Most common skin problems in cats

As the cat’s largest organ, the skin can be affected by several conditions, ranging from uncomplicated problems to chronic diseases that need life-long management. Once the skin barrier and protective function are disrupted, the skin becomes more susceptible to further damage and aggression, which can result in secondary problems.  

If you suspect that your cat might have a skin problem, it’s very important to book an appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. 

Feline dermatology is a whole world in itself, but some problems affect cats more frequently than others.

External parasites are a frequent cause of skin problems in cats. Something as tiny as a flea can have a disproportionately detrimental effect on your cat’s skin and overall health, even if your cat does not have access outdoors.  

But fleas are not the only ectoparasites we need to be wary of, as ticks, mites, and even mosquitos can cause dermatological problems in cats.  

Fleas

The most common sign that a cat has fleas is itchiness. With these tiny parasites walking all over your pet’s skin looking for the perfect spot for a meal, no wonder we frequently see cats trying to scratch, nibble or groom away these unwanted guests.  

When itching is severe, secondary lesions such as bald spots, red skin and wounds are likely to develop, and this problem can be further complicated if your cat is allergic to the flea’s saliva, also known as flea allergy dermatitis.  

Flea problems should not be taken lightly. An adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, which fall from your pet’s skin onto their home environment and can easily result in a flea infestation. If you’re having difficulties getting rid of your cat’s fleas and if their parasite treatments don’t seem to be working, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.  

Mites

There are several species of mites that can lead to cutaneous problems. Most mites settle on the skin, causing intense itchiness, while others, namely the ones responsible for demodicosis, live in the hair follicle.  

Most mites are microscopic, but their size is variable depending on the species, and some species that can be seen with the naked eye, including harvest mites, which are usually the size of a pinhead and orange, and Cheyletiella, also known as walking dandruff.

Mite infections most frequently affect the ears, and these are commonly seen in kittens. These tend to result in a characteristic ceruminous dark ear secretion that resembles coffee granules. 

Mite ear infections usually cause discomfort, itchiness and even pain, and you’ll often see cats scratching their ears or shaking their head.  

Other than the ears, mite infections tend to affect the cat’s face and head, but lesions, such as bald spots, crusting and scaling, can be found on other parts of the body as well. Generalised skin disease, however, is uncommon, and it is most likely to occur if there’s a concurrent health issue such as diabetes or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infection.  

Most mites are contagious to other pets, and some mites are even infectious to humans. 

Flea allergy dermatitis 

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy seen in cats, followed by atopic dermatitis. It is caused by an exacerbated reaction of the cat’s own immune system to allergens present in the flea’s saliva.  

This means that a single flea bite can cause a disproportionate cutaneous reaction, which is why we cannot readily rule out FAD if we don’t find fleas on your cat!  

Cats with flea allergy dermatitis typically show lesions on their head, back, near the tail, abdomen with commonly miliary dermatitis, but other distributions, including the thighs and flanks for example, are also possible.  

Other insect bite hypersensitivities 

Cats may also be sensitive to bites from other insects, such as mosquitos, and stings from ants, bees or wasps.   

Stinger insects usually inject venom as they sting, which can result in an immediate, acute allergic reaction with swelling, irritation and intense itchiness that can lead to more severe problems, such as difficulties breathing. This type of anaphylactic reaction very rarely occurs, but if it does, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.  

Atopic dermatitis

Again, atopic dermatitis is caused by an exaggerated immune response to an allergen present in the cat’s environment. Depending on which allergen the cat is reactive to, they may only show skin signs seasonally.  

Common allergens associated with atopic dermatitis include:  

The challenge of feline allergic disease

Diagnosing feline allergic diseases is challenging and can be very time-consuming for multiple reasons: 

However, reaching a correct diagnosis is of critical importance, as allergies in cats are chronic in nature and will need life-long management. 

With the skin being the first defence barrier against all kinds of external aggression, it’s not surprising to realise that skin problems frequently affect cats. But fortunately, when it comes to skin infections in cats, these don’t seem to be as common as in dogs. Skin infections in cats are mostly due to fungi (ringworm being the most common), bacteria and yeast being secondary to self-inflicted lesions due to itch.

Not all skin problems are the result of a skin condition, and many systemic diseases manifest with cutaneous/coat signs, including: 

Skin lesions will vary depending on the underlying disease, but any cat that shows a dull, unkempt coat should raise suspicion of a systemic condition.