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Cat Skin Disorders:
These sort of feline health issues can often be very frustrating and cause many problems for both the cat and for the owner.
In my opinion, many skin disorders are associated with poor nutrition. Just as in humans, a cat’s skin is a major organ of removal. It is often the first place that a health problem will show up, as the body tries to eliminate toxic elements.
The more back to nature we can feed our cats, the healthier they will always be. Therefore, instead of buying one of those generic brands of commercial cat food, think about changing for a better quality food. Although it may cost you more initially, it will save you money in the long run in veterinary bills.
You may give food supplements which contain fish oil which have been useful in resolving cat dandruff. Fish oil can also be added to your cat’s diet by feeding canned tuna – because it is full of Omega 3 fatty acids that can strengthen the fur in about a week.
But again, it is better to feed a “whole” than just a part such as fish oil – which is just an extract of something.
Here is some information on some of the cat skin problems that can happen.
Kitty Bathtime
Feline Allergy
Feline allergies can be the cause of a lot of skin problems in cats. An allergy can be triggered by household cleaners, pollen, diet and other sources. If you cat is displaying any symptoms of allergies, you would be wise to use only organic, non-toxic cleaning products around the home (this is so good for your human family too!)
Often allergies in cats are very difficult to find the cause of, I have some more information here: Feline Allergy
Parasites
The cat may also be harboring some little passengers, such as ticks and fleas. These can cause skin problems that range from mild to extremely itchy and/or painful.
You should make a point of checking your cat’s skin regularly for parasites. Do this using a soft brush or comb, separate the hair in different places over your cat’s body, and view right down on the skin.
Look for anything moving (eeeeeew) that does not belong. Also check for any small red marks where there has been a bite, and little dark spots which are most likely flea dirt.
Weather Can Affect Cat Skin
Cold weather can dry out the cat’s pores and skin. As can hot weather. An indoors cat over the winter can dry her skin out by sleeping close to a fire or heater.
Diabetes And Dry Skin
Dry skin in cats frequently occurs among cats with diabetes. Research tells us that one in two hundred cats have what’s known as diabetes mellitus (DM).
If the cat’s skin care problem continues after you have ruled out all of the above, and your are unable to find and eliminate the cause – it is best to seek the help of a professional. There may be a deeper health issue that needs addressing.
Feline skin care problems like cat dandruff and cat allergies should be taken cared off immediately just before it gets worse. Suitable hygiene, a great, healthy diet along with grooming are the best ways to keep the skin in top shape.
Recommended natural treatment here: Cat Skin and Coat Tonic
Wanted to say All round you have produced really fantastic blogsite.
My cat had a roundish dime sized reddened area then it seemed to be a pale color..thought it had finally healed(he licked it a lot). noticed a week or so later it was opened again, pale and very weepy. In fact when I seperated the hair 3 drops of clear fluid rolled all the way down.. Now he has another little reddened spot and he’s licking it.. I’m not sure I can get him to a vet..He’s always been a little wild except around my husband and myself..Both areas are on his shoulder and chest..
Hi Betty, has you cat’s sore healed? If not one of the best treatments I have found for simple, topical skin “things” is using a saline solution, made from a good quality, natural salt. In particular I personally stick with the Himalayan Salt. I make up a solution that is referred to a “Sole” that I use for “everything” including drinking it ourselves.
It is not only a great healer, it is a food as well. There is some info on how to make a Sole solution here: http://www.livepurehealth.net/himalayan-salt-for-good-health.
You might also like to make sure it is not Ringworm, as there will be just a little more involved than simply healing any lesions. Although the Himalayan Sole would make a big difference to the lesion itself.
My cat had dermatitis pretty bad when I rescued her. We took her off grains and fed her a fish-based food (Alpha, Natural Balance). You should see pictures of before and after – she looks like a different cat! Hair grew back, is not longer greasy in parts, skin isn’t dry and cracked around her ears and her over-all demeanor and energy is like night and day – she’s clearly much happier and healthier. I think going with an all nature, grain-free cat food really helped her skin.
Dear Ashley,
I wish I could send you some pics. For the past eight months our kitten gets patches on her forehead and face that starts up with a watery oozing, after which the hair falls out. It seems as if it itches, as she continually “washes” the areas until it bleeds. We have already spent thousands of bucks at five different vets, all saying she has some allergy. She had now twice been injected with cortisone, which immediately helps, but we do not believe that this is to be repeated.
We have gotten rid of all plastic bowls, using only porcelain, and have been buying only anti allergen pellet food from the vet. We have also stopped with the monthly Frontline anti-flea drops but still it goes on. For the past 14 days we have been giving her 1mg of over-the-counter anti-allergy pills and we treat the wounds with calamine lotion. The lotion dries the wounds and seems to help, but next thing she has again licked it till bleeding. We wash her bedding regularly in the washing machine, not using any soaps or detergents.
She is so small in size that we are hesitant to put a scratch collar around her neck. She is also not housebound and is out hunting and paying with her brother most of the day. Her mood is not affected.
We have been racking our brains trying to think of what she can be allergic to or how to treat her.
Please, any advice?
Best regards,
Phillip.
Sorry to trouble you but my cat Honeybee who is 12 (?) appears to have developed “manky” fur on his back which he hates me trying to comb. When I do it appears he has dandruff? He want to the vets in April + the vet gave him an injection in his back which seemed to temporarily help. She did a blood test + the results were fine. He went again last month for his annual jabs & another vet said the bloods hadn’t looked at his thyroid or potential diabetes. He had a further blood test & again it was fine. He’s been having Metacam for circa 3 weeks & his demeanour seems better but not his coat!! Any ideas?! Thank you