Feline skin disorders may be caused by a variety of infections--bacterial, viral or fungal--as well as from trauma, parasites, allergies or poor nutrition. Not all skin disorders are immediately noticeable, and, if left untreated, could intensify or cause problems with internal systems. Contact your vet any time your cat acts out of character or doesn't seem himself, or if you notice swelling, hair loss, excessive scratching or skin redness.
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Bacterial Infections
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According to the "The Cornell Book of Cats" (Cornell Feline Health Center), a cat's skin is normally resistant to bacterial invasion. Certain immunosuppressive drugs, however, may leave a cat's skin open to infection, and trauma to the skin, such as a wound, insect bite or excessive scratching, can lead to an infection. Abscesses, dome-like swelling under the skin, are one of the more common manifestations of a bacterial skin infection and often occur at the site of an animal bite.
Viral Infections
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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline herpesvirus (FVR) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can cause skin problems. FeLV can cause chronic abscesses, that may lead to poor wound healing and itching. FVR causes skin ulcers on all areas of the body and even the bottoms of the feet. FIV, because it depresses the immune system, invites bacterial skin infections to set in.
Fungal Infections
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Ring worm, according to the Cornell Feline Heath Center, is one of the most common skin disorders in cats. Not really a worm at all, the fungi invade the outer layers of skin and may cause infections that spread to internal organs. Candidiasis is a yeast infection of the skin, but it is rare. It presents as blister eruptions on the skin and ears.
Parasites
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Mites, fleas and ticks can cause tissue damage leading to inflammation and pain, leaving the skin open to infection. Mites can attack the body, causing mange, but more commonly in cats, they are found in the ears where they cause redness in the ear canal. Fleas are a common pest, but many cats show no signs, even with a large number of fleas on their skin. Sensitivity to flea saliva, which can cause excessive itching and scratching that leaves the skin open to infection, is usually the early indicator. Kittens with a flea infestation may develop anemia. Ticks are less common on cats, and cats usually show no discomfort when a one is attached, but they can develop an abscess or infection if the tick is removed improperly, leaving the head embedded in the skin.
Allergies
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According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats show allergic reaction mainly on the skin. Food sensitivity or air borne allergens can cause skin lesions that need to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Determining the cause of the allergy can be a long process of eliminating suspected causes and reintroducing them one at a time at weekly intervals while watching for a reaction.
Poor Nutrition
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Thanks to commercial pet food, nutrition problems in cats are not common, but if the cat is unable to absorb the nutrients in its food, or food intake is reduced, vitamin deficiencies can cause skin problems. Tim D. G. Watson of the Abbey Veterinary Group in England indicates in his article for The Journal of Nutrition that dietary factors play a large role in a cat's healthy skin and coat. Lack of protein and vitamin B can cause thin, scaly skin. Lack of zinc and vitamin A can cause a dull coat, leaving the skin open to infections.
External Trauma
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Burns, caustic chemicals, and frostbite can damage a cat's skin, leaving blisters, open wounds or dead tissue.
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