Essential Cat Skin Diseases: How to Identify & Treat

There are over a dozen types of skin diseases in cats, with causes ranging from injuries, parasites, bacteria, fungi, allergies, and endocrine imbalances. If left untreated, these conditions not only compromise the cat's skin health but can also be transmitted to humans. In this article, we will delve into six common types of feline skin diseases, teaching you how to identify and treat them effectively.

1. Ringworm

● Symptoms: Hair loss, circular or elliptical bald spots on the skin with clear boundaries, gray dandruff around the edges, dry and brittle fur that's prone to falling out or breaking.

● Causes: Caused by fungi such as Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, these infections are more common in cats with weakened immune systems.

● Solutions

✔ For mild cases (small areas of infection): Oral administration of Supervit (a vitamin B complex solution), along with topical treatments such as pipet (tincture of terbinafine spray) or Dasatin (ketоконазол cream). Before applying the medication, trim the fur around the affected area, and clean the skin with iodine to remove scales and crusts.

✔ For severe cases (widespread or largescale infections): Oral itraconazole, along with medicated baths if the cat is cooperative.

✔ Precautions: Isolate the affected cat, use an Elizabethan collar, ensure proper nutrition, and regularly disinfect the environment.

2. Fleas

● Symptoms: Black specks (flea feces) can be seen when the fur is parted, which turn red when dissolved in water. The skin may show bumps, red papules, and swelling.

● Causes: Flea bites cause itching and pain in cats, potentially leading to allergic reactions. Frequent scratching and biting can result in dermatitis.

● Solutions:

✔ Use Adipex (nonpyrolonil droplets) to deworm the cat;

✔ Brush the cat's fur with a flea comb, and consider using flea shampoo if necessary.

✔ Isolate the cat and spray insecticides in every corner and crevice of the room to kill fleas in the environment.

3. Black Chin/Greasy Tail

● Symptoms: Blackheads, acne, and comedones on the skin, which may lead to folliculitis if secondary bacterial infection occurs.

● Causes: Unsanitary cat bowls (using plastic bowls or not cleaning them regularly), greasy food, and endocrine imbalances.

● Solutions:

✔ Clean the affected area daily with saline or chlorhexidine solution to maintain cleanliness.

✔ For mild infections, use Bactoderm solution to clean the area, and apply erythromycin ointment for acne.

✔ Regularly clean the cat bowl and avoid overly greasy diets.

4. Eczema

● Symptoms: Itching in the cat's skin, with redness, blisters, and pustules. After bursting and being licked by the cat, the affected area may become eroded and scabbed.

● Causes: Poor resistance, a damp living environment, and sensitive skin, most common in spring and summer.

● Solutions:

✔ For mild infections, use Pipet skin spray and Fuan (zinc oxide cream);

✔ For severe itching, oral administration of Newmei (chlorphenamine maleate tablets) can relieve itching and desensitize.

✔ Keep the environment dry and wellventilated, and avoid dressing cats for extended periods unless it's a special breed.

5. Allergic Dermatitis

● Symptoms: Severe itching, with the cat frequently scratching the affected area, hair loss, papules, redness, skin breakdown, and scabbing.

● Causes: Allergies to food, pollen, or dust mites.

● Solutions:

✔ Oral administration of Newmei (chlorphenamine maleate tablets) for desensitization.

✔ Topical application of Pipet skin spray to inhibit bacterial infection, and apply hydrocortisone acetate cream for severe cases.

✔ Identify allergens and prevent the cat from coming into contact with them again.

6. Ear Mites

● Symptoms: The cat's ears have a lot of brownish earwax, with itching, inflammation, congestion, and an unpleasant odor. The cat may frequently shake its head or scratch its ears.

● Causes: Infected by mites, which may be due to longterm lack of deworming, contact with other cats or dogs with ear mites, or a dirty environment.

● Solutions:

✔ Put an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from scratching its ears.

✔ Clean the ear canal with Erifen (pet ear care solution), massage the ear roots for 1520 seconds after applying the ear drops to soften the earwax, and then let the cat shake it out. Use a cotton ball to wipe it clean and apply Xin'er Ning (compound nystatin ointment) once a day for 21 consecutive days.

✔ Use Dipai (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops) to deworm the cat, treating it once every two weeks during the course and once every 12 months for prevention after the treatment.

Remember, if you notice any skin issues in your cat, it's crucial to address them promptly. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the pain caused by skin diseases and shorten the treatment period.