Coping with Feline Skin Diseases: Effective Treatments

Understanding the Causes of Feline Dermatitis

The primary reasons for feline dermatitis can be categorized into four main causes: infections, allergies, underlying diseases, and emotional stress.

Among these, dermatitis that tends to recur frequently is often associated with allergic infections, skin conditions stemming from underlying diseases, and those triggered by high levels of emotional stress.

1. Infections

Infected dermatitis in cats is primarily caused by bacterial infections, fungal infections, and infestations by external parasites. If a cat sustains a wound or cut that goes unnoticed and is left exposed to the air for an extended period, especially in a poor living environment, the likelihood of the wound becoming infected with bacteria or fungi is significantly high, leading to dermatitis. Moreover, when external parasites bite a cat's skin, the cat may frequently bite and scratch at the area due to itching, creating open wounds that can lead to further fungal and bacterial infections, exacerbating the dermatitis.

2. Allergies

Dermatitis caused by allergies can be triggered by various factors, including food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. If dermatitis caused by allergies is not diagnosed and treated properly, the cat may continue to be exposed to allergens in its environment or have allergens persisting within its body.

When cat owners attempt to treat their cat's dermatitis at home without removing the allergen, the cat may experience a relapse of secondary skin infections after recovery, leading to a cycle of treatment and recurrence. Therefore, when dermatitis recurs in cats, it is crucial for owners to consider whether the root cause has been identified. Often, the reason cats do not recover from dermatitis lies in this unaddressed source!

3. Underlying Diseases

Recurring dermatitis in cats could also be due to underlying diseases that cause skin irritation, leading to compromised skin barriers and secondary bacterial infections. Conditions such as feline diabetes and feline AIDS can damage a cat's skin barrier function, making it difficult for owners to diagnose these underlying diseases. As a result, treating dermatitis in cats may be a continuous process of trial and error.

Dr. Oxygen Pet suggests that if dermatitis persists even after treatment, it is essential to take the cat to a veterinarian to identify the cause and find the root of the problem, as this is the key to treating feline dermatitis effectively.

4. Emotional Stress

Cats' emotional stress can affect their immune system. When cats are subjected to a highpressure environment daily, their overall immune function, including their skin's immune function, may decline.

Therefore, after eliminating all other potential causes of dermatitis, owners should consider whether their cat is in an environment it dislikes. They can modify their home environment, such as adding cat trees to cater to cats' love for heights and hiding spots.

From the above reasons, it is clear that a good environment is crucial, not just for cleanliness but also for creating a stressfree and enjoyable atmosphere for cats.

Of course, regular checkups can help keep track of a cat's health. Sometimes, persistent and costly health issues can be resolved by identifying the root cause through a single examination and then treating the condition accordingly. I believe this is the most costeffective solution for most cat owners!