Pruritic Skin Disease in a Cat

Without proper treatment, itching from pruritic skin diseases can drive a cat to harm itself from continuous scratching or over-grooming.

Pruritis

Pruritis occurs when nerves in the skin react to irritants, signaling the brain as an itching sensation in the area, according to PetPlace.com. The itching itself may not harm a cat, but the cat’s subsequent scratching or biting at the area may cause skin infection or injury.

The “Itch Threshold”

Mild skin irritation may not cause a cat to react by scratching, but every cat has an individual “itch threshold” where the urge to scratch becomes irresistible.

Causes

Allergens or parasites commonly cause pruritis. Pruritic skin conditions can also stem from bacterial and yeast infections.

Symptoms

In addition to constant scratching or biting at the skin, a cat may indulge in obsessive grooming or foot licking that can lead to hair loss, pain and skin lesions.

Treatment

If a secondary illness has caused a cat’s pruritis, a veterinarian will treat the underlying condition to resolve the problem. In the meantime, relief from the itching can come from antihistamines, corticosteroids, nutritional supplements and non-irritating shampoos.

References

• PetPlace: Pruritus (Itchiness) in Cats