Cat Dermatitis Treatment: How to Choose the Right Medic

Cat dermatitis can stem from a variety of causes, such as bacterial infections, fungal overgrowth, allergies, and mite infestations. If possible, it's advisable to take your feline to a veterinary clinic for a skin scraping test to accurately diagnose the underlying cause before initiating targeted treatment.

Typically, treating cat dermatitis involves a combination of oral antiinflammatory medications and topical treatments. Here's a guide on the types of medications that might be used:

1. Bacterial Dermatitis

● Topical: Use iodine solution combined with Furantoin (Zinc Oxide Ointment) or Mupirocin Ointment, applying 2 to 3 times daily.

● Oral: Cefadroxil Tablets or Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium, taken once daily.

Iodine solution is primarily used for skin disinfection. If there's pus on the affected area, consider switching to hydrogen peroxide.

It's best to opt for petspecific oral antibiotics, as many human medications can be toxic to cats and should not be used without caution.

2. Fungal Dermatitis

● Topical: Dactinomycin (Ketoconazole Ointment) or Pipertin (Tebuconazole Solution), applied 2 to 3 times daily.

● Oral: Itraconazole, taken once daily at a dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg, with a weekly break.

● Additional: Consider supplementing with a multivitamin, fish oil, and lecithin to boost your cat's immunity.

Itraconazole has strong side effects, so it's generally not recommended for mild fungal infections. It should not be given to kittens under 3 months old, pregnant cats, or cats with compromised liver function. It's often suggested to be taken with liverprotective supplements to minimize liver damage.

3. Mite Dermatitis

● Deworming: Utilize selamectin, ivermectin, or other topical spoton or spray dewormers. In severe cases, consult a vet for mite removal injections.

● Topical: Spray a skin antibacterial spray and sulfur ointment, twice daily, to suppress bacteria and mites on the skin surface.

● Oral: Cefadroxil Tablets, taken once daily, to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

4. Allergic Dermatitis

● Topical: Apply Pipertin Skin Spray three times daily.

● Oral: Newmene (Chlorpheniramine Maleate Tablets), taken once daily, to provide immediate relief from itching and desensitization. If there's a secondary bacterial infection, combine with antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium or Cefadroxil to control the infection.

It's crucial to identify and avoid the allergen to prevent recurrence.

——Important Considerations for Treating Cat Dermatitis:

● Each cat is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs.

● During treatment, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your cat from excessively scratching the affected area, which could worsen the skin condition or spread it to other parts of the body.

● Maintain a dry and clean living environment for your cat. If the dermatitis is caused by mites or fungi, regular environmental disinfection is essential to prevent recurrent infections or transmission to humans.

It's not recommended to selfmedicate or combine multiple medications without a proper diagnosis. Avoid using human medications, especially those not approved for veterinary use, as they can cause adverse reactions in cats.