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There are a variety of reasons that your cat may develop a skin condition. Most of them stem from simple environmental or dietary causes, while others can be the result of a more serious problem or disease. Consultation with your veterinarian is necessary to determine the proper diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Basic Signs of a Feline Skin Condition:

* Intense itching and scratching, especially around the base of the tail, face, neck, or the ears.

* Excessive grooming, licking, and chewing; resulting in hair loss and bald patches.

* Noticeable red rash, bumps, pimples, or sores on the exposed, bare skin.
crusty or scabbed areas.

* Greasy or dandruff-laden fur.

Feline skin problems normally fall into one of these basic categories:

* Allergies: The most common culprits are food and environment. Even if your cat has eaten the same food for a long time, they can still develop an allergy to one of the ingredients. They may also come in contact with something, indoors or outdoors, that causes an allergic reaction.

* Parasites: Lice, ticks, mites and fleas are another common cause of feline skin problems. Many cats are allergic to fleabites and will develop lesions from their intense scratching and hair chewing.

* Hormones: Thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, and adrenal levels and functioning can also contribute to skin conditions.

* Fungus: The most common form is known as dermatophytosis, or ringworm. Many long haired cats are carriers of the fungus but never develop a skin irritation. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans.

* Bacteria: If your cat has sustained a cut or injury that becomes infected, it will cause skin problems.

* Behavioral: Stress and change in routine can play a large part in your cat's grooming habits. Grooming is a cat's way of relaxing and comforting itself. If drastic changes occur in their routine or environment, they get highly stressed and can develop a compulsive grooming disorder.

* Less common but more serious causes: Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, yeast infections, genetic/hereditary predisposition, autoimmune or vitamin deficiencies.

What you can do:

* At the first sign of a skin issue, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

* Make a list of any recent changes in your routine or the cat's environment. Did you change shifts at work? Did you bring a new person or animal into the household? Did you change your cat's food? Are you using a different detergent to wash bedding and clothing? Did your cat get outside or did you have an outdoor pet visit?

* Note the areas on your cat's body where the skin problem is occurring. Does your cat clean continuously? Are you finding bare spots on their body? Do they seem to target a specific area, like ears, face, neck, or hindquarters?

* If there are bald spots on your cat, look for rashes, sores, or crusty scabs on the skin. Is their coat oily, greasy, dry or riddled with flaky dandruff?
* Has your cat been on any steroid medications, been injured, or had an injury that may be infected?

* The more information you can provide to your vet, the faster they may be able to determine the cause of the skin problem.

Do not try and treat your cat's skin condition on your own. Depending upon the severity of the skin condition, and its ultimate cause, your veterinarian is the best source for determining the treatment options available to address your pet's discomfort.

Learn more about this author, Dawn R. Cole.
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