First Aid for an Itchy Cat: Causes and Solutions

When your cat is suffering from severe itching, as an owner, you naturally want to do something to help.

However, you can’t exactly scratch it for them, and you might worry that it’s better not to touch them clumsily.

To ensure your cat doesn’t scratch itself into a wound or suffer from hair loss, let’s learn about first aid for when your cat is itchy.

Causes of Excessive Scratching in Cats

There are several reasons why a cat’s body might get itchy, but when the itching is so intense that they scratch uncontrollably, it is likely due to an "allergic reaction."

Just like humans, cats can have allergies. In cats, this often manifests as dermatitis, which is exacerbated when they scratch with their sharp claws or teeth. It can get so bad that they break their skin and develop sores.

The three most common allergies in cats are "food allergies," "flea allergy dermatitis," and "atopic dermatitis," all of which involve severe skin itching. Let’s learn about the characteristics of each.

Food Allergies

Food allergies in cats are said to be caused by a reaction to proteins found in cat food. In addition to animal proteins like beef, dairy products, chicken, and eggs, plant proteins such as wheat and soy can also act as allergens.

If a food allergy is suspected, a "therapeutic diet" or "elimination diet" is fed for a certain period. If the itching returns when switching back to their regular food, a diagnosis of a food allergy is confirmed.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

This is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. It is characterized by not only itching where they were bitten, but itching all over the body, often accompanied by eczema.

First, remove the fleas using flea shampoo or medication, and then use flea and tick preventatives to keep them off. Additionally, ensure your cat is kept strictly indoors to avoid contact with other cats. Avoid contact even through screen doors.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is caused by allergens such as house dust, mold, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander causing inflammation of the skin. It commonly causes itching on the face, paws, chest, and abdomen, and if it becomes chronic, it can lead to hair loss.

A complete cure is difficult; symptoms are managed by identifying allergens through blood tests and avoiding them as much as possible.

First Aid for an Itchy Cat

Skin itching in cats can be controlled with topical or oral medication. However, you often don't have cat-specific anti-itch medicine on hand.

In such cases, you can relieve the itching as a first-aid measure by "cooling" the affected area.

However, do not get them wet directly or wrap them in cooling gels. Gently apply a cool towel or gauze.

Is brushing okay?

Check your cat’s skin to see if there are any red areas or sores. If there is eczema or inflammation, avoid irritating the skin. Please take a break from brushing for a while.

See a vet as soon as possible

For a cat, itching is unbearable. Because they may scratch until they have wounds or infections, you should take them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Treatment depends on the cause, but the first step is usually to suppress the itch with injections or oral medication. To ensure they can live comfortably as soon as possible, follow all instructions regarding medication and diet.

How to Stop Excessive Scratching

To prevent cats from scratching, an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) is sometimes used.

Itching caused by allergies only gets worse the more they scratch. Also, they might lick off topical medicine, so an e-collar is effective in physically preventing them from scratching or licking.

However, an e-collar can be very bothersome for a cat.

The stress of having their movement restricted by the collar can lead to over-grooming or hair pulling. This stress can even cause vomiting or diarrhea.

To protect their skin without hindering their movement, "clothing" is also effective.

We wanted to provide cat-friendly and functional clothing. That’s why at Poponeko, we created a "Skin Protection Suit" specifically for cats suffering from skin issues. It is designed to keep them as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

It protects your precious cat in place of an Elizabethan collar.

Summary

While skin problems are common in cats, when they are itching so intensely that they are scratching, "cooling" is the best first aid.

Gently apply a cool towel and avoid brushing.

If you notice symptoms of itching in your cat, please provide first aid to soothe them and see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the itching gets worse, the damage from scratching and licking will only increase.

Treating itching requires patience. To ensure the itch is gone as soon as possible, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding oral medicine, topical treatment, medicated baths, and diet to protect your cat from the discomfort.

You are the only one who can support your cat in their battle against itching. Please stay close to your beloved cat while effectively using tools like skin protection suits.

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