Some Common Skin Conditions in Cats
There are several relatively common skin conditions found in many cats, and the good news is that most of the problems are easily treatable. The key to identifying that any problem exists is to recognize when changes occur. For example, one of the most common conditions that cats must endure is the presence of mites.
Whether these are of the head mange varieties or those that focus on the ears, the intense itching and scratching will quickly make even the most mild-mannered cat extremely cranky and prone to biting and growling. Fortunately, there are treatments and drops that can reduce the discomfort right away, but it must be diagnosed and treated by a knowledgeable veterinarian.
That is really one of the most important things about cats and their skin care – they must receive regular check-ups from a veterinarian who can recognize when hair or skin is changing due to a treatable condition or problem. For example, a pet owner may just think that their cat is experiencing some seasonal itching and shedding when in fact it is suffering from another common condition known as ringworm. This is not an actual parasitic worm but is a highly contagious fungal condition that must be treated by the proper medication.
While there are many parasites that can cause skin problems, one of the most familiar and common is the flea. A flea infestation can make all of the cats, humans and pets in a single home extremely uncomfortable. Luckily fleas are something easily defeated when the right tactics are used, but it is often a matter of several different efforts and some products purchased through a veterinarian or pet supply store before they are totally gone.
Many cats will often develop what is known as dermatitis, but there are several different varieties of this condition. They are all identified by bumps, inflammation, some thinning of the hair and a persistent need for the cat to scratch. Often dermatitis is the result of a primary issue such as an allergy, parasite, or irritant of some kind. The important thing is that they must all be treated in a different manner and usually it is only veterinarian who can make the right call.
Apart from these common conditions cats can also suffer from a much wider range of problems with the skin and hair. Most will be associated with more serious conditions, but it is vitally important to always remember that any dramatic changes in the cat’s hair or skin (including the ears, eyelids and face) is usually a sign of something wrong and should be dealt with immediately.
