Skin Problems In Cats
Matted fur
Matted fur is a perfect breeding ground for parasites and encourages
inflammatory skin diseases. If your cat has matted fur, do not try to cut it
off as you may injure the cat.
Mats are difficult to comb out and may be painful. You may have to have the
vet sedate and shave the cat. Do groom it regularly to prevent mats.
Bald patches
Often caused by itching and irritation of some sort. Fleas, allergies,
eczema, and ringworm are all possible culprits.
Sometimes it is simply stress; Vets may prescribe hormone shots or even
tranquilizers to control the scratching.
If ringworm is indicated, you must take care not to get it yourself. It is
a fungus just like athletes foot. Tresaderm and similar medications are used
to treat this. Since ringworm spreads by spores, you can reduce transmission
and spreading by cleaning everything you can with bleach (save the cat
itself), and washing bedding and clothing in hot water. It may take some time
(like several months) to get ringworm under control.
Scratching
If the cat is scratching its ears and you can see black grit, that's
probably earmites. Consult your vet for appropriate ear drops. Ear mites stay
in the ears, but can be passed from cat to cat, especially if they groom each
other.
Go here to find out more about Ear Mites!
The life cycle of an ear mite is entirely within the ear, so you do not have
to worry about ridding your house of them the way you do fleas.
Cats typically shake their heads when given the medication; unless the
medication actually comes back out, that is OK.
An additional step to take is to use our Herbal Ear Formula that helps to
rid the upper ear of any ear mites lodged higher up than the canal, and makes
it difficult for the ear mites to reestablish themselves.
Plus it does an excellent job of cleaning the ears.
Scratching and a discharge from the ears means a bacterial or fungal infection
and the vet should be immediately consulted. Other possible causes of
scratching include fleas, lice, eczema, allergies, or stud tail (in male
cats).
Feline Acne
Cats can develop acne just as humans do. Usually it is only on the chin. It
will appear as small black spots. The reasons for feline acne are as complex
as it is for humans.
Sometimes a food allergy (such as chocolate with humans or milk with cats)
can cause it or sometimes the cat does not clean its chin properly.
Tips on caring for feline acne:
It is important to keep food dishes clean. Acne has bacteria associated
with it. The cat's chin comes in contact with the edge of the food/water bowl,
leaving bacteria. The next time the cat uses the bowl, it can come in contact
with this bacteria and spread it on the chin.
Use glass or metal food/water dishes. It is next to impossible to remove
the bacteria from acne from plastic dishes.
Wash the food and water dishes daily. This removes the bacteria from the
dishes and helps to keep the problem from getting worse. Also, in multi-cat
households, it will help reduce the chance of others breaking out with it.
Bathe the cat's chin daily with a disinfectant soap/ solution from the vet.
Nolvasan, Xenodine, Betadine soaps are a few of the ones to try. More severe
cases may need to be washed twice a day. DO NOT USE HUMAN ACNE SOLUTIONS.
These are too strong for cats and may cause serious problems. Don't try to
pick the spots off, just clean it well.
Visit the vet if you can't get the acne to clear up within a week or two,
or if the acne is severe or infected. The vet may prescribe antibiotics or
other acne treatments for these cats. Once the acne is cleared up, keep an eye
out for reoccurrences. Washing the cat's chin once a week is a good
preventative measure.
Shampoo For Cats
With: Dr. Jane Bicks
Spa Scents Revitalizing Shampoo
Spa Scents Revitalizing Shampoo is a conditioning shampoo that works
itself into a luxurious foamy lather to gently deep cleanse without
stripping natural oils and rinses completely, leaving a soft, delicate
fragrance of natural fruit extracts. The revitalizing botanical
infusion of organic rosemary and sage along with nourishing essences
of coconut and palm kernel oil will naturally cleanse and beautify your
pet’s coat as the luscious scents of juicy mango and kiwi mingled with
energizing citrus notes to bring out natural shine.
Its moisture activated odor-fighters react immediately to absorb and
neutralize tough pet odors. As your pet dries, odors are cleaned away
and in its place your pet will have a clean, beautiful coat fragrant
with the delicate aromas of kiwi and mango.
Between baths, use Spa Scents Bath Fresh Mist to keep your pet
cleaner, longer.
Neutralizes Odors – Not Just Cover Them
Pets Stay Cleaner, Longer.
Gently cleanses the skin and coat with nourishing essences of coconut
and palm kernel oils. Luscious scents of juicy mango and kiwi mingle
with energizing citrus notes to bring out natural shine.
Natural antioxidants from organic rosemary and sage help prevent
damage from weathering and environmental factors. Natural emollients
help soften, detangle, and give the coat more body.
Check out
Spa Scents Shampoo for Cats Here
See Also:
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