Excessive Itching in Kittens

It is normal for kittens to itch every now and then, but scratching excessively may be a sign of another issue. From a mild case of dry skin to severe problems caused by parasites, a variety of conditions cause scratching. Take your kitten to a veterinarian for an exact diagnosis.

  1. The Facts

    • Excessive itching in kittens is always a symptom of something else that may be minor or quite problematic. Some problems can even spread to you or other members of your household. Whatever the issue, for the health of your kitten it is important to resolve it is soon as possible.

    Causes

    • Your kitten may be scratching excessively because of one of many factors. Kittens scratch because of biting fleas or the mites that cause mange. Two types of mange affect cats: demodectic and notoedric, also called scabies, states PetEducation.com. The mites burrow under the cat's skin, causing extreme of discomfort and itching. Ear mites cause a kitten to scratch around the ears and, if the mites spread, around other parts of the body. Dry skin causes a kitten to scratch itself, as well.

    Diagnosis

    • Look at the kitten's skin to determine the cause of the itching. Most kittens groom fleas off of themselves, so you may not detect active fleas, but fleas leave debris, called flea dirt, that looks like pepper. Dry skin often causes flaking on the skin or in the hair. A veterinarian diagnoses mange by scraping the cat's skin with a blade and viewing the results under the microscope. The doctor will collect a sample of the cat's ear wax and ook at it under the scope to check for mites, states PetPlace.com.

    Treatment

    • If your kitten has fleas, ask your veterinarian to recommend a flea treatment. Most brands require kittens to reach a certain age before they are safe to use. Dry skin is often treated with oatmeal-based shampoos and sprays. Mange is usually resolved with dips, ointments and shampoos that will destroy the mite and stop the problem. The vet will prescribe an insecticide to kill the ear mites.

    Prevention

    • Ward off fleas by keeping your kitten on a flea preventative. Even indoor-only cats are at risk of fleas from open windows or owners bringing them in the home on their shoes and clothes. Poor nutrition can cause dry skin; feed your kitten good-quality food and periodically spray it with oatmeal-based spray to ward off dryness. Keep your kitten away from animals that may have mange or ear mites, as both are highly contagious. Avoid infected animals to give your kitten the best shot at staying clear of the conditions.