Cats with Bumps and Scabs: Effective Medication Options

When your feline companion develops bumps and scabs on its coat, it's typically a sign of skin issues. However, there are numerous types of skin diseases that could be causing these symptoms. It's crucial not to resort to medication without first identifying the root cause. Improper treatment can not only be ineffective but may also irritate the skin, exacerbating the condition!

Understanding the Causes of Cat Skin Bumps and Scabs

Firstly, it's important to understand that a cat's skin problems can stem from a variety of sources, including but not limited to:

Parasitic Infections: Such as fleas and mites.

Fungal Infections: Like ringworm and Malassezia infections.

Bacterial Infections: Which can occur due to skin breaks or endocrine imbalances.

Allergic Dermatitis: An allergic reaction to substances like food, pollen, or dust.

Diagnosis: How to Proceed?

Skin issues caused by different factors may require vastly different treatments. Therefore, if you notice bumps and scabs on your cat, it's advisable to take it to a veterinarian for a skin scraping examination. The vet can use a microscope to identify any fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections present in your cat's skin. If these are ruled out, the vet will investigate other possibilities, such as allergies or endocrine disorders.

Additionally, if you suspect your cat has ringworm, you can perform a preliminary check at home using a Wood's lamp. Most cases of ringworm are caused by Microsporum canis, which produces a characteristic applegreen fluorescence under the lamp's light.

Treatment Options: A Tailored Approach

Once the cause is identified, the treatment plan can be tailored accordingly:

Fungal Infections: Topical treatments like Daktarin (ketоконазол cream) or Pimafukort (tолнафен hydrochloride spray). For severe cases in cats over 3 months old, oral itraconazole can be prescribed, along with medicated baths using 0.2% econazole solution.

Bacterial Infections: Topical iodine and Furetane (zinc oxide ointment), along with oral amoxicillinclavulanate to control the infection. Maintaining a clean environment is also crucial.

Mite Infections: Topical Pimafukort spray combined with sulfur ointment, and administering deworming medication containing ivermectin or selamectin to the cat.

Allergic Dermatitis: Oral Clarityne (chlorpheniramine maleate tablets) to block the allergic reaction, along with Pimafukort spray to create a protective skin barrier and prevent secondary infections.

Important Considerations

Avoid Human Medication: Never give your cat human medications without veterinary approval.

Regular Checkups: Keep a close eye on your cat's health, especially in areas prone to hiding fleas and other parasites.

Personal Hygiene: Be mindful of your own hygiene to prevent bringing external contaminants into your home.

Remember, selfmedicating your cat, especially with human medications, can be harmful. Always monitor your cat's response to treatment and consult a veterinarian if you notice no improvement or if symptoms worsen.