Many cat owners experience scratching in their pets. Often this is just a symptom that indicates some more serious disease in the animal. In the initial stages, scratching does not cause any particular problems for the cat, and owners often do not pay attention to it.
This is wrong, because many diseases are curable only in the first stages, and some skin infections of cats can be dangerous to humans. Let's look at why a cat may scratch, how to help your pet at home, and in what cases you should consult a doctor.
The cat itches, chews itself, constantly licks itself: is this normal?
If an animal itches due to severe itching, then with sharp claws it damages the skin, causing infection.
During severe itching, severe irritation of pain receptors occurs, because of this the animal begins to lick and chew itself. The skin on the affected area turns red and wounds appear. The reasons for this condition are different. To relieve the symptom and understand what to do, the pet must be shown to a doctor.
When it's ok
Cats are clean creatures. They wash themselves after sleep and after eating. If your pet eats natural food, then after licking the fur it will smell like the food it ate.
The smell of eaten herring is especially strong. If the animal licks itself too much, then it needs a medical examination.
Signs of a pathological condition of an animal
The painful condition can be determined by itching of the skin or ears. With skin itching, you can notice how the cat itches a lot and tries to bite the source of its anxiety from under the skin with its teeth.
When the itching is localized in the ear, the cat tries to stick its paw deep into it to scratch.
During this period you may notice:
- constant scratching of the body with a plaintive meow;
- pronounced biting of the skin;
- hair loss, deterioration of its appearance;
- the appearance of dandruff, oily scales;
- the skin is covered with ulcers or red rashes in the form of small spots;
- parasites or their excrement are visible on the skin.
It is easy to help an animal if you notice deviations in behavior in time and take him to the clinic. An advanced disease is more difficult to cure.
Diagnostics
The fact that the cat often itches and washes itself should not go unnoticed by the owner. You should not self-medicate and determine the cause of itching yourself. It is recommended to consult a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis, based not only on a clinical examination, but also on laboratory tests. Laboratory diagnosis is based on the following points:
- taking biomaterial for research - scraping the affected area of the skin, a swab from the ear (if the cat’s ears itch), swabs from the nose and rinsing fluid from the eyes;
- if a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet is prescribed, which excludes various components from the diet, which helps eliminate itching in the cat;
- culture to determine pathogenic bacterial microflora;
- cytological studies;
- a blood test to determine the titer of immunoglobulin E if a contact allergy is suspected;
- blood chemistry.
Causes of itching in cats
It is easy to help an animal if you notice deviations in behavior in time and take him to the clinic.
A cat chews itself and itches when its skin itches.
There are several reasons that cause this condition:
- lichen;
- helminthiases;
- endocrine system problems;
- failure in the hormonal system;
- influence of stressful situations;
- the occurrence of skin diseases (fungus);
- there are insects in the fur that feed on blood;
- allergic reaction.
First, the animal is checked for fleas. This is the main reason why your pet starts to itch a lot. Flea bite marks persist for about 1.5 months, causing itching. If there are no insects in the animal's fur, it must be shown to a veterinarian.
Lice, lice, mites, flea dermatitis and other parasites that cause itching
Infection with ectoparasites occurs through outdoor shoes. The skin becomes inflamed if there are traces of scratches or small wounds on it.
Be sure to read:
The cat scratched its neck until it bled: what to do, what to apply, how to treat it
If they are not treated in time, the animal will scratch them. Suppuration will appear, which will lead to baldness or sepsis. Sulfur ointment or powder is used to treat wounds. The drug in powder form called Yuglone is the most effective and is recommended for use by veterinarians.
Infection with helminths as a cause of itching
Itching due to worms
If the animal is infected with worms, then:
- the pet itches and licks the anus area because it feels severe discomfort in this place;
- appetite deteriorates, stool changes, changes occur in the digestive tract;
- there are noticeable changes in the cat’s behavior (he is too excited or in an apathetic state);
- the skin is dry and flaky, and the coat becomes dull.
