What is Feline Dermatitis?
Feline dermatitis refers to inflammation and irritation of a cat’s skin. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching, scratching, licking, chewing, bald spots, scabs, and skin infections. The most common causes of feline dermatitis include:
- Allergies – to things like flea bites, foods, pollen, dust mites
- Infections – bacterial, fungal, parasitic
- Autoimmune disorders
- Irritants – laundry detergents, perfumes, cleaning products
- Psychological stress
Dermatitis can occur in acute flare-ups or as a chronic, ongoing condition. It can range in severity from mild irritation and itching to severe oozing sores and hair loss. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to relieve discomfort and prevent secondary infections.
Types of Feline Dermatitis
There are several different types of skin conditions that fall under the category of feline dermatitis. Some of the most common include:
Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis, occurs when a cat has an allergic reaction to something in their environment like pollen, mold, dust mites, etc. This type of dermatitis leads to intense itching, redness, and scratching that can cause wounds or hair loss. Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common skin issues seen in cats (Bajwa, 2018).
Parasitic Dermatitis
Parasitic dermatitis is caused by an infestation of external parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites. The parasites bite and burrow into the skin which leads to itchiness, irritation, and secondary skin infections. Flea allergy dermatitis is a common form of parasitic dermatitis triggered by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Intense itching and hair loss around the base of the tail are typical symptoms (VCAAnimalHospitals.com).
Bacterial Dermatitis
Bacterial skin infections can occur as a primary condition or secondary to other skin issues like wounds or allergies. Common bacterial culprits include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Symptoms involve pustules, papules, crusting, and hair loss. Ringworm is also considered a form of bacterial dermatitis (VCAAnimalHospitals.com).
Fungal Dermatitis
Fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytosis, often occur in warm, humid environments. Ringworm is the most common fungal infection in cats. Signs include round, patchy hair loss and scaling. Yeast infections may also cause fungal dermatitis, leading to greasy skin, odor, and irritation (VCAAnimalHospitals.com).
Diagnosing Feline Dermatitis
Feline dermatitis can be tricky to diagnose as the symptoms often mimic other conditions. A full diagnosis typically requires multiple tests conducted by a veterinarian.
The diagnostic process usually starts with a thorough physical exam. The vet will look for skin lesions, hair loss, scabs, and signs of irritation. They may perform a skin scraping to check for parasites like mites under a microscope.
Blood tests can help rule out endocrine disorders or other systemic diseases. The vet may recommend allergy testing which can identify environmental, food, and other allergies triggering skin inflammation.
In some cases, a biopsy of the affected skin may be needed to analyze the skin cells and identify the specific type of dermatitis. This is often the most definitive diagnostic method.
With multiple tests, vets can pinpoint the underlying cause and determine the best treatment approach. Early diagnosis and care is key to relieving symptoms and preventing recurrent flare-ups of feline dermatitis.
Treating Feline Dermatitis
There are several treatment options for feline dermatitis depending on the underlying cause:
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Antihistamines – Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can help reduce itchiness and inflammation caused by allergic reactions. They are often used for mild cases of dermatitis.
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Antibiotics – Bacterial infections are common with feline dermatitis, especially from excessive scratching. Antibiotics like cephalexin may be prescribed to treat secondary infections.
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Antifungals – Fungal infections can also arise with dermatitis. Antifungal medication like ketoconazole may be used to treat ringworm or other fungal infections.
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Steroids – Steroids like prednisolone help reduce inflammation and itching. They are often used for short-term relief but can have side effects with long-term use.
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Immunotherapy – Allergy shots containing small amounts of antigens can help desensitize cats to allergens over time. This is often an effective long-term treatment for allergic dermatitis.
Treatment should target the underlying cause and provide relief from itchiness. Mild cases may respond to antihistamines or antifungals while more severe cases may need steroids. Immunotherapy can help prevent recurrence of allergic flare-ups. Consult your vet to determine the appropriate treatment.
Allergy Shots for Cats
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment option for cats with allergies. They work by gradually exposing the cat’s immune system to tiny amounts of allergens to help build tolerance over time. According to research, allergy shots can provide longer-lasting relief for cats compared to other treatments like antihistamines or steroids (NIH).
Allergy shots involve injecting small doses of the specific allergens a cat is sensitive to under the skin, typically starting with a very dilute solution. The strength of the allergen is gradually increased over several months to years. The shots expose the immune system to the trigger allergens in a controlled way so it can get used to them over time. This helps desensitize the cat’s immune response so their body doesn’t overreact to the allergens anymore.
Studies show allergy shots can be an effective treatment for cats with environmental or food allergies, with over 80% of cats showing improvement in symptoms. The shots typically need to be given regularly, starting with 1-2 injections per week, for 6-12 months before transitioning to monthly maintenance injections. Allergy shots are considered very safe for cats, though mild side effects like swelling at the injection site can sometimes occur. Overall, allergy shots can provide long-term relief for cats with moderate to severe allergies when avoided treatment methods have not been sufficient.
