As a veterinarian, one of the most frequent concerns I hear is, “My cat keeps scratching.” Skin conditions are common in cats and can significantly affect their quality of life. Itchy skin, hair loss, and overgrooming often point to an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
It can be really difficult to find out if your cat is overgrooming or not. Cats often hide when they groom, additionally a small amount of grooming is nomal. Differentiating between normal grooming and overgrooming can be difficult. Subtle signs that a cat is itchy or overgrooming; hair stripping, often symmetrical hair loss pattern, presence of hairballs in the house, hair in the faeces or between the teeth.
Early detection and treatment are essential. The sooner we identify the cause, the quicker your cat can get back to feeling like themselves.
Unlocking the Mystery of Cat's Itchy Skin
Several skin issues can cause persistent itching in cats. Here are the most common culprits:
Allergic skin disease is the most common cause of itchy cats. This is generally the cat's immune system overreacting to environmental allergens (such as dust, pollen, mould), less commonly food allergies.
Allergies
Signs: Itching, licking paws or belly, recurrent ear infections
Causes: Can be environmental (pollen, dust) or food-related (common proteins or grains)
Diagnosis: Involves food trials or allergy testing
Treatment: Allergen avoidance, medications (steroids, antihistamines), or long-term treatments like Atopica. A high-quality, limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet (e.g., Hill’s z/d, Royal Canin Ultamino) can help manage food allergies.
Ringworm
Signs: Circular hair loss, scaly patches, crusting
Causes: A contagious fungal infection (to pets and humans)
Diagnosis: Fungal culture or Wood’s lamp exam
Treatment: Oral antifungals, medicated shampoos, and environmental decontamination
Bacterial Skin Infections
Signs: Redness, pustules, oozing sores
Causes: Often secondary to trauma, allergies, or parasites
Diagnosis: Skin cytology or culture
Treatment: Antibiotics and hygiene support. Regular cleaning and use of a gentle, vet-approved shampoo can help prevent recurrence.
Yeast Infections
Signs: Greasy or itchy skin, musty odour, debris in ears
Causes: Overgrowth of normal yeast, often secondary to allergies
Diagnosis: Skin swab and microscopic evaluation
Treatment: Antifungal shampoos or topical treatments
Miliary Dermatitis
Signs: Small scabs, mostly on the back or neck
Causes: Most often linked to flea allergy, but also food or environmental allergies
Diagnosis: Based on clinical signs and flea control history
Treatment: Aggressive flea control and anti-inflammatory medication
Dry, Flaky Skin
Signs: Dandruff, dull coat, occasional mild itching
Causes: Low humidity, poor diet, or underlying health issues
Treatment: Improve hydration and nutrition. A diet rich in omega-3s (e.g., Wellness CORE, Hill’s Derm Defence) supports skin health.
Stress-Induced Overgrooming
Signs: Hair loss, usually symmetrical on legs or belly
Causes: Anxiety, boredom, or environmental changes
Diagnosis: Rule out medical causes first
Treatment: Environmental enrichment, calming aids, behaviour modification, or anti-anxiety meds
Fleas
These are far less common in animals on flea prevention.
Signs: Scratching, hair loss, red bumps, flea dirt
Causes: Flea allergy dermatitis is a hypersensitive reaction to flea saliva.
Diagnosis: Fleas may not be visible—especially in overgrooming cats.
Treatment: Year-round flea prevention (e.g., Revolution Plus, Bravecto) is essential, along with treating other pets and the environment.
Keeping Your Cat's Coat Feline Fantastic
Preventing skin issues is often easier than treating them. Here’s what I recommend to cat owners:
· Use vet-approved flea and tick prevention consistently, year-round.
· Feed a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Consider foods like Royal Canin Skin & Coat or Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach.
· Maintain clean hygiene: scoop litter daily, groom regularly with a soft cat brush, and use shampoos only as needed.
· Provide environmental enrichment: toys, scratching posts, and playtime help reduce stress-driven grooming behaviours.
· Schedule routine veterinary checkups for early detection of skin or other health issues.
When to See a Vet: Don't Let Itch Rule Your Cat's World
If your cat shows signs of excessive itching, hair loss, scabbing, or skin changes, don’t wait. Many conditions look similar, and an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
As a vet, I can't stress enough the importance of prompt attention. Early treatment helps prevent complications and ensures a faster return to comfort. With the right care plan—tailored to your cat’s specific needs—your feline friend can enjoy healthy skin and a better quality of life.
