Having a cat with itchy skin can be an extremely frustrating experience for the pet owner and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond.
Persistent scratching, known as itching and allergies, and chewing by the pet can also lead to open wounds on the skin and pain for your cat.
The following information will give you a basic understanding of the most common causes of itching and allergies in cats.
Itching in cats can involve not only scratching but also chewing, licking, and rubbing.
Common causes of itching in cats include external parasites like fleas and mites that cause mange, fungal infections that cause ringworm, and allergies.
Allergies are a very common cause of skin conditions in cats.
People with allergies often have hay fever (watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing) or asthma. While cats occasionally have allergy-induced asthma, most cats with allergies lick or chew their skin.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease in cats. For the flea-allergic patient, 100% flea control is essential to remain symptom-free.
“But doctor, I never see fleas on my pet.” You may not see them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there!
Flea allergy is caused by flea saliva, and it only takes one or two bites to cause a problem. Because flea allergy is so common, it is recommended to institute complete flea control immediately.
Some pets develop hypersensitivity to foods.
Various food proteins, carbohydrates, or even preservatives and dyes can cause food allergies.
The only method to diagnose a food allergy is by placing your pet on a carefully selected commercial food or a homemade hypoallergenic diet for several weeks, known as a food trial.
The diet contains only ingredients your pet has never eaten before. If the signs of allergy resolve, a food challenge is performed by feeding the previous diet and observing the return of itching. If this occurs, a diagnosis of food allergy is confirmed.
Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary predisposition to develop skin problems when exposed to a variety of common and otherwise harmless substances, including pollen from grasses and trees, as well as indoor dust mites and mold spores.
Intradermal skin allergy tests or blood tests can identify which environmental substances the pet is allergic to.
Evaluating the results of these tests helps us compile a list of allergens to produce a “vaccine” to reduce the animal’s sensitivity.
Allergies often cause recurrent skin and/or ear infections.
Bacterial and fungal infections, although secondary to the allergy, can increase the pet’s level of itching.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, and it is usually a problem that requires lifelong treatment for the pet.
There are many anti-allergy medications to reduce itching. These medications do not cure allergies but can help decrease symptoms.
Long-term use of some anti-allergy medications, such as steroids, can result in many health problems.
Working with your veterinarian to diagnose the cause of the allergy and itching can reduce the need for medications or allow your veterinarian to use more specific allergy treatments.
If you have questions related to the well-being of your pets, please write to the email:
DrBorrego@petsvet.com
Dr. Enrique Borrego is the medical director of Animal General Hospital, located at
501 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, Port St Lucie, FL 34953
Phone: 772-344-8835 www.petsvet.com Serving our Treasure Coast community since 1990
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