Itching in cats: see the main causes of the problem and how to take care of it

 Itching in cats: see the main causes of the problem and how to take care of it

Tracy Wilkins

Seeing your cat scratching may be a commonplace situation and not a big deal, but if it starts to happen frequently it may be a sign that something is not going well with the animal's health. Problems with parasites are quite common and even when cats live indoors, they can end up being contaminated by fleas, ticks and mites. In addition, ear scabies, mycoses and allergiesfood can also be the reason behind the cat scratching a lot. Understand more about each of these causes and how to get the cat to stop scratching in these situations below.

Cat scratching may be a problem with fleas and ticks

Just like in dogs, fleas and ticks are also a danger to the health of felines. Therefore, when observing a cat scratching a lot, especially after a trip to the vet, for example, it is important to do a "check-up" on the animal's body to make sure it has not been attacked by any of these parasites. If the presence of the dreaded fleas is confirmed, then how to make the cat stopThe answer to this is simple: there are several anti-flea products that can be used to combat the proliferation of parasites. In the case of ticks, there are also remedies that put an end to the problem! But if the idea is to prevent these two parasites, a good idea may be the flea collar, which also usually has action against ticks.

See_also: Siamese cat: learn all the characteristics of this adorable kitty (with infographic)

Ear scabies often causes itching in cats

Popularly known as ear mange, otodectic mange is one of the main reasons behind a cat scratching itself a lot. What causes this problem is a mite called the Otodectes cynotis and happens mainly from the contact of a healthy animal with an infected one. In addition to itching in cats, other possible symptoms for this disease are excess reddish or brown wax, sores in the ear region and bad smell. When suspecting otodectic mange, the guardian needs to take the pet to the veterinarian to obtain the correct diagnosis of the disease and start treatment, which canUsually, parasiticidal drugs or products that should be applied directly to the ears are indicated. Otitis usually causes the same symptoms.

Cat scratching and losing fur may be due to mycosis

One of the most common skin diseases in cats is ringworm, which is quite contagious. Caused by fungi, this condition is usually very associated with the cat scratching too much or licking and biting an area excessively. The most affected areas are usually the ear and muzzle, but the problem can also spread to other parts of the animal's body. In addition to itching in cats with ringworm, fallingof hair, yellowish peeling and the appearance of nodules can also be observed. Knowing how to make the cat stop scratching will depend mainly on the analysis of the veterinarian, who will do a series of tests to make sure that the cat scratching is because of ringworm and also to see if there is no primary disease that caused this condition. Treatment can vary and lastbetween 1 and 3 months, but in general it is done with anti-infective and anti-fungal products associated with topical medications such as creams and ointments.

See_also: 6 things you can do for abandoned dogs in your city

Food allergy can also trigger an itchy rash in cats

Food is one of the main parts of maintaining good health in cats. But what few people know is that sometimes some animals may have an intolerance to certain ingredients present in their food and therefore need to follow a more specific diet. The most common reaction is itching in cats, indicating that the kitty has had a food allergy. In addition, there may also be a drop in blood pressure.hair and apparent redness. Over time, the cat ends up showing a certain apathy towards food, since it is a very unpleasant situation for him. It is therefore important to always make sure that your friend does not have any type of intolerance to the components present in the food. The diagnosis of food allergy needs to be followed by follow-up with a specialized veterinarianin animal nutrition.

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.