Have you noticed some changes in your cat’s skin lately? Does your cat’s skin appear to be scaly, reddened, or inflamed? If so, it’s better to get them checked out by a veterinarian. Your pet dermatologist will tell you whether these changes are normal for your cat or if they indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
A Persistent Rash, Swelling, Scabs, or Sores
A rash, swelling, scabs, or sores on your cat’s skin are signs that it might be time to visit a pet dermatologist. Rashes and sores can occur anywhere on your pet’s body and could appear as lumps or bumps. They may be raised or flat in texture, but you’ll know if they’re an abnormal growth because they will not be a part of your cat’s normal skin tone or texture.
Rashes and sores on your cat’s head, face, and neck should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If they do not go away within four weeks of treatment at home from antibiotics or steroids applied topically. According to Cornell University, around 6% of cats have three or more skin problems that can become critical over time.
However, if your vet says that this is not an emergency, there are some things you can do at home to help ease your cat’s discomfort. You can try Triple Antibiotic Ointment for cats. It is a topical medication that can help heal wounds and protect them from infection while they heal. It’s available in many forms, including ointments, creams, and gels.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment for cats is a commonly used product that you can find at most pet stores. It comes in small tubes, and you should apply it topically with a cotton swab.
Scratching
If your cat is scratching, there are several reasons this might be happening. First, your cat could be scratching to shed old, dead skin. If you’re like most people, you know that cats are known for their love of scratching and that it’s perfectly normal behavior for them to do so. However, your cat may also be doing this because of an allergy or other skin condition.
If your cat has inflamed paws or is losing substantial amounts of fur on its legs or body, you should see your vet. These are signs that something could be wrong with the cat’s health.
Scratching can also signify stress or anxiety in cats, especially if they feel crowded or under pressure. In addition, separation-related problem (SRP) is a reason for anxiety in pet cats. According to a National Center for Biotechnology Information survey, more than 13% of pet cats suffer from SRP.
It could even happen if something is happening in the environment, such as construction nearby or having too much stuff inside the house.
Skin Discoloration
Skin discoloration is a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, when your cat’s skin becomes discolored, it can signify a bacterial or fungal infection, allergies, sun damage, or something else entirely.
If your pet has discolored skin in patches on its belly or limbs, it may have fleas or mites that need treatment. If they have spots on their face and ears, they might suffer from allergies like pollen sensitivity. Finally, if their entire coat has changed color due to aging, this could be caused by liver disease, which requires immediate attention from your veterinarian.
Excessive Licking and Chewing of the Skin or Fur
Excessive licking and chewing of the skin or fur can happen due to different skin diseases, including allergies and parasites. If your cat is licking or chewing excessively, it could indicate a problem that requires veterinary attention.
You can reduce excessive licking by giving your pet more opportunities for natural grooming. For example, if you have a cat who likes to groom itself in front of a mirror, place the mirror to fulfill your cat’s desire. Also, consider using shampoo with a pleasant scent, like vanilla extract, when bathing them regularly so they will enjoy being washed instead of running away.
If the behavior persists despite these changes, it may be time to see an animal dermatology specialist to receive specialized care tailored specifically toward helping animals.
Bald Spots
Seeing bald spots on your pet cat can signify many skin conditions. These include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, allergies, and skin tumors. Fungal infections are not common in cats, and according to Cornell University, about 7 out of 10,000 cats are affected by this disease.
Bacterial and viral infections are often caused by fleas and are characterized by redness and thickened skin with hair loss in patches. Fungal infections are often caused by ringworm fungi which can lead to hair loss in circular patterns accompanied by scaling or reddening of the skin.
Allergies cause allergic reactions such as redness, itchiness, and skin flaking, which can lead to baldness if left untreated. In addition, skin tumors may cause hair loss but are not limited to this particular symptom.
Redness or Irritation Around the Nose, Mouth, Eyes, or Ears
If your cat shows redness or irritation around the nose, mouth, eyes, or ears, it could be due to an allergic reaction. Allergies can be caused by foods or medications they eat or receive. Skin infections can also cause this kind of irritation. Parasites and foreign bodies can also irritate the skin and cause your cat’s face to swell.
The first thing you’ll want to do when seeing these symptoms on your pet is to look at his/her face. It will help you know what you are looking for when examining him/her later in the vet’s office.
Dermatologists are Needed More Than Ever Before
Dermatologists are in high demand these days. It is because there are more cases of skin issues than ever before, and this is largely because more people are keeping their pets indoors, in smaller spaces, and in closer contact with them. According to IBIS World, about 5,353 dermatologist businesses operate in the US, and there will be a significant increase in demand for professionals in the coming years.
The indoor environment tends to be warmer and drier than an outdoor one which can lead to an increased risk of dry skin or other conditions such as allergies or parasites. Indoor living also means that pets have less exposure to allergens from outside environments, which can result in a build-up of allergens inside your home.
Dermatology is becoming a more common practice with pets and their owners. As more people realize the importance of regular preventative care, they seek dermatologists who can help them understand what is going on with their pet’s skin. In addition, many different types of dermatology involve different treatments, so it’s important to find someone experienced in treating your particular illness or injury.