Cat skin problems

Every cat owner will tell you that cats have their own unique lifestyles, whether it's play, interactions with their owners, or health issues. The same goes for skin problems, with cats having skin allergies that are more complex and variable than dogs. For these problems, prevention is always better than cure. Below we’ll discuss common cat skin problems, treatments, and strategies for improving skin health.

Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis

Skin allergies can be a troubling problem for both pets and owners, and are one of the common reasons for taking pets to the vet. Allergies can cause itchy skin, leading to scratchy hair loss, skin lesions, abrasions, and bacterial infections. Cats tend to lick and groom excessively rather than scratch, but the result is still skin damage.

Allergies may be the main cause of itchy skin in cats, but they are not the only cause. If your pet is experiencing itching or skin problems, it's best to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination first.

Technically, allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normal substances, such as pollen, dust mites, or spores. This reaction can cause skin irritation and inflammation, disrupting the natural skin barrier and further triggering bacterial infections. This creates a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Hong Kong's hot and humid climate is more likely to exacerbate allergic reactions and recurrence of infections.

Cat allergies usually result in localized skin sores rather than a generalized rash like in dogs (or people).

Skin allergies can be divided into environmental allergies, food allergies, contact allergies and insect bite allergies. It is difficult to determine the type of allergy based on symptoms alone, but it is crucial to avoid the allergen.

environmental allergies

Environmental allergies (atopic allergies or hay fever) are the most common cause of skin irritation in pets. Cats are sensitive to allergens that are normally found in the air, such as dust mites, pollen, and mold. Symptoms are more pronounced during certain times of the year, such as summer. Even in the cleanest of homes, it can be difficult to completely eliminate these allergens.

contact allergy

Contact allergies usually only affect the parts of the animal that come into contact with the allergen, such as the abdomen and armpits. Allergens may come from carpet fibers, laundry detergent, or other close contact items. Allergens can usually be reduced by changing cleaning products or thoroughly rinsing floors and clothing.

Insect bite allergy

Insect bite allergy, especially flea bite allergy, is also a common problem. Some animals react violently to flea bites, causing severe itching and irritation. Therefore, all cats with itchy skin should use flea prevention products.

food allergy

Food allergies account for approximately 10-20% of skin allergy cases. They can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and gastrointestinal irritation, but many times the only symptom is itchy skin, especially around the mouth and feet. Food allergies usually exist year-round and are common to beef, wheat, dairy, eggs, and chicken. The best way to diagnose a food allergy is to eliminate all snacks or snacks and observe the reaction. This needs to be done for 6-8 weeks to give the skin enough time to recover.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Like human allergies, pet allergies are difficult to cure completely. But with caution and planning, we can significantly reduce the frequency of allergy attacks and minimize reliance on medications.

When treating skin allergies, a variety of aspects need to be considered, including avoiding exposure to allergens, ways to reduce skin inflammation, and measures to improve skin health. With proper prevention and care, you can help your cat enjoy healthy skin and reduce the discomfort of allergies.