Cat Skin & Hair Disorders

Skin and hair problems should not be ignored in cats or kittens. Unless the cat is one of the almost hairless breeds like a sphinx, healthy cats have a full covering of fur, although it is normal for cats to have thin or bald patches around or just below the ears. Petting your cat every day will help you quickly spot any bald or thinning patches, scabby or red and scabby skin.

  1. Parasites

    • Even if lice, fleas or other parasites are not seen, their presence can greatly irritate a cat's skin. After prolonged bouts of scratching or biting, the fur comes out and the skin may become bright red or covered in hives. Internal parasites such as roundworms can cause the cat intense itching in the anal-genital area. Bald patches may occur on and under the tail and hind legs.

    Bite Infections

    • James R. Richards, DVM notes in "ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats" that bite infections are one of the most common bacterial diseases in cats. As the name suggests, this infection is caused by an animal bite on the cat. The wound becomes infected and forms an abscess, or round lump. If it bursts, pus comes out and the skin scabs over. The risk for secondary infection is great, so the cat needs to go to the vet.

    Ringworm

    • This is a common fungal infection that is contagious to most mammals, including cats, dogs and people. It begins as small round bald patches on the tail, paws or face and then spreads all around the body. The round patches usually have a red ring around the edge. At first, the bald patches are not very itchy, but if left untreated, the cat may scratch so hard that it will open up its skin. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, some cats will seem to heal themselves after a few months. But this rarely happens, so all cats with ringworm need veterinary attention.

    Sunburn

    • According to PetPlace.com, white, very lightly colored or mostly hairless cats are especially prone to sunburn. Sunburn in cats looks much like sunburn in people. The skin reddens but can sometimes turn white. The skin may blister. The cat will be in considerable pain, so it should be taken as soon as possible to the vet for burn treatment and painkillers. If the cat is continued access to strong sunlight, repeated sunburns can lead to feline skin cancer.

    Cancer

    • Dr. Richards also notes that one of the most common cat skin cancers, squamous cell sarcoma, is thought to be caused by repeated sunburns. This is most often seen on the skin of the cat's ears. The tumor area becomes red and scaly, the hair thins or becomes bald and then the lump develops and can often bleed.