Important! Kittens also suffer from worms, having contracted them from their mother. As a preventive measure, animals should be regularly given a drug against helminth infection.
Hormonal and endocrine disorders
Major disorders of the hormonal and endocrine system:
- Improper functioning of the thyroid gland . At the same time, the fur becomes tangled, itching and dandruff appear. In some cases, cats go bald.
- Cushing's syndrome . Due to a malfunction of the adrenal cortex, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. Comedones appear on the back and sides of the animal.
- Diabetes . _ The disease manifests itself in the form of local baldness, dry skin, seborrhea, and dull hair.
Ringworm, fungi and other types of skin mycoses
If an animal is sick with ringworm (trichophytia), then treatment begins immediately.
Similar symptoms occur when the skin and fur of an animal are affected by fungal and yeast diseases. Dermatomycosis does not pose a danger to people; it is treated with antifungal drugs.
If an animal becomes ill with ringworm (trichophytia), then treatment begins immediately, since this disease can also affect humans. In the affected areas, hair falls out and bald patches appear in the form of circles. Therefore, areas that the animal scratches heavily should be carefully inspected.
Infectious skin diseases
Often itching and irritation are caused by infectious diseases:
- Cheyletiellosis ( pityriasis scabies) occurs due to infection by a separate group of mites of the genus Cheyletiella. Insects look like small white dots moving around. You can find them along the back.
- Pyodermatitis is caused by bacteria. They infect not only the surface of the skin, but also penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis.
- Notoedrosis is a contagious infectious disease that occurs due to ticks. Itchy mange is transmitted through contact with a cat.
- Demodectic mange is a rare disease spread by ticks.
Ear parasites
Due to improper care, parasites appear in the animal’s ears. Ear mites (otodectes) infect the ear canal and cause severe itching.
An unpleasant odor emanates from the ears, which is accompanied by dark-colored discharge. In the affected areas, the skin becomes red, the animal constantly scratches its ears and shakes its head. Huge wounds appear behind the ears due to constant scratching.
Be sure to read:
What is pyoderma in cats, symptoms and causes of the disease
Body temperature rises. The progression of the disease can lead to severe inflammation of the outer ear and parotid space. In such a situation, the cat tilts its head to the side and constantly walks in this position.
Skin diseases
Skin Diseases in Cats
Ringworm, as well as molds and yeasts, are another cause of an itchy cat. The presence of diseases in a pet may be indicated by the presence of dandruff and severe itching, the formation of clearly defined areas of hair loss and the appearance of wounds.
If a domestic cat has such a disease, there is a high probability of infection for the owner and his family members. Young children, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, are especially at risk. Therefore, when in contact with a sick pet, we must not forget about observing the rules of hygiene.
On a note!
Itching and other symptoms of mycosis in a cat can be relieved with medications of the griseofulvin group. Treatment of the disease also involves vaccination and the use of antifungal drugs.
Treatment at home
Treatment at home includes taking medications and following a special diet.
Medicines for helminths
The drug is selected depending on the type of disease:
- Scabies from flea bites is treated with special drops and sprays. Anti-flea shampoos are used during bathing. Then a flea collar is put on the animal.
- Itching caused by fungal infections is eliminated with drugs from the griseofulvin group. The antifungal agent is applied externally. You can also get vaccinated.
- To get rid of ticks, acaricidal substances are used in the form of drops, sprays and shampoos. Drops against ear mites are instilled into the ears.
- To eliminate allergic reactions, it is necessary to remove the allergen from the diet and care products. For further treatment, antihistamines are used.
- Deworming medications help get rid of worms. During the examination, the doctor identifies what type of worms have affected the intestines and prescribes appropriate treatment.
- Dermatosis, otitis media and other infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To strengthen the immune system, the animal is prescribed vitamins A and B and immunostimulating drugs.
- Allergic dermatitis and ear scabies are treated with Stronghold. This drug is released in the form of drops that are applied to the animal’s neck. It also helps with flea bites.
