First Aid for an Itchy Cat: Causes and Solutions

When your cat is scratching intensely, as a pet owner, you naturally want to help.

However, you can't scratch them yourself, and you might worry that it's better not to touch them incorrectly.

Let's learn about first aid for when your cat is itchy, to prevent them from scratching and injuring themselves or losing fur.

Causes of Excessive Scratching in Cats

While there are several reasons why your cat might be itchy, intense itching that leads to scratching is likely due to strong "allergic reactions."

Just like humans, cats can also have allergies. In cats, allergies often cause dermatitis, which can worsen as they scratch with their sharp claws or teeth. Sometimes, scratching can be so severe that it leads to raw skin.

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

Food Allergies

Feline food allergies are said to be triggered by proteins found in cat food. In addition to animal proteins like beef, dairy products, chicken, and eggs, plant proteins such as wheat and soybeans can also be allergens.

If a food allergy is suspected, a "therapeutic diet" or "elimination diet" is given for a certain period. If itching occurs after returning to regular food, it is diagnosed as a food allergy.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

This is an allergic reaction caused by flea saliva. It is characterized by itching and rashes not only at the bitten site but all over the body.

First, deworming is performed with flea shampoo or medication, and flea and tick preventive medication is used to prevent fleas. Also, strict indoor keeping is maintained, and contact with outdoor cats is avoided. Even contact through screen doors should be avoided.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis causes skin inflammation due to allergens such as house dust, mold, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. Itching often occurs on the face, paws, chest, and abdomen, and if it becomes chronic, it can lead to hair loss.

It is difficult to cure completely, and symptoms are prevented by identifying allergens through blood tests and eliminating them as much as possible.

First Aid for Itchy Cats

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

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

However, do not directly wet the area with water or wrap cooling gels around it. Gently apply a cold towel or gauze.

Is Brushing Allowed?

Check your cat's skin for any red spots or raw areas. If there is a rash or inflammation, avoid stimulating the skin. Stop brushing for a while.

Go to the Vet as Soon as Possible

Itching is unbearable for cats. Because scratching can cause wounds, and wounds can become infected, it is best to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

Treatment methods vary depending on the cause of the itching, but initial treatment usually involves injections or oral medication to relieve the itch. To help your cat live comfortably as soon as possible, follow instructions for medication and diet therapy.

How to Stop Cats from Scratching

To prevent your cat from scratching excessively, you might use an Elizabethan collar.

Itching caused by allergies worsens with scratching. Also, since cats might lick off topical medications, an Elizabethan collar is effective in physically preventing them from scratching and licking.

However, an Elizabethan collar can be annoying for cats.

The restriction of movement caused by the Elizabethan collar can lead to stress, which can develop into over-grooming or hair pulling. Stress can also cause vomiting or diarrhea.

To protect your cat's skin without hindering their movement, dressing them in "clothes" is also effective.

We thought it would be best to create cat clothes that are both gentle on cats and functional. That's why Poponeko created "skin protection suits" specifically for cats suffering from skin problems. These cat clothes are designed with ingenuity to ensure your cat can live as comfortably and stress-free as possible.

They protect your beloved cat as an alternative to the Elizabethan collar.

Summary

While skin problems are common in cats, when they are scratching intensely, "cooling" the area serves as first aid.

Gently apply a cool towel and avoid brushing.

If your cat shows symptoms of itching, provide first aid to relieve the itch, and then take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the itching worsens, it can lead to further deterioration due to scratching and licking-induced wounds.

Treating itching requires patience. To help your cat become itch-free as soon as possible, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding oral medication, topical treatments, medicated baths, and dietary therapy to protect your cat from itching.

As an owner, you are the only one who can support your cat in their fight against itching. Utilize skin protection clothing effectively and stay close to your beloved cat.

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