Effective Treatments for Feline Dermatitis: A Comprehen

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Cat Skin Diseases: Understanding and Managing

1. Bacterial Skin Diseases: These are primarily caused by bacterial infections.

2. Fungal Skin Diseases: Often stemming from fungal infections. Fungi can survive for extended periods in nature, often resisting general disinfectants and can remain viable in dry conditions for over a year. Some fungi can even thrive and reproduce in soil, leading to longterm survival.

3. Cutaneous Parasitic Diseases: These are caused by external parasites such as fleas, mange mites, demodex mites, ear mites, lice, and ticks.

4. Metabolic Skin Diseases: This category includes hormonal skin issues, allergic dermatitis, and other conditions related to metabolism.

5. Immunodeficiency Skin Diseases: Such as those related to nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment Approaches for Cat Skin Diseases

1. Local Treatment: This involves the application of topical medications.

For longhaired cats, it may be recommended to shave the entire body, while shorthaired cats should have the fur around the affected area, about 6 centimeters in diameter, removed. Care must be taken during shaving to prevent the spread of infection, which could worsen the condition.

Before applying medication, wash the affected area with sulfur soap to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Use a cotton swab to clean the skin with alcohol, removing scales and crusts. Then, apply the topical ointment, extending the coverage to 6 centimeters beyond the affected area, including seemingly healthy skin around it.

It's crucial to follow the medication instructions, especially regarding the frequency of application.

2. Systemic Treatment: If local treatment does not improve after 2 to 4 weeks, oral medications may be prescribed.

When administering oral medication, follow the same principles used for feeding infants, ensuring the correct dosage based on the cat's weight. Puppies over 4 weeks old can be given griseofulvin, but it must be administered at the lowest possible dose and with caution due to potential toxicity. Adding 4 milliliters of vegetable oil to the cat's food can aid in the absorption of griseofulvin.

Care and Prevention for Cat Skin Diseases

1. Sunlight: Allow your cat to bask in the sun for a certain amount of time each day, but be cautious to avoid overheating. Maintaining dryness in the skin is key to prevention.

2. Bathing: Cats with skin diseases should use specialized shampoos regularly. Special shampoos, along with sulfur, are generally safe for kittens.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more comprehensive information on cat skin diseases, check out our article "What Types of Cat Skin Diseases Exist?"

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