Cat rashes should be closely examined because the condition of the skin reflects the overall health of the animal.
The condition of a cat’s skin can often reflect the quality of its general health, which is why rashes often need to be investigated further. There are several factors that can cause a rash in cats, including infections, allergies, anxiety, and a parasite infestation. Once the causes of rashes in cats have been identified, usually after a physical exam, a veterinarian or the cat’s owner can administer the appropriate treatment.
A common cause of skin rashes in cats, flea bites, and bloodsuckers in humans and animals.
There are several types of cat skin rashes that can often point to the source of the irritation. When a cat has fleas, excessive itching may be seen and there may also be hair loss around the base of the tail, as well as inflamed, scaly skin. Collectively, these symptoms are known as feline miliary dermatitis and can occur when a cat is bitten by fleas because flea saliva is known to trigger allergic reactions. Likewise, more inflammation can be caused by excessive itching. There are a variety of topical treatments available to treat a flea infestation, including shampoos, powders, and sprays, but treating cat rashes in this way can also trigger a reaction, so a veterinarian’s advice should be sought.
Cigarette smoke can cause a cat to develop allergies.
When it occurs on the paws, head, and ears and is accompanied by hair loss, the skin inflammation may indicate that the cat has contracted dermatophytosis, or ringworm, as it is commonly called. Like a fungal infection of the skin, ringworm is contagious to animals and humans, but in many cases, the condition goes away without treatment. However, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately due to the contagious nature of the infection.
Blood samples can help determine the cause of rashes in cats.
Environmental allergies that affect the skin, sometimes known as atopic dermatitis, can occur when the cat is sensitive to various types of pollen or grass. Likewise, a cat can also develop allergies to other household products such as deodorants, disinfectants and cigarette smoke. Swelling and redness around the ears are often associated with this condition, which can be diagnosed after a skin scraping test and blood sampling.
Feline psychogenic alopecia can occur when a cat becomes bored, stressed or anxious. When a cat grooms itself, calming hormones are activated, so when cats are exposed to stressful or anxious situations, they can be predisposed to excessive brushing, leading to breakouts and hair loss. This condition is usually diagnosed after a hair sample was tested, a skin scraping test was performed, and a blood sample was tested.