Why Do Cats Scratch Themselves? Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Explained

Cats are very clean creatures. They lick themselves all over with their flexible bodies. For the spots they can't reach, they use their hind legs to scratch.

Just watching them is enough to make you feel happy.

However, you should be careful if they are scratching themselves incessantly. There might be some kind of abnormality in their skin.

In this article, we will explain in detail the causes of why cats scratch their bodies, as well as effective treatments and preventive measures.

Why cats scratch their bodies

When a cat keeps scratching its body with its paws, it is a sign that it is "itchy."

While they may use their paws to scratch spots their tongues cannot reach during grooming, they are more likely feeling discomfort in their skin if they seem bothered by their neck or ears.

Be careful if the frequency of scratching has suddenly increased or if they are scratching constantly. Cats tend to persistently scratch itchy spots and can sometimes scratch themselves until they bleed.

Also, if they are licking their bodies excessively, they may be feeling itchiness on their skin.

A cat's tongue is covered in many tiny, spiky projections called filiform papillae, which they use like a brush to groom themselves neatly. This is why it stings a little when a cat licks your hand.

They continue to lick their bodies with their rough tongues to soothe the itch. Just like when they scratch with their hind legs, they may lick until they bleed.

Causes of itchy skin

There are several reasons why a cat's body becomes itchy. To handle it as quickly as possible, let's learn about cat skin problems.

Fleas and Mites

When "fleas" bite a cat, their saliva enters the body, causing an allergic reaction.

Also, "scabies," caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei, can cause severe itching and dermatitis on the ears and head. When "ear mites" are present, cats will scratch their ears intensely, and a large amount of dark, waxy discharge will accumulate inside the ear.

Allergies

Some cats suffer from dermatitis and intense itching due to "allergies" to food, pollen, etc. Symptoms often appear around the face and belly, so watch out if your cat is scratching its neck or licking its belly.

Cats can also have "atopic dermatitis." Since itching occurs on the face, legs, inner thighs, armpits, and lower abdomen, it can lead to widespread hair loss.

Bacteria and Fungi

Bacteria or fungi (yeast/mold) can breed on a cat's skin, leading to itching, dandruff, and hair loss. In particular, a fungus called "dermatophytosis" (ringworm) is contagious to humans, so caution is required.

Otitis Externa/Media

"Otitis externa", an inflammation of the ear canal from the opening to the eardrum, causes intense itching and pain. It can be caused by allergies, ear mites, bacteria, or fungi, and if it becomes severe, it can lead to "otitis media."

Dryness

When the air is dry, such as from air conditioning, a cat's skin can also become dry. This can cause not only itching but also dandruff. In winter, try using a humidifier and take steps like adding more water bowls to prevent dehydration.

Ill-fitting Collars

If a cat collar is too heavy or too stiff, it can cause hair loss and inflammation around the neck. Additionally, allergies to the collar material or an unsanitary collar can also cause itching.

It is safest to choose light, soft collars and replace them regularly.

Watch out for psychogenic stress

Psychogenic stress can lead to "excessive grooming."

Excessive grooming, also known as "overgrooming" or "psychogenic alopecia," is when a cat licks itself so much that the hair falls out and the skin becomes inflamed.

When they feel stress from changes in their living environment, such as moving house or introducing a new cat, they may repeatedly lick the same spot to soothe their anxiety.

As long as the source of the stress remains, they cannot stop the excessive grooming, which may lead to oozing blood and infection. Sometimes they itch from the scabs and scratch them, making it worse.

In addition to receiving appropriate treatment, the cause of the stress must also be removed. Creating an environment where they can easily relieve stress, such as adding more scratching posts or letting them see outside through a window, is also important.

What to do when your cat is itchy

If you leave skin problems untreated, they will worsen, and the scratching will become even more severe. Also, be aware that some skin issues can be contagious to other cats and even you.

If you notice any signs of trouble, such as your cat persistently scratching its body, you should see a veterinarian.

It will help with the diagnosis if you can explain as accurately as possible when the scratching started and when it happens. Check for other symptoms besides itching, such as hair loss, dirty ears, scabs, or rashes.

In the case of allergy-related itching, blood tests are performed, and the primary treatment involves avoiding the causative agent. If the itching and inflammation are severe, antihistamines or steroids may be used.

How to prevent itching?

Itching caused by fleas and mites can be prevented by using a spot-on preventive medication on the back of the neck.Visit a veterinarian once a year, and be sure to take flea and mite precautions even if your cat is kept entirely indoors.

Since fleas and mites are often transmitted from other animals, we recommend thorough flea/mite prevention and keeping your cat strictly indoors.

Also, cats may have allergies to dust or pollen. Regardless of whether they have allergies, keep your home clean and wash your cat's bed and blankets regularly.

Early detection and early treatment are essential for skin problems. If you notice skin issues through brushing and bonding, you may be able to treat them before the cat scratches themself raw.

Make sure to use your communication time with your cat for health management.

Measures against scratching

You don't want them to scratch itchy areas, but they can't help it... It's easy to understand that feeling.

During treatment for skin issues, an Elizabethan collar is sometimes used to prevent the cat from scratching the affected area or licking off topical medicine.

However, an Elizabethan collar is an annoyance to a cat. Many cats hate them. They can't eat or drink well, they bump into everything, and they are uncomfortable to sleep in. It can actually cause the cat stress.

For such cases, we recommend "Skin Protection Suits."

We wanted to prioritize comfort and gentleness for cats fighting itchiness. That is the philosophy we put into Poponeko's skin protection suits.

Because they are stretchy, they don't restrict the cat's movement, and they feature high-performance temperature control, allowing the cat to stay comfortable without getting stuffy. They are also recommended if you are concerned about dry skin.

If your cat dislikes the Elizabethan collar, skin protection suits can be a big help.

Summary

Because a cat's skin is covered in fur, it is difficult to notice skin abnormalities.

We often see cats scratching their ears or necks with their hind legs, but if the frequency increases or they are scratching frantically, it is likely they have an "itch."

The causes of itching are varied and can include fleas, mites, allergies, bacteria, fungi, ear infections, or dryness. It may also be that their collar doesn't fit correctly.

If you notice your cat scratching, it is important to tell your veterinarian when it started and when it occurs, and to receive appropriate treatment.

Most importantly, early discovery and early treatment are key. Enjoy some bonding time while checking their skin. A little extra attention can help prevent them from scratching themselves raw.