How to Identify Skin Diseases in Cats: A Vet Explains Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

If your cat is frequently licking its body, scratching, or experiencing hair loss, it may be suffering from a skin disease.

A close inspection of the affected skin may reveal symptoms such as eczema, scabs, redness, or sores. While some of this information overlaps with what we have previously discussed regarding hair loss, this article will explain feline skin diseases in more detail.

How to Identify Feline Skin Diseases and Their Symptoms

The symptoms of feline skin disease primarily include frequent licking, scratching, hair loss (partial or full-body), redness, eczema, sores, and swelling. Owners most often take their cats to the vet after noticing itching, hair loss, or frequent licking. In some cases, owners discover dermatitis only after noticing severe matting of the fur.

What causes cats to develop skin diseases?

Causes of skin disease include infections, external parasites, allergies, autoimmune diseases, tumors, psychogenic factors, and hormonal imbalances.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections can cause inflammation and dermatitis. This may be accompanied by itching and eczema. While normal skin is home to bacteria and fungi known as "resident flora," they typically do not cause problems. However, if itching occurs for any reason, these resident microorganisms can overgrow, leading to secondary bacterial dermatitis.

Fungal dermatitis is characterized by circular hair loss. While ringworm (dermatophytosis) caused by dermatophyte fungi is the most common cause, other fungi can also cause dermatitis. It can infect areas with soft skin (such as the paws, limbs, and face), causing red, sore inflammation around the hairless patches. This type of dermatitis is also known as "ringworm." It can sometimes be transmitted to other cats or even humans. Another type of resident fungus is *Malassezia*. It thrives on oily skin and causes a distinct odor and itching when it overgrows.

External Parasites

Parasitic fleas and mites can cause dermatitis. Notoedric mange mites infest the face and ear edges, leading to scabs and hair loss. This is accompanied by intense itching, causing the cat to shake its head or scratch excessively, which can result in wounded skin around the eyes and under the ears. Secondary bacterial infections can then develop in these areas.
When fleas infest a cat, the animal may have an allergic reaction to flea saliva. This leads to severe itching and inflammation, resulting in dermatitis and hair loss. Because this happens all over the body, the cat may scratch itself constantly.
Cats also suffer from a condition called Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, which presents as stomatitis, dermatitis, or raised skin lesions. This is also thought to be related to flea allergies, although the exact cause is not fully understood.

Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a specific protein, triggering the release of itch-inducing substances. Common causes include food, pollen, and house dust.

In the case of food allergies, a cat may experience itching around the eyes, ears, mouth, or anus after consuming specific ingredients.

Feline atopic dermatitis is caused by allergens such as dust, pollen, or mites, leading to intense itching, dermatitis, and hair loss. Symptoms typically appear on the face, paws, inner thighs, underarms, and lower abdomen.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to various symptoms.

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune skin diseases in cats. It manifests as skin erosions, blisters, and hair loss.

Tumors

When a tumor causes pain, a cat may lick the area to soothe itself, which can lead to hair loss and dermatitis.

Additionally, white cats exposed to sunlight for long periods may develop solar dermatitis on areas with thin skin, such as the ears, resulting in hair loss. Cats over 6 years old with photosensitivity have a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur not only on the ears but also around the mouth.

While mast cell tumors are malignant in dogs, they generally behave in a benign manner in cats (when a single tumor is present). Mast cell tumors can cause lumps in the skin, which may become red or extremely itchy when touched.

Psychogenic Factors

When cats feel anxious or stressed, they often groom themselves to self-soothe. In psychogenic dermatitis, the cat licks its hair so frequently that the fur breaks, leading to hair loss. Continued licking can damage the skin, resulting in secondary bacterial dermatitis.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal diseases, such as excessive or deficient hormone production, often lead to symmetrical hair loss. Itching may also occur. Hormonal dermatitis can cause abnormal lipid secretion or reduced immunity, leading to the overgrowth of resident skin bacteria.

Can feline skin disease be cured? What are the treatments?

While treatment depends on the underlying cause, the primary approaches include pharmacological control of itching, removal of the cause, shampoo therapy, and flea/mite prevention. Dietary therapy may also be combined with these treatments.

Pharmacological Therapy

Pharmacological therapy involves using oral medications or injections to manage itching and treat the root cause. Steroids and antihistamines are primarily used to control itching. Antibiotics or antifungal agents are used to eliminate bacterial or fungal infections. It is crucial that the full course of medication be completed; you must not discontinue treatment based on your own judgment simply because it is difficult to administer.

Shampoo Therapy

Although most cats dislike bathing, shampoo therapy may be recommended for severe dermatitis to help remove allergens or pathogens. Always use the medicated shampoo prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow your vet's instructions regarding frequency and application. If you find it difficult to bathe your cat at home, professional grooming services or your veterinary clinic may be able to assist.

Flea and Mite Treatment

Fleas and mites are common causes of allergic dermatitis. Over-the-counter products are often ineffective, so please ensure you use products prescribed by your veterinarian. Apply the preventative treatment to the cat's back once a month (or every three months, depending on the product).

Dietary Therapy

For food-allergic dermatitis, it is necessary to switch to a hypoallergenic diet. Always follow your veterinarian's guidance for dietary therapy.

Tumor Treatment

If a tumor is the cause, treating the tumor itself can alleviate the dermatitis. Depending on the type of tumor, treatment options may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Treatment for Psychogenic Skin Disease

Psychogenic skin disease is often caused by stress. The key to treatment is identifying and addressing the cat's source of stress. Review the cat's living environment, litter boxes, and relationships with other pets in the household. Because some cats lick out of boredom, it is important to ensure they are not idle while left alone. Providing toys or hiding food around the room to encourage natural hunting instincts can help satisfy their needs.

How to Prevent Feline Skin Diseases

Many skin diseases—especially those caused by bacteria, fungi, fleas, or mites—can be prevented to some extent. Here are some general preventative measures.

Flea and Mite Prevention

Since fleas and mites can trigger allergic dermatitis, regular preventative care is essential. Use veterinary-prescribed products rather than over-the-counter treatments or flea collars.

Brushing

Brushing not only keeps the coat neat, removes dirt, and reduces shedding, but also provides a massage effect for the skin. Brush your cat once a day for short-haired breeds and twice a day for long-haired breeds. Regular brushing also allows for the early detection of skin abnormalities.

Maintaining a Stress-Free Lifestyle

Cats often lick their bodies due to stress or boredom, which frequently leads to dermatitis. Review the cat's living environment and ensure they have a space to retreat from other pets if needed. Providing enough litter boxes is also crucial. It is also a good idea to set aside time for interactive play to provide a simulated hunting experience, ensuring your cat does not get bored.

Summary

Skin disease is something that owners can easily notice. Because the itching is intense, watching your cat scratch themselves can be distressing for you as well. Rarely does a skin disease resolve on its own. It is important to visit a veterinarian early to begin proper treatment.

Additionally, make sure to keep your cat clean through regular brushing and consistent flea and mite prevention.