Your cat's skin is her largest organ. As such, it is subject to a variety of mild to severe abnormalities that can cause itching, hair loss, rashes and general discomfort. Many skin problems are minor and can be treated at home while others many require veterinary advice. To help your veterinarian accurately diagnose any unusual skin condition, provide as much information as possible including the age and breed of your cat, how long she has been suffering from the condition, where on the body the signs are concentrated, and any changes that have been made to your cat's environment.
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Alopecia
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Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is not a disease; it is a symptom that can be the result of disease, trauma or infection. Alopecia may be limited to small, patchy areas of total hair loss or affect larger areas of the cat's body. Some cats experience excessive shedding that does not result in baldness but rather a thin, poor haircoat. Allergies, stress, hyperthyroidism, parasites, drug reactions and even sunburn can cause hair loss in cats.
Seasonal Allergies (Atopy)
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Some cats have an abnormally sensitive reaction to airborne or inhaled environmental allergens. Usually seasonal in nature, airborne allergies cause itching and hair loss, especially around the face, ears and feet. Scratching can traumatize the skin and leave your cat vulnerable to secondary skin infections.
Food Allergies
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Symptoms of a food allergy are similar to airborne allergies but they affect cats all year. Switch to a high-quality food that contains no corn, soy or wheat, and a novel protein source such as duck or salmon rather than chicken. If symptoms persist, your veterinarian may place your cat on an elimination diet by prescribing a special food that contains very limited, hypoallergenic ingredients.
Mites
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Mites are responsible for several types of mange as well as ear mite infections. These microscopic, burrowing insects lay their eggs under the skin's surface, causing intense itching. Symptoms of ear mites include head shaking and itching, while mange results in hair loss and crusty scabs. Treatment includes dips and topical insecticides as well as oral medications.
Ringworm
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A very common---and very contagious--fungal infection, ringworm affects a cat's skin, hair and claws. Signs include patchy hair loss and itchy, reddened skin around the face, ears and tail. The patches are not ring-shaped on cats. Fungal cultures are needed to provide a diagnosis of ringworm. Treatment involves topical or oral anti-fungals. All living and sleeping areas should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent spread and reinfection.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
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Fleas inject saliva into the skin when they bite. This is irritating to all cats, but for cats with a flea allergy, it can be excruciating. If you part the skin, you may see small, raised bumps that are known as miliary dermatitis. They are not the direct result of a bite but rather an allergic reaction to the bite. The rash is usually found around the head, neck and face. To prevent the fleas and flea-bite dermatitis, treat your cat with one of the many effective flea preventatives available in pet-supply stores or through your veterinarian.
Tumors
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Tumors--abnormal growths of cells--can be benign or malignant. Skin is exposed to many tumor-causing agents including chemical carcinogens, and sun exposure and viral infections can cause skin tumors. Skin tumors take many forms including small bumps, hairless discolored patches, raised rashes or open lesions. Contact your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis of any abnormal skin growth.
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