Feline Folliculitis: Understanding and Treating Cat Ski
What is Feline Folliculitis?
Feline folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles in cats. It is often caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly due to the cat's excessive oiliness and inadequate daily hygiene, which can lead to the development of this condition. The most common areas affected are the tail and chin. Folliculitis on the chin is commonly referred to as "cat's black chin," while the tail is often affected around the first and second lumbar vertebrae. Hormonal imbalances can cause the sebaceous glands to become inflamed and clogged, leading to lesions that may become suppurative, a condition more prevalent in male cats.
How to Identify and Distinguish Feline Folliculitis?
1. Small Black Dots at the Base of Hair: You may notice small black dots at the roots of the hair.
2. Thinning, Darkening, and Swelling of Hair on the Chin and Tail: The hair in these areas may become sparse, darker, and inflamed.
How to Prevent Feline Folliculitis?
1. Choose the Right Cat Food: Avoid feeding your cat highfat cat food for extended periods.
2. Neutering Male Cats: Since hormonal imbalances are a primary cause of folliculitis, neutering can help prevent tail folliculitis.
3. Incorporate Phosphatidylcholine and Vitamin B Complex: These nutrients can support skin health.
4. Dry the Chin After Drinking: Wipe your cat's chin dry after drinking to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure your cat's diet is wellbalanced and not excessively high in protein and fat.
How to Treat Feline Folliculitis?
1. Shave the Affected Area: Trim the hair around the lesions and clean the area with an alkaline detergent.
2. Choose the Right Alkaline Detergent: Options include soap water or alcohol (alkaline detergents have a pH greater than 7; soap water is gentle on damaged skin).
3. Focus on Black Spot Concentrations: Gently scrub the hair with the detergent until the black spots loosen, then remove them. Apply ointment to the red skin.
4. Medications: Consider using erythromycin ointment or antiseborrheic drugs.
5. Bathing: Use an antibacterial wash and bathe the area every 35 days.
6. Change the Cat Food: Ensure a switch to a wellbalanced, highprotein, and highfat diet.
Important Notes:
Avoid HighProtein and HighFat Foods: When changing your cat's diet, be cautious not to opt for highprotein and highfat foods.
Avoid Using Hydrogen Peroxide: When cleaning the affected area, do not use hydrogen peroxide, as it is highly irritating and acidic, which can damage the skin and hair follicles, potentially worsening the condition.
