Cats often go through a stage where they develop skin diseases and suffer from great discomfort due to itching and inflammation. When dealing with skin diseases in cats, it is important to detect them early and determine the underlying cause to start appropriate treatment, and some steps can be taken to prevent infection before it occurs.
In this article, we will explain the most important skin diseases that affect cats and ways to prevent them with the best products from Lana Store. We will also help you recognize the signs and symptoms of skin diseases early, and when to seek veterinary care in a timely manner to alleviate your cat's suffering.
The most important skin diseases that affect cats
1. Cat allergy:
Allergies are one of the most common skin conditions in cats, and occur when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance or protein, resulting in an allergic reaction. Over time, continued exposure to allergens can damage the skin barrier, causing itching, redness, flaking, and hair loss.
Skin allergies in cats are classified into four main groups:
- Fleas: Occurs when flea saliva enters the immune system, and is the most common type of allergy.
- Food: Caused by an exaggerated reaction to dietary proteins, such as chicken or beef.
- Environment: Also known as atopic dermatitis, it is affected by environmental factors such as mold and pollen.
- Contact: Caused by reactions to detergents or pesticides and mainly affects areas with little hair.
Although the symptoms are similar, an accurate diagnosis from Lana Veterinary Clinic helps determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
2. Flea and tick infestation
External parasites such as fleas can cause intense itching and sensitivity in cats’ skin, prompting them to scratch and bite excessively. This constant scratching can lead to secondary skin infections. As for ticks, they attach to the cat’s skin, causing raised bumps or local swellings at the site of attachment, which increases the risk of further infections. Dealing with these parasites quickly is essential to maintaining the health of cats and avoiding complications.
3. Fungi in cats
Fungal skin infections in cats are caused by fungi, which are spore-producing parasitic organisms that live in the environment. Fungal spores are hardy and can survive in the environment for long periods of time, and cats often pick them up from soil or through direct contact with an infected animal. These fungi can cause a variety of problems, including skin infections and respiratory diseases. Cats with weakened immune systems or those who are stressed or ill are more susceptible to infection. Fungi take advantage of this weakness and attack the skin's natural barrier, and infections are more common in warm, humid conditions. Some fungi can also cause infections in humans, such as ringworm.
4. Bacterial skin infection in cats
Bacterial skin infections in cats are usually caused by underlying conditions such as allergies, external parasites such as fleas or demodex, or acne in the chin area. Warm areas of the cat's body that retain moisture such as skin folds are an ideal environment for bacteria to grow that can cause irritation and infection.
5. Skin tumors in cats
It is one of the less common skin diseases in cats, but at the same time it is a source of great concern; it appears in the form of abnormal lumps or bumps on the cat's skin, and while some of these tumors may be benign and do not pose a major threat, others may be malignant and capable of spreading quickly if not treated immediately. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to ensuring the health of the cat.
6. Acne
It is a skin condition that can affect cats as well as humans. It often appears as blackheads on the chin and lips, and is caused by clogged sebaceous glands. In severe cases, acne can lead to noticeable swelling and secondary infections that may require medical intervention. Cats can get acne in separate episodes or chronically, and the clogged follicles may stick together, forming swollen, painful scabs, increasing the chance of them rupturing and leading to a painful and messy experience. This can also result in persistent hair loss in the affected area. Keeping the chin clean and treating potential causes can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Prevention of skin diseases
1. Provide a balanced diet: Make sure that the food contains all the necessary nutrients. To ensure this, you can use food designed for cats. There are also types designed for skin care , in addition to some nutritional supplements that help boost your cat’s immunity.
2. Regular grooming: Brush your cat regularly to remove dead hair and prevent shedding, by combing your cat's hair daily, which also helps to check the skin and coat. Bathing should be done once every 4-6 weeks, and products designed for cats should be used. To avoid allergies.
3. Create a cat-friendly environment: Make sure the home is stress-free to reduce stress.
4. Avoid the sun: Keep white cats and cats with white ears and noses out of the sun during peak hours, and use the recommended sunscreen.
5. Monitor health: If your cat's coat appears thin or matted, or there are skin problems such as flaking or thickening, book an appointment with Lana Veterinary Clinic for an examination.
Finally, we recommend taking care of your cat's fur and skin and using the products designated for it from Lana Pets Store . You must provide a clean and quiet environment to maintain your cat's overall health. If your cat is infected with a skin disease, you must complete the treatment until the Lana Clinic asks you to stop the treatment to ensure complete recovery.