Cat Skin Problems

Cat skin conditions can be caused by numerous factors and owners should be alert of warning signs to look out for in order to detect cat coat and skin problems and give the right treatment. Defensive care and cleanliness are also essential to control constant skin and hair conditions and put a stop to future problems from occurring.

Allergies

Cats are vulnerable to allergies just like humans. Particles in the air irritate the sinuses which can cause skin and coat problems. Ordinary causes of cat allergies are household cleaners, carpet and air fresheners, and some medications. Symptoms consist of skin irritations on different parts of the body including the chin and ears or changes in the pigment of the skin.

Kittens can also suffer from food allergies. Some food allergies take time to develop so an allergy produced from cat food or treat may take time to show itself before being revealed.

Stress

Felines can go through anxiety and stress just as people. New additions to the house like pets or moving to a new house are factors that can add to stress in our pets. When kittens experience stress they can show hair loss occasionally due to too much grooming. The opposite can even happen where a cat loses interest in grooming. Felines usually care for their own skin by self-grooming. There are some things that we can do to help our pet have healthy and clean skin. Grooming and bathing our cats can remove excess dead skin. Using proper parasite control to stop fleas, ticks and mites is very important for a felines overall health. Trimming the claws can help stop scratches that could later become infected. Taking defensive measures will help stop skin conditions in our kittens which can save money and time and our furry friends will be grateful for the extra attention.

Fleas

The most frequent cause of skin problems in cats is fleas. While fleas can have an effect on cats of any age, the effects are harsher in older felines.

Feline Acne

Tiny blackheads that form on the felines face and chin is an example of feline acne. A feline will rub the face on stuff or on the ground as a form of marking. This marking is one cause of cat acne.

Psychological

Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of kitten skin, fur or the coat may be a sign of a psychological problem. A stressed out or bored to death feline with little motivation may turn to this compulsive behavior and cause sores which may become dangerously infected if left untreated.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungus that can be transmitted to people. It lives in the keratin in the cat’s hair, skin and claws. Contracted from spores in the dirt, a feline can become infected when coming in contact with this infected dirt. The feline can grow redness and crusting at the infected site. These spores can spread and live in bedding, carpeting, furniture and air filters for up to 18 months. Only cleansing with bleach will sanitize these areas and prevent future outbreaks of skin problems.

Nutrition

A deficiency in vitamin A and zinc can result in skin changes. Cats cannot convert beta carotene into vitamin A so other sources need to be provided in a feline’s diet. Sources of vitamin A include liver, fish liver oils and other animal tissues.

Treatment of feline Skin Problems

The treatment of the diseases and conditions connected with cat skin problems depends on the precise condition or disease.

Treatment may reside in topical or oral medications. Shampoos may be given. If your feline has clawed her self too much, antibiotics may be essential, as a secondary bacterial infection may have set in.

Treatment may also engage in surgical amputation of any bumps or lumps from your feline’s skin. This is more often than not only done if the growth is cancerous or if it seems to be bothering your cat. If it is gentle and is not causing your feline pain, it can be left alone.

There are numerous over the counter homeopathic goods that could help to recover overall coat and skin problems such as Skin and Coat Tonic. Other over the counter products such as Dermasol contains Vitamin A, which can help to support the healing of skin.