Skin Blisters in Tabby Cats

Tabby cats share distinctive markings, usually including a characteristic letter "M" pattern on the forehead. Tabby cats may develop skin blisters for a variety of different reasons, such as genetic predisposition or environmental factors. If your cat develops skin blisters that ooze yellow or green, or don't go away within a few days, consult your veterinarian. This will ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your cat.

  1. Identification

    • Skin blisters are lesions that form on the cat's skin. These blisters may form on the ears, face, paws and on the base of the tail. Skin blisters can cause the cat to groom excessively, which may aggravate the condition.

    Feline Demodicosis

    • Feline demodicosis is a condition that occurs in cats and is caused by mites. Demodicosis causes skin blisters that may ooze and crust over. These blisters also may cause the cat to lose hair in the affected areas. These skin blisters may occur in only one area of the cat's body, or they may be all over the body. Feline demodicosis is diagnosed by an examination of a skin scraping by the veterinarian. Topical medication may be used to treat this condition, as well as an oral antibiotic.

    Allergies

    • Allergies can cause blisters, or hives, to form on cats. These blisters itch and cause the cat to scratch excessively. This may break the skin, leading to infection of the blisters. Once the cat no longer is exposed to the allergen, the blisters usually will go away on their own in a few days if no infection is present. If infection is present, an oral antibiotic or topical antibiotic cream may be prescribed.

    Acute Moist Dermatitis

    • Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, are raw blisters that usually occur on the head, chest and hips of cats. This condition is often caused by poor grooming, flea bites, mites and allergies. Hot spots are most common in cats with long hair and usually occur in hot weather. Oral antibiotics may be needed if any infection is present, and the cat may be treated for fleas or allergies as well.

    Considerations

    • Tabby cats that develop skin blisters may be uncomfortable due to itching. If skin blisters are present with symptoms such as red eyes, swelling of the eyes, weight loss, diarrhea or increased thirst and urination, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Consult your veterinarian before trying any over-the-counter medications for blisters in cats.