Feline Skin Irritation & Hair Loss

Feline skin irritation and hair loss can be uncomfortable, painful and sometimes dangerous for a cat. With proper treatment, however, the prognosis for a cat suffering from a skin and coat condition is very good.

  1. Symptoms

    • Look for frequent scratching, licking or biting of affected areas, bumps or lesions on the skin or discharge from the skin. Patchy hair loss and impaired hair growth are also symptoms of skin irritation and hair loss in cats.

    Causes

    • Causes may include flea or mite infestations, bacterial and fungal infections, stress or allergies. Skin conditions--such as dermatitis, seborrhea, dermodectic mange or folliculitis--could also be to blame.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination followed by specialized tests to determine the cause of the condition. Tests may include blood work, skin scrapings, discharge analysis and bacterial/fungal cultures.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the cause of the condition, treatments may include antibiotics, anti-fungal medication, topical medication or special baths. A change in diet may also be required.

    Warning

    • Always seek veterinary advice concerning any skin or coat problems your cat may have. The key is to prevent the condition from becoming more serious or spreading to humans and other animals.