Possible Causes of Red Bumps on Cats, Not Ringworm - Wh

What to Do When Your Cat Suddenly Develops Many Red Dots? Causes and Treatment Options

When your cat starts to sprout numerous red spots on its body, it can be quite alarming. Many pet owners might initially suspect a case of ringworm, prompting them to use a black light at home for inspection. However, if no fluorescence is observed, what should you do? Today, we'll explore several common reasons behind these skin bumps in cats and offer corresponding treatment suggestions.

1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Symptoms:

Small, red bumps or rash, particularly around the base of the tail and waist.

Severe itching that may lead to excessive licking or scratching, causing hair loss and dermatitis.

Treatment:

Use a flea comb to check for fleas and treat them promptly with a nonpyrethroid flea control product.

Clean your cat's living environment and personal items, including bedding, carpets, cat beds, and sofas, and regularly use insecticide sprays for indoor pest control.

2. Food Allergy

Symptoms:

Red rashes, along with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Rashes typically appear on the face, abdomen, and around the paws.

Cats may also show signs of lethargy and weight loss.

Treatment:

Visit a veterinarian for an allergy test.

Switch to a hypoallergenic cat food and monitor for symptom changes.

Consult with a vet for antihistamines if necessary.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms:

Redness, swelling, hair loss, and sometimes red bumps after contact with irritants or allergens.

Commonly affects the face, abdomen, and inner sides of the limbs.

Treatment:

Avoid known irritants and allergens, such as certain plants or cleaning agents.

Wash the affected skin areas, dry them, and apply Piptop skin spray for antibacterial and antifungal properties, along with Furan (zinc oxide ointment) to soothe the skin.

Administer chlorpheniramine maleate tablets to block allergic reactions and relieve itching.

For severe cases, consult a vet for possible local or oral corticosteroids.

4. Mite Infection

Symptoms:

Red rashes, hair loss, scabs, and thickening of the skin.

Intense itching, especially around the ears, face, eyes, neck, and chest.

Different from ringworm, mite infections usually do not form circular patches on the skin.

Treatment:

For mild cases, use mitekilling medications like Dipel (pyriproxyfen moxidectin spoton), selamectin, or ivermectin at home.

Apply iodine for disinfection and use pet antibacterial sprays and zinc oxide ointment to help with inflammation and skin repair.

For severe cases, consult a vet for mite injections and oral or injectable antibiotics to control skin inflammation, along with mite bath treatments.

Environmental disinfection is crucial for mite infections. Regularly clean sofa covers, carpets, and cat beds, and expose the cat bed to sunlight when possible.

5. Fungal Infection (NonRingworm)

Symptoms:

Although ringworm is the most wellknown fungal infection, other types of fungi can also cause similar skin symptoms, and some, like Microsporum canis, do not show a fluorescent green reaction under a Wood's light.

Common symptoms include red rashes, hair loss, and scabs.

Treatment:

Visit a vet for a professional diagnosis using skin scrapings or hair plucking under a microscope.

For small areas of infection, use Piptop skin antibacterial spray and Daxate (ketоконазол cream).

For larger infections, oral itraconazole is needed, along with antifungal bath treatments and Piptop (tincture of benzoin spray).

In summary, when your cat develops skin rashes, it's crucial not to jump to conclusions. The right approach is to take your pet to a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment. Each skin issue has its specific treatment, and only by accurately identifying the cause can you provide your cat with the most suitable care and support.