Is your cat itching all the time? Or constantly rubbing against the furniture? Well, it might be due to your cat’s dry skin. It could be due to winter or any other underlying cause. Therefore, it’s vital to keep a check on your cat’s skin otherwise it can irritate your feline friend. This article will help you in figuring out whether your cat has dry skin or not. And if it does, how to detect it and provide proper treatment. So, let’s first take a look at causes of dry skin in cats.
What causes dry skin and bald patches in cats?
- The main cause of dry skin is cold weather. If you’re living in a city where it’s cold all the time, your cat might suffer from dry skin more often than you think. In extreme cases this can cause bald patches on your cat’s skin.
- When you turn on your heater as the weather changes, the outer skin of your cat may lose the moisture quickly, and it may cause dry skin.
- The other major cause is skin allergy in cats. When it comes to allergies, a detailed test is required to figure out what kind of allergy the cat has. From pollen allergy to food allergy, the cat might be allergic to anything. Therefore, it’s imperative to consult the vet for further diagnosis. Bald patches are a common sign of allergies in cats.
- Fungal infection can also lead to skin allergies in cats. The overgrowth of yeast across the skin can cause rashes, hair loss and bald patches on the body. Initially, the skin will become dry and itchy, so that’s the first clue to get the cat to the vet.
- Ringworm is also a kind of fungal infection that causes skin irritation and dryness. This can also lead to rashes and bald patches.
- Believe it or not, parasites are not only capable of spreading infestation but they also cause skin allergies in pets. Flea infestations definitely deteriorate your cat’s health, but those same fleas and its saliva can be allergic to cats.
Symptoms of Dry Skin in Cats
- Itching
- Rashes
- Skin irritation
- White, dandruff-like flakes
- Dry patches
- Dull fur
- Bald Patches
The above mentioned are the main symptoms of dry skin in cats. If you notice that your cat is suffering due to any reason, ensure you take the cat to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Only they can perform a perfect diagnosis and treat your feline friend. The treatment generally consists of antibiotics that provide instant relief to the cat. Moreover, to ensure your kitty doesn’t suffer from such allergies, you can take some preventive measures to keep her safe and secure.
Preventing Dry Skin and Bald Patches in Cats
- If there’s any weather changes or you stay in a cold place, keeping the cat’s skin nourished and moisturized should be your top priority. Use shampoo and conditioners developed especially for pets to keep their skin smooth and glowy.
- Identify the food your cat is allergic to and ensure you don’t give it to her.
- Flea bite allergies are very common so you should always administer flea and tick preventatives to your kitty! These preventive treatments come in topical and oral form thus, providing complete protection from those nasty parasites.
- You can also use pesticides and other chemicals in your backyard and surrounding areas to get rid of flea infestations.
So, whenever you spot any of the mentioned symptoms in your cat, it’s time to pay a visit to the vet. Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat!
About Author: Jessie McDaniel is a seasoned writer who specializes in blog writing, ghostwriting, and freelancing. Her expertise in the pet industry has helped her publish many great articles and blogs regarding the same on numerous pet care sites. She wishes to continue writing about pets for as long as she can and help pet parents like him to take good care of their four-legged friends. When she is not writing about pets, you can find her chilling with her family and her two pets, Rocco and Marley. You can connect with Jesse on Twitter.
