Diseases of beloved animals always upset the owners, but sometimes the disease is difficult to recognize in the early stages. You should always pay attention to changes in your pet's behavior. Even under ideal conditions, the cat may suddenly begin to constantly itch, lick or show anxiety, which may indicate some kind of disease.
This situation should not be ignored, because the cat can strongly comb the wounds with its claws, as a result of which a secondary infection enters the body. In these cases, making an accurate diagnosis is difficult. At the first signs of anxiety, when the cat's back itches, you need to conduct a thorough examination of the animal. Itching can be caused by several reasons.
Even the apparent absence of fleas on examination does not mean that they do not exist at all. Nits are attached to the animal's fur - lice eggs, which look like black grains of extremely small sizes. If such points are found, the cat should be treated with special flea drops. The bed of the animal must also be treated with a special spray. Itching caused by fleas will soon cease to bother.
If the cat's back is itching not because of fleas, then in this case the doctor will definitely suspect the presence of scabies mites.
Much less often, demodicosis mites, which cause an infectious disease demodicosis, become the cause of itching. It is expressed not only in constant combing, but also in the gradual baldness of the cat. Only a doctor will make an accurate diagnosis by conducting several tests, including a deep scraping of the upper layers of the skin.
Allergy
Cats can suffer from allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in the food. In this case, such hypersensitivity is expressed in constant scratching of the back, muzzle, ears, limbs.
To identify food allergies, it is enough to control the animal's diet and determine the food that causes problems.
Much more often, cats suffer from non-food allergies, which can occur due to flea bites or other insect bites.
If the cat's back or some other area of the body itches, then it is necessary to carefully check the skin for traces of insect bites: mosquitoes, wasps, bees, ants.
Another type of allergy, contact, manifests itself much less frequently. In this case, it is necessary to do an allergy test and determine the irritant.
Inflammation caused by fungi or bacteria
Colonies of opportunistic microorganisms constantly live on the skin of domestic cats, which, in most cases, do not manifest themselves in any way. However, at some points in life, when the cat's body is weakened by some disease or is experiencing an acute shortage of vitamins, the populations of pathogenic bacteria increase dramatically. The consequence of such failures of immunity is not only a deterioration in the condition of the skin, but also the general well-being of the animal. In this case, it is difficult for the owner to immediately suspect the cause of the disease, so it is necessary to pay close attention to increased skin itching.
Inflammation of the skin can be caused by bacteria or a fungus, which will be shown by appropriate tests. In such cases, complex treatment of the animal will be required, because inflammation of the skin is not the main cause of the disease.
One of the most common diseases that cause itching is pyodermatitis. This infection is of bacterial origin and is localized not only on the surface of the skin, but also in deeper layers.
Results
These main causes of itching do not exclude other diseases that cause a cat to scratch its back. You should not exclude the household factor, because it is quite possible that the pet simply carefully monitors the condition of its coat and likes to scratch or lick. In any case, the reason for contacting the veterinarian should be the unusual behavior of the pet: excessive scratching, scratching and biting problem areas.
You should not postpone a visit to the veterinarian, even if the general state of health is not disturbed: many skin diseases are easier to cure in the initial stages. An experienced doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination and determine the cause, after which he will prescribe treatment. Itching is considered a concomitant symptom of the disease, so the disease itself must be treated. To prevent such situations, each veterinarian will give recommendations for the proper care of the skin and coat of pets.
Everyone knows that in addition to the mandatory actions for caring for a cat, such as feeding, toileting, you need to carefully monitor its health. Be sure to show the veterinarian from time to time, especially if you picked up a mustache in the yard. Get all necessary vaccinations. But ... Life dictates the opposite to us - we run to the doctor when the rooster has already pecked us or our cat.
These are blood-sucking insects that, having stuck to the skin of a cat, cause severe itching, which causes the cat to constantly itch, become irritable, appetite decreases and hair loss may begin. The main sites of damage are the abdomen, the base of the tail, less often the neck.
Sometimes a cat can itch a lot due to hormonal imbalances. In these cases, itching, anxiety, dullness of the coat up to loss is also possible. To clarify the diagnosis and proper treatment, the animal must be shown to a specialist. Vitamins are usually prescribed and nutrition is adjusted. It is quite difficult even for a specialist to identify this particular case, so do not try to make a diagnosis yourself.
Other reasons
A few more possible reasons why a cat may constantly itch.
Scabies
ear mite
Ringworm
An infectious disease caused by fungi. Causes unbearable itching in cats that comb until hair loss, bald spots appear on the body, the skin becomes dry and pustules may appear. In this case, antibiotic treatment is prescribed, followed by a veterinarian. If lichen is detected in the early stages, then treatment is carried out with the help of ointments, medicines.
Allergy
Cats, like people, are prone to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is worth paying attention and showing the cat to the specialist if he constantly licks, scratches, sneezes. The most common allergies are dust mites or food. It does not bring harm to health, it only causes discomfort in the cat. Treated with antihistamines.
In custody
Well, here we have considered all the most frequent cases when a cat begins to itch. This should cause concern not only for her, but also for her owner. You do not need to self-medicate, and it is better to show the cat to a specialist first.
