Common Skin Diseases In Cats

Like humans, cats too suffer from skin diseases. These diseases may be caused due to allergy to food, substances inhaled or due to the presence of parasites such as ringworm, fleas, mites or lice on their skin. Skin diseases may result in matted hair, bald patches and itching. The causes, symptoms and treatment of some cat skin diseases are described here.

Allergic Dermatitis

This is caused due to an allergy to substances like food, fleas, pollen, grass, weeds or dust amongst others. The main symptom is itching. At times the itching may be so severe that your pet may scratch or chew persistently. This may result in an infection or thickening of the skin. The most common of these allergies is due to the sensitivity to a protein in the saliva of fleas. One can prevent the allergy due to fleas by using flea control product such as prednisone or corticosteroids under the direction of the vet.

Cat Ringworm

Feline Ringworm is a very infectious disease amongst cats. The fungus, tinea corporis, causes this skin disease. Its symptom is tender and flaky skin. Your cat will experience an itching sensation. Bald patches will begin to appear as the infection spreads. The treatment would require oral Griseofulvin. A ringworm vaccination may also be given to prevent recurrence.

Feline Pyoderma

This skin disease is caused by staphylococcus bacteria. Depending on the area and extent of the infection, Pyoderma can be further classified into:

• Feline Impetigo: This occurs in the upper layer of the skin in newborn kittens.
• Feline Bacterial Folliculitis: This skin disease is the infection of the hair follicles.
• Feline Acne: Due to the over secretion of the sebaceous glands, blackheads can be found on the chin and the corners of the lips.
• Feline Tail Gland Hyperplasia Stud Tail: Due to excess secretion of sebum a waxy brown substance is found at the end of the tail.
• Cellulitis And Abscesses: At times due to certain injuries, the bacteria enter the body. This causes a swelling called cellulitis. An abscess is similar to cellulitis but is filled with pus.

Feline Scabies (Notoedric Mange)

If your cat is suffering from intense itching or is losing hair on its head and neck, he could be suffering from feline scabies. A small mite, Notoedres cati, causes this skin disease. Treatment would entail cutting all the long fur and bathing your cat with a mild shampoo. Thereafter a 2 to 3% lime sulfur dip needs to be applied on the entire body. This process should be repeated every week for about six to eight weeks.

Lice In Cats

When lice are present on the skin of your pet, he may experience an itching sensation and may lose hair. To treat the lice, he should be bathed with a feline pyrethrin shampoo. After he is dried, apply pyrethrin spray or powder. This process should be repeated after two weeks. A 2% lime sulfur dip will also help in treatment and control of lice in cats.

If your cat develops any of the above skin diseases, consult a vet. Take loving care of your pet to ensure he comes out of the ordeal.