Dietary Changes for Feline Dermatitis
Making dietary changes is often one of the first treatment options for cats with feline dermatitis. Certain ingredients in cat food can trigger allergic reactions and inflammation in some cats. Working with your vet, you may want to try transitioning your cat to a hypoallergenic diet made with hydrolyzed proteins, novel proteins, or limited ingredients.
Hydrolyzed protein diets break down proteins into smaller fragments so they are less likely to cause an immune response. Novel protein diets feature protein sources like duck, venison, or kangaroo that your cat has likely never eaten before. This avoids exposure to potential allergens. Limited ingredient diets only contain a select few ingredients to reduce possible triggers. Your vet may recommend trying one of these specialized diets for 8-12 weeks to see if your cat’s skin improves.
You can also look into omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and provide relief for feline dermatitis. Always consult your vet before giving your cat any new supplements.
It usually takes some trial and error to find a diet that works for your individual cat. Be patient and stick with the new food for at least 2-3 months before deciding whether it helps your cat’s skin issues. With the right dietary changes, many cats see a significant improvement in their dermatitis symptoms.
Home Remedies for Feline Dermatitis
There are some natural home remedies that can help soothe feline dermatitis flare-ups and provide relief for your cat. Some options to try include:
Oatmeal Baths – Giving your cat an oatmeal bath can help relieve itchy skin. The oats have naturally soothing properties. Simply fill a tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water and add a cup of colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal. Let your cat soak for 5-10 minutes then rinse. Pat dry afterwards. Do this 1-2 times per week as needed [1].
Coconut Oil – Virgin coconut oil can moisturize dry, irritated skin. Rub a small amount onto affected areas 1-2 times per day. It is safe if licked off. Introduce coconut oil gradually in case it causes digestive upset [2].
Aloe Vera – Pure aloe vera gel can provide cooling relief. Apply a thin layer to itchy spots and let dry. It is safe if licked off. Limit use to 1-2 times daily as aloe vera can be drying when overused [3].
Preventing Feline Dermatitis Flare-Ups
While feline dermatitis may be challenging to fully cure, there are steps cat owners can take to reduce flare-ups and keep symptoms under control:
Use effective flea and tick control to eliminate these parasites that can cause skin irritation and allergies. Consult your vet for safe, vet-recommended prevention products to use year-round.
Reduce stress for your cat which can worsen skin issues. Make sure kitty has plenty of toys, scratching posts, and cozy spaces. Keep their routine and environment consistent. Use calming aids like Feliway if needed.
Regular grooming and bathing can prevent buildup of dead skin, oils, and allergens in the coat. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo recommended by your vet. Avoid brush burns by using a soft brush and proper technique.
While flare-ups may happen, being vigilant about prevention can greatly improve your cat’s dermatitis symptoms and quality of life.
Long-Term Outlook for Feline Dermatitis
Feline dermatitis is generally considered a chronic condition, meaning it cannot be cured but can be managed long-term (1). With consistent treatment and prevention of flare-ups, cats with dermatitis can live happy and comfortable lives. The key is addressing the underlying cause, whether it be fleas, food allergies, environmental allergies, or something else (2).
If the root trigger is identified and properly controlled, the prognosis for feline dermatitis is good. It may take some trial and error to find the right treatment approach. Allergy shots, dietary changes, medications, and other therapies can provide significant relief when customized for the individual cat. While flare-ups may occur, the overall skin condition and quality of life can remain stable over months or years (3).
With attentive care from the owner and vet, a cat with feline dermatitis can enjoy many healthy years. Staying on top of treatments, avoiding triggers, and closely monitoring symptoms are all important for the long-term outlook. While feline dermatitis is a lifelong challenge, the future remains bright for cats afflicted with this condition.
Sources:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819051/
(2) https://www.dvm360.com/view/a-clinical-approach-to-feline-atopic-dermatitis
(3) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-miliary-dermatitis
When to See the Vet
If your cat is experiencing persistent itching, scratching, hair loss, red inflamed skin, oozing sores, or a change in behavior, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Some signs of feline dermatitis like occasional itching may resolve on their own. However, ongoing symptoms can impact your cat’s quality of life and may indicate a more serious underlying condition. It’s important not to try to self-diagnose skin issues in cats.
Your vet will perform a physical exam and look for clinical signs associated with different forms of dermatitis. They may recommend additional diagnostics like skin scrapings, skin cytology, bacterial cultures, or allergy testing. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment.
Left untreated, feline dermatitis can cause pain, secondary infections, and behavior changes in your cat. Seeking timely veterinary advice can help get your cat’s skin issues under control and prevent complications.
At your cat’s appointment, be prepared to provide a history of symptoms and any changes that preceded the skin problems. Your vet will work with you to develop a treatment plan suited to the particular cause of your cat’s dermatitis once identified.