Understanding Skin Conditions in Cats

If your cat is scratching a lot, chances are theres something irritating her skin. The cause is likely to be one of the three most common conditions that affect a cat's skin fleas, illness and allergies.

The leading cause of itching in cats is fleas. But unfortunately, fleas not only cause itching of the skin they can also harbor tapeworms. Fleas are usually fairly easy to see, especially on light-colored cats. On darker cats, look in the creases underneath the cat, including under the thighs, on the stomach and under the chin. Flea droppings often look like dirt, so be aware of those tell-tale signs. Fleas can affect indoor and outdoor cats, and you can bring them into your house on your shoes or socks just by walking outdoors.

Fortunately, its easy to prevent and treat a flea infestation. Monthly, multi-purpose treatments are available for cats with a single application, they can kill fleas, sterilize any fleas that remain alive, kill flea eggs and kill ear mites. In addition to treating your cat, youll need to treat your house as well this can help end the infestation more quickly and prevent it from returning. Fleas can hide in carpet and furniture even bedding so be sure to wash and vacuum thoroughly. A number of over the counter products are available to help you do this.

In addition, a number of illnesses can cause skin conditions in cats. These can range from autoimmune disorders to simple cases of mites or parasites or even the mange. Your veterinarian can tell you if your cat is suffering from an illness and exactly how that illness should be treated. Illnesses can affect the skin in a number of different ways. Your cat may experience hair loss, while other cats develop lesions, bumps or hives.

When the skin is irritated, your cat may scratch until she develops sore places that can become infected. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may want to treat the underlying cause of your cat's skin condition first, and then deal with the skin condition, or he or she may recommend treating both simultaneously. Treatment may involve topical medications, injections or medications that must be consumed.

Next, cats can be allergic to a surprising number of things. One common cause of allergic reactions is food allergies. A cat whos allergic to a certain food or ingredient may respond by developing swollen skin, redness or hives. Common food allergens include dairy products, chicken and other poultry products. To help prevent allergic reactions and to ensure that your cat is getting optimum nutrition, feed your cat a complete balanced diet designed for cats not table scraps. In addition, never give your cat chocolate in any amount.

Household plants can be another source of allergic reactions, as there are quite a few plants that may harm your cat. For example, if your cat rubs up against a rubber plant, the oil on the leaves can cause an allergic reaction. While some plants have to be ingested to cause harm, others can cause a reaction just by touch.

In addition, the topical medications and preparations used to treat other conditions can also cause allergic reactions. In fact, a great number of cats are allergic to flea products. If you notice your cat itching excessively after treatment, look for red areas that appear as if they may have been burned. Let your vet know about this reaction right away he or she will be able to recommend an alternate treatment that your cat will tolerate better.

In general, the key to managing skin conditions in cats is to get a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian, remove any cause of irritation and follow the proper course of treatment. This can help your cat's skin condition to heal completely, leaving you happier and your cat healthier.