Cats are, without a doubt, connoisseurs of comfort. Unfortunately, they too can succumb to numerous health-related problems including issues with their skin. Skin problems in cats are, unfortunately, a pretty common sight. Pesky critters such as fleas, ticks, mites, bacterial infections, allergies, stress, or hormonal imbalances are the ones that cause skin problems in felines.
Common cat skin issues and home remedies:
1. Abscess
Abscesses are one of the most common skin problem faced by many felines. An abscess is an extremely pain collection of pus that is present at the site of a punctured wound. They form a firm swelling that becomes soft over time and can rupture and dish out the discharge. They are found on a cat’s forequarters or abdomen and can also at times appear near their tail. The best ways to tackle such an issue is by keeping your cat indoors as much as possible and keep applying skin treatments such as Dermaclens.
2. Ear Mites
If you notice your cat tilting and shaking its head or scratching its ears continuously, and can spot excessive brown wax-like substance near the ear canals, it might be quite certain that your feline has ear mites. This particular condition causes lots of itching and irritation, and if left untreated, it can lead to bacterial infections. The best way to combat this issue is by applying ear drops such as Ilium Ear Drops to clean cat ears.
3. Feline Acne
Feline acne is a highly common skin problem in many cats. In this, comedones (more commonly known as blackheads) are formed on the underside of the chin and perhaps on the edges of the lips. The common cause of this condition in cats is plastic or rubber foods as well as water-based dishes. Supplements such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids may well be beneficial to tackle blackheads, but we recommend you first see a vet and seek their expert opinion.
4. Food Allergy Dermatitis
Some cats are highly sensitive to certain ingredients in their food. This can result in excessive itching over the neck, back, head, and eyelids swelling. The treatment for such kinds of allergies involves diets excluding those ingredients that are having a negative reaction to your cat. Moreover, Apoquel is a great allergy-relieving product. Although the label states that it can be used for dogs only, cats too can consume it. But as always, seek the help of a vet before purchasing.
5. Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea Allergy Dermatitis is a skin condition caused by fleas. They manifest as itchy, pimple-like bumps and form over the base of the tail, at the rear legs, and inner thighs. The most ideal way to tackle such an issue is by opting for flea control treatments. There are numerous flea preventatives available in the market, but Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot and Revolution Plus for Cats, are the best picks.
6. Stud Tail
Stud tail in cats is caused when the glands near the tail excrete excessive oils. The result of this is a greasy, foul stench, and wax-like brown material at the top of the tail. This particular condition is more commonly found in non-neutered cats, but others can get it too. The best way to treat stud tail in cats is by neutering or thorough body wash with an antiseptic shampoo such as MalAcetic Shampoo to break the excess oils down.
7. Sunburn
Too much exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn in cats, especially light-colored felines. Keeping your cat away from direct sunlight, especially the afternoon sunlight is the best way to prevent sunburn. Another option would be to apply Petscreen SPF23 on the cat’s skin to prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging the skin.
As a cat parent, if you suspect your feline buddy has one of these skin problems mentioned above, make sure to first examine the affected area, take note of the symptoms, and do not forget to get in touch with your local vet. Any of these cat skin problems can be life-threatening if not taken care of quickly. Hence, stay alert and be prompt to take necessary actions to keep your buddy hale and hearty.
About the Author:
Jamie Hytten is a Birmingham based content writer who has a vast and rich experience in writing content regarding pets and their healthcare. Apart from writing, he loves spending time with her family and pet dogs.