Dermatitis in cats: what are the most common types?

 Dermatitis in cats: what are the most common types?

Tracy Wilkins

Dermatitis in cats is a wider disease than many pet parents realise. There are numerous skin problems in cats, such as ear scabies, ringworm and feline acne. One of the diseases that most affect cats is undoubtedly dermatitis. Cats with this condition have inflammation of the skin as a reaction to a particular allergen. Atopic dermatitis in cats is the most well-known typeIn general, dermatitis can have different causes and it is very important to investigate its origin well to ensure the best treatment. Check out the most common types of dermatitis in cats below!

Atopic dermatitis in cats is a fairly common genetic problem

One of the most commonly diagnosed skin problems in cats is atopic dermatitis. Cats with this condition have reduced hair protection, which ends up leaving the pet prone to developing allergies to the most different allergens. The most common are dust mites, fungi, pollution, chemicals and pollen (so it is common for the disease to manifest itself more intensely at certain times of the year,In cases of atopic dermatitis, cats often experience intense itching, redness, hair loss, scaling, red lumps and patches, and excessive licking of the area.

These symptoms are common to different types of feline dermatitis and so the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in cats can take time to establish. Usually, atopic dermatitis in cats is a genetic problem, which is passed from parent to child. So, as with canine atopic dermatitis, the disease has no cure and is often a recurring problem. On the other hand, this condition can becontrolled with the use of antiallergic for cats with dermatitis prescribed by the veterinarian, corticosteroids and immunotherapy, as well as an adequate diet.

Food allergy dermatitis in cats is more common than you might think

Cat food should always be very well thought out and calculated for each cat. Certain substances can cause allergic reactions in animals, leading to dermatitis. Cats with food allergies (or trophallergic dermatitis) show signs such as itching, red spots, swelling and skin lesions after eating food containing the substance that causes the allergy in their food.If you notice that your pet is showing these symptoms right after eating, talk to a veterinarian to investigate what component may be leading to this problem. Once you discover the cause of feline food dermatitis, you will need to make a change in diet, excluding from the diet any substance that causes allergy in a cat.

See_also: Dermatitis in cats: learn more about atopy and how to treat it

Feline dermatitis can arise after flea and tick bites

Fleas on cats are always a problem, as they can be vectors of various conditions, such as cat scratch disease. In addition, they are one of the main causes of dermatitis. Cats can suffer an allergic reaction due to flea saliva, which leads to redness and intense itching at the site. From scratching so much, the cat can end up causing sores, lesions and inflammation in the area.When looking at pictures of dermatitis in cats, you can see how the skin is becoming damaged because of the allergy.

See_also: Dog cookie recipe: see options with fruits and vegetables easy to find in the market

In addition to fleas, ticks on cats can also end up triggering a case of dermatitis. Cats suffering from this problem need the parasites to be eliminated from their body quickly. In addition, it is important to get rid of the cat fleas present in the environment, to avoid a new infestation. Antiallergic for cats with dermatitis can also be prescribed to heal the sores on the skin.

Dermatitis in cats is a consequence of stress

Stressed cats can suffer several health problems, including feline dermatitis, which is just one of the consequences that stress can cause in animals that also start to pee in the wrong place, become depressed, isolated, have no appetite and, in some cases, become aggressive. When you notice these signs, it is important to investigate what is making your cat stressed.

The most common causes of stress in cats are changes in routine (arrival of someone new or moving house, for example) and change of food. After finding out what is leading to stress and, consequently, dermatitis in cats, talk to a veterinarian to find out the best way to solve the problem and get the animal calm and adapted again. Antiallergic for cats with dermatitis.dermatitis may be prescribed to treat lesions.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.