Allergy
A cat does not always itch from fleas; an allergic reaction can also cause an itching sensation. It may be caused by changes in diet, the use of an anti-flea collar or an antiparasitic agent aimed at combating fleas, ticks and other bloodsuckers. A similar reaction of the body occurs to plant pollen, house dust, and also when using medications.
Only a veterinarian can determine the factors that can cause allergies in a cat, as well as the treatment method.
Veterinarian advice
Despite the risks of being outside, the cat needs fresh air, so you should not limit its freedom. Since infections and parasites are transmitted through hands or from other animals, preventative treatment against parasites should be carried out regularly.
Veterinarian advice:
- The animal must be kept clean.
- A good immune system will protect your cat from any infection. The key to health is proper and balanced nutrition.
- To prevent allergies, you should not include smoked and salty foods in your diet. Sweets are also prohibited.
- A change of owner or a sharp change in attitude towards a pet leads to stress and illness. A pet needs to be loved, cared for, and given enough attention.
The cat licks and itches, but there are no fleas
A signal about the development of the disease can be constant licking of fur, scratching and excessive attentiveness to one’s appearance. Often the cat owner thinks that the pet has fleas, but when examining the fur, it is clear that this is not the reason.
Possible causes of itching:
- allergy;
- fungal diseases;
- hormonal diseases;
- hypo- and vitamin deficiencies;
- change of diet.
Be sure to read:
Bald patches in a cat near the ears and above the eyes: reasons, what to do, how to distinguish normality from pathology
The cat licks itself vigorously and goes bald
Sometimes itching occurs for psychogenic reasons. Increased licking and scratching occurs when the animal is stressed. This is often observed when an individual requires mating. Taking sedatives will help calm your pet.
Cat licks after sterilization
Cats always try to lick wounds, sores and other skin lesions. After sterilization, a seam remains, which itches and itch, so the animal scratches and licks it. To prevent bleeding or other serious complications, a surgical collar is placed on the cat.
What to do if your cat is constantly licking
It can be difficult to diagnose why an animal constantly licks itself. First, the cat is checked for fleas, then it is analyzed whether the diet or care products have changed.
With a skin disease, the animal often shakes its head and licks itself until it bleeds. Only a doctor can diagnose the disease, so the pet must be taken to the clinic immediately. Based on the scrapings taken, they will be able to identify mites or fungal spores.
The influence of worms
Worms in a cat
The reason that the cat is itching, but there are no fleas, may be helminths. Intestinal parasites absorb beneficial substances and micronutrients from the intestines, which leads to the development of dryness and flaking of the skin, as well as the appearance of dandruff and itching. The animal's eyes become sour, stool is disrupted, appetite decreases, and the coat loses its shine and silkiness. The cat feels discomfort in the anus area. The pet constantly itches and licks itself, trying to get rid of unpleasant sensations.
Important!
Helminthiasis is especially dangerous for small kittens, as the consequence of this disease is anemia. In advanced cases, even the death of the baby is possible. Worm infestation is no less dangerous for a pregnant cat; it can cause miscarriage.
Therefore, if a cat or kitten is itching, you should urgently consult a veterinarian and find out how to treat your pet. Typically, the following drugs are used to deworm an animal:
- Kanikquantel;
- Panacur;
- Prazitel (for the treatment of kittens and cats);
- Febtal;
- Milbemax;
- Trontsil K and others.
Prevention of itching: does it exist at all, and what can be done?
Itching is caused by various factors, so following a number of prevention rules will help protect your cat from scratching:
- Poison worms in a timely manner. This will also help protect children who constantly play with animals. You should not give your cat raw foods: fish, meat.
- After each walk, inspect the animal for abrasions. Treat detected wounds with iodine or other disinfectants.
- To avoid infection with parasites, the cat should not be allowed to come into contact with other animals.
- Disinfect the cat litter box regularly.
- The transition to a new food should be carried out gradually.
- Do not punish your cat for minor offenses: this will prevent stress.
