If your cat has been itchy and irritable recently, it may be because he or she is suffering from an uncomfortable skin rash. Cats typically don't bit at their skin or chew on their fur, so if you notice this behavior from your feline it's best to investigate. Like humans, cats can develop acne. Normally, this skin condition will center on the cat's chin, and will cause your animal to become uncomfortable. Like in humans, cats can develop acne from stress or poor grooming.
They can also break out after taking a new medication, as acne can be a skin reaction. Sometimes, acne may be the symptom to a more serious skin condition, so if the problem persists you may want to take your animal to the veterinarian for a check-up. If your cat has acne, then you can purchase acne shampoo of cats. If there is a bacterial infection that has accompanied the acne, then you may want to get antibiotics for your animal.
Bacterial infections don't only show up as acne. There are times that it can turn into focilliculitis. Acne can get infected and create this messy and painful infection sometimes it can even result in underlying skin conditions that could be severe. If your cat has a bacterial infection, you will need antibiotics in order to treat the problem. Make sure to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible so that you can start treating your feline and battle an even worse infection. Sometimes cats can also contract yeast infections.
These are caused by a fungus and are more likely to appear in cats that have other medical problems. Most of the time if a cat has a yeast infection it will be visible on the animal's ears. There may be a black or yellow discharge from the infected area, or a redness of the ear flap. As well, cats who have a yeast infection will constantly scratch the area. If your cat has these symptoms, take him or her to the vet to receive an anti-fungal medication. You may receive a topical medication which you can apply or may have to use an oral capsule.
Cats can also contract ringworm, which is a fungus that is especially common in kittens that are under one year. This causes circular lesions on a cat's head or limbs. The skin around the lesions will be flaky, dry, and bald. Ringworm is contagious, so if you find that one of your cats has the illness and you have other felines, then you will want to isolate your infected cat in order to preserve the comfort of your other animals. Ringworm can also infect humans, so you will want to be extremely careful when dealing with your infected cat.
You will probably want to purchase shampoos which can diminish the issue, but there are also times that to may need to purchase ointments or get oral medications to solve the problem. Another fungus to watch out for is sporotrichosis. This is a public health concern because the fungus can spread throughout felines and humans. It creates small, hard skin lesions that may leak fluid. The unsightly fungus can also manifest itself on humans with low immune systems. If you find that your cat has this illness, then you should have the animal treated as soon as possible for the illness.
Some felines also contract allergic dermatitis rashes. This is not a contagious fungal infection, but is an allergic reaction that some cats have to grooming products or environmental irritants. Some cats can even get this sort of rash from a food that they are allergic to. If your pet is chewing on his or her pays or constantly itching, and it does not appear that there is a fungal issue, then chances are that your pet has allergic dermatitis. You may want to purchase an anti-irritant medication for your animal, or a veterinarian may suggest that you do not use the grooming product or food again and allow the rash to leave on its own.
Alopecia is the cat rash that involves hair loss. While all cats shed, if your pet's hair is coming out in thick patches you should be concerned. There is a possibility that the hair loss if because of a serious disease, so you will want to get your cat checked out for illnesses. If your cat is suffering from any sort of abnormality, don't hesitate to call a local vet and seek information and medical treatment for your beloved animal.