined with vomiting and diarrhea as well as ear troubles may be a sign of a food allergy. Consult your veterinarian for a relief treatment plan and instructions on an elimination diet to rule out the allergy causing foods.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is one of the most common cat skin disorders. Ringworm is characterized by round patches of hair loss on various areas of the body and sometimes redness, dandruff and dry skin. Some cats may experience intense itching while others may not seem to be affected by the ringworm at all. Antifungal shampoos and dips are used to treat ringworm.

Mange

Cats affected with mange, or parasitic mites, will develop a skin disorder manifesting as excessive itching and hair loss with bumps on the skin that can progress to raw areas and sores. Treatment usually consists of a dip prescribed by your veterinarian to rid your cat of mites. Mange is transmissible to humans so wash after handling a cat with mange.

Over-grooming

Over-grooming, or psychological alopecia, is characterized by obsessive behavior in which the cat licks and pulls his fur to the point of baldness, usually on the thighs, abdomen and groin area. Stress is the main cause of over-grooming in cats. Routine, exercise and extra attention may help to relieve some of this stress, but often psychological alopecia in cats takes time and even medication to remedy. Dr. Mike Richards DVM of VetInfo.com recommends antidepressants or antianxiety drugs in severe cases to break the obsessive grooming cycle.

Miliary Dermatitis

Miliary dermatitis is a general term for skin disorders caused by a combination of factors such as allergies, a hormonal disorder, parasites, an immune mediated disease and bacterial infections. Symptoms include crusty sores and rashes, usually around the head and neck, as well as intense itching. Miliary dermatitis is harder to diagnose since so many factors may be at play. Your veterinarian can formulate a treatment plan based on the symptoms of your cat.

Resources

• Overgrooming in Cats
• Treating Cat Skin Diseases