Cat eczema is not a veterinary medical term, but a general term that can be used to describe inflamed, itchy and red skin seen on our feline friends. There can be hair loss and red small bumps or pimples in the inflamed area, which in turn can become scabs when scratched – just like with people. The most common area for cats to have inflamed areas of skin is the base of the tail, back, head and neck.
There are a few possible factors that can cause the irritation in the skin, such as atopic dermatitis or a chronic allergic reaction to something in the environment (pollen, dust or mould). If you notice your cat scratching more than usual it could be a form of dermatitis or an allergy.
It is important to know that miliary dermatitis is a rash that cats develop in response to a skin irritation, often from fleas; atopic dermatitis is a specific diagnosis for an allergic skin disease and eczema is a general term used to describe itchy and red skin.
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Signs and Symptoms of Cat Eczema
Common signs that are first noticed in cats suffering from skin conditions are:
- Excessive grooming and scratching
- Hair loss in a specific area, not general shedding
- Scabby or crusty skin
- Red bumps or little pimples
- Dry, scaly or flaky patches of skin
- Thickened areas of skin
- Frequent head shaking or ear irritation
Fleas are the most common aggravating factor of skin conditions in cats. Many cats are allergic to flea saliva and just one bite can cause an allergic reaction with severe itching and all, or some of the symptoms mentioned above.
Fleas love hanging out along the back and tail base, and this is the first place you should look on your cat for little black specks of what seem like dirt but is known as flea dirt.
A few things that can trigger a skin reaction in cats are:
- Flea saliva (from a flea bite)
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergens (dust, pollen or mould)
- External parasites like mites
- External irritants such as a household cleaning product
Dr. A Jackson says: “Lesions may be due to a number of underlying causes, particularly flea bite hypersensitivity, but also food hypersensitivity, ectoparasites and microbial infections including dermatophytes and bacteria.”
A pet camera is always a handy tool to have at home to check in on your pets when you are away, but especially when you suspect something may be wrong or bothering your furry companion. With a camera you can check in and see if your cat is displaying any signs of discomfort or grooming more than usual.
Treatment and Home Remedies for Cat Eczema
If your cat has a mild skin problem, then it is safe to try a few things at home before going to your local vet.
Even if your cat is an indoor only cat, it is possible for a flea bite to occur. Fleas are attracted to movement and warm spaces so can easily hitch a ride on you from outside and jump onto your cat. Start by applying a vet recommended flea treatment that will kill any nasty pests. Then clean any irritated areas of skin with a cat safe anti-bacterial or wound cleaning product. (Cats are very different from dogs and certain products are not safe for cats.) Ice packs wrapped in a tea towel and applied to inflamed areas of skin can provide some relief for a short amount of time.
Dr. C Favrot says: “Exclusion of fleas and other parasites often requires treatment of the affected cat, other animals living in the household and the house, even if parasites are not found on the animal. Special attention should also be paid to Demodex gatoi infestations if this mite is present in the area in which the cat lives, or if the cat has a history of travel.”
If your cat has any open sores, oozing scabs or pustules, or just cannot stop scratching then it is best to take him to the vet. A skin irritation can cause severe discomfort, and your cat may need some instant relief with a cortisone injection that your veterinarian can provide. Effective treatment for inflamed feline skin generally requires the attention of a vet with tests to rule out external parasites, and to identify the cause of the skin irritation. In times like these it is ideal to have invested in Emergency Fund for your pet so that you are not limited to treatment options.
The first step in treatment is determining the cause and then removing it. This could mean tick and flea treatment, a hypoallergenic food trial and/or even chronic medication such as cyclosporine. If the condition is severe your veterinarian may prescribe a course of cortisone to provide some relief while the allergen is being determined. This can be a long process but well worth it in the end.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no one test to determine the cause of inflamed skin in cats. Your vet will rely on information from you as the parent, clinical signs and ruling out other possible causes. Managing these conditions means working closely with your veterinarian for a long period of time, there is no quick fix.
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