Itching, hair loss, and skin wounds are some of the signs that indicate our feline friend may be suffering from a dermatological disease. At the first suspicion, it is important to visit the veterinarian, since some of these conditions can cause serious complications if not treated in time. In today’s article, we explain the most common skin diseases in cats and give you some tips on how to detect them.
What are the most common skin diseases in cats?
If your little feline has scabs, skin wounds, or bald patches, it may be suffering from one of the following common skin diseases in cats:
1) Ringworm or dermatophytosis
Dermatophytosis, better known as ringworm, is perhaps the most well-known and feared skin disease in cats, since it can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by fungi that feed on the skin, producing different types of lesions, such as round bald patches. Ringworm in cats also causes itching and skin inflammation. This disease is more frequent in young cats or sick cats with weak or underdeveloped immune systems. That’s why it is especially common in stray cats.
2) Allergic dermatitis
Dermatitis is another of the most frequent skin diseases in cats. It usually occurs due to a reaction to flea saliva. In allergic cats, a single bite is enough to cause scratching lesions, especially on the neck, abdomen, perineum, and lumbosacral area. To prevent allergic dermatitis caused by fleas, it is essential to keep your pet’s deworming schedule up to date. It’s also very important to disinfect the environment properly, especially during the warmer months when fleas are more common.
3) Mange
Mange is another common and feared skin problem in cats. It is a contagious skin disease caused by a mite. The most common symptom of mange in cats is intense itching, which can lead to severe skin lesions, scabs, and bald patches. This condition is spread through contact and can also affect humans. Although treatment is simple, early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications. Therefore, you should take your cat to the vet at the first suspicion.
4) Psychogenic alopecia
This type of alopecia is a skin condition caused by a behavioral disorder. In cats with psychogenic alopecia, hair loss is due to excessive grooming, usually because the cat feels anxious or stressed for different reasons: moving to a new home, the arrival of a new family member, etc. Bald patches caused by this alopecia can appear anywhere the animal can reach with its mouth. To treat this condition, it is necessary to identify the underlying stress or anxiety factor. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a feline behavior specialist.
5) Feline acne
Feline acne is a skin condition that usually appears on the chin and around the lips. These areas have many sebaceous glands, located inside hair follicles, where the hair also grows. When the follicles secrete too much keratin, pores become clogged, leading to blackheads. In most cats, feline acne is a mild condition. However, sometimes the clogged pores can develop into skin infections, causing more serious problems such as pustules, swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, and intense itching.
How to treat skin problems in cats?
In addition to these, there are other skin diseases in cats that can cause skin and coat problems for your pet. Depending on the condition, a specific treatment will be necessary to control the symptoms and eliminate the cause. Furthermore, some skin problems in cats may also be the result of an underlying illness. In that case, your cat’s dermatological condition will not improve until the disease is treated properly. Therefore, the first thing you should do if your cat shows any type of skin alteration is to visit the veterinarian immediately to confirm the diagnosis.