And in no case should a cat be limited in freedom and independence, fearing contact with infected brethren. Of course, I'm not saying that she needs to be driven out into the street, but every cat needs fresh air and sun. Take it out, if possible, to the dacha, let it out for a walk on the balcony.
Every cat needs a balanced diet. And of course, it is no longer news to you that the food from our table is not at all suitable for a pet. Now there are many special foods, so choosing the right one for your cat, I think, will not be a problem. And of course, every cat needs your love and attention. They are very sensitive to any manifestation of emotion on your part. But we must not forget about their individualism. Your attention should be unobtrusive, but constant and daily. And then, I am sure, your pet will be your faithful and devoted friend, who will warm your house, create warmth and comfort in it.
If you still have questions about why the cat is constantly itching - write in the comments. We will try to answer!
Recently, skin diseases have become widespread in cats, from which, according to statistics, every third pet suffers. Often, problems with the skin are the result of some kind of internal pathology that requires immediate treatment. Many skin diseases are dangerous not only for the cat, but also for the owner, so it is extremely important to recognize the disorder in a timely manner and begin treatment.
List of skin diseases in cats
There is a whole range of skin diseases that are versatile and manifest themselves in completely different ways. Skin lesions can be triggered by a variety of reasons - hereditary, anthropogenic, infectious, even a simple change in diet can cause rashes on the body.
Attention. It should not be forgotten that fleas are carriers of helminths and are able to infect an animal through a normal bite. Therefore, along with treatment for flea, the animal should be dewormed in a timely manner.
Ringworm
Ringworm is an infectious fungal pathology that often affects young animals with reduced immunity, as well as cats that have had cancer or viral diseases.
The cause of the disease is the spores of the fungus, which can be brought on clothes or shoes. Infection occurs through contact with a sick animal, through shared toys, feeding and care items.
The clinical signs of ringworm are:
- bald areas on the head, tail and limbs;
- in the center of the affected area, the skin turns red and flakes, sometimes ulcers, white scales and crusts appear.
Treatment of the disease is carried out with the help of antifungal ointments and antiseptic solutions. In severe cases, antibiotics, vaccines, and oral antifungal medications are prescribed.
acne
Acne is an acne disease characterized by the formation of closed and open comedones, most often on the chin.
The reasons for the development of acne can be improper care of the cat, stress, infectious pathologies, abnormalities in the development of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Visually, the disease is manifested by the presence of black or white dots, partial hair loss, and an increase in hard crusts. Acne can progress to painful ulcers and pustules, which can lead to inflammation and bacterial infection.
Acne treatment consists in treatment with antiseptic and antiseborrheic soaps and shampoos (for example, tar), applying antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, etc.). In advanced cases, antibiotics and corticosteroids are used.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections come in two forms: dry and wet. In the first case, dense formations and crusts appear on the skin. The second form is characterized by the presence of skin areas with severe hyperemia and moisture, which is accompanied by a rash, ulcers, itching and crusts.
To understand the form in which the disease occurs in a pet, it is necessary not only to familiarize yourself with the description of the disease, but also to carefully study the photo.
There can be a huge number of reasons for a bacterial infection:
- allergy accompanied by itching;
- heredity;
- stress;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- the presence of shallow wounds;
- diabetes mellitus, tumors, kidney damage, etc.
Treatment is based on the use of antibiotics and local preparations (Miramistin, Levomekol, aluminum - and zinc-containing ointments).
Bacterial skin diseases include.
Allergic skin diseases
Allergic reactions are the result of an inadequate response of the cat's immune system to foreign substances entering the body. Anything can be the cause of an allergy: a certain food component, household chemicals, plant pollen, synthetic fabrics, dust in the house, etc. When exposed to an allergen, skin hyperemia, the presence of inflamed areas, severe itching, hair loss and fever are observed.
Important. Prolonged exposure to the allergen is fraught with the development of atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic granuloma and asthmatic syndrome.
Therapy for allergic reactions includes taking antihistamines to relieve itching, hormonal agents, and antibiotics when urgently needed. To alleviate the condition of the pet, medicated shampoos and decoctions of medicinal herbs are used.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by environmental allergens. The reason for the appearance of this disease is an increased reaction of the body to certain substances (mold, pollen, household chemicals, certain foods, dust, etc.).
Atopic dermatitis has the following clinical picture:
- severe itching and, as a result, scratching;
- skin rash;
- hair loss;
- when an infection enters the wound, pustules form;
- the affected areas are in the head, ears, neck or chest, in the lower abdomen and between the thighs.
To prevent the development of infection, broad-spectrum antibiotics and antimicrobials are prescribed, and to eliminate signs of allergy, standard antihistamines (Chlorpheniramine, Clemastine) are prescribed.
Eczema
The disease is manifested by such symptoms as:
- severe itching and scratching;
- the appearance of pustules, vesicles, nodules and crusts on the skin;
- redness of the skin;
- weight loss;
- fever;
- kidney disease;
- weeping surface of the skin.
Treatment of eczema consists of taking antihistamines and sedatives supplemented with a vitamin complex.
We offer a review for viewing.
demodicosis
Symptoms of demodicosis include:
- the formation of dense tubercles on the body of the pet, when pressed on which white clots are released;
- constant scratching and rashes on the skin;
- redness of the affected areas;
- partial baldness;
- the presence of red crusts;
- the formation of pustules with the duration of the disease.
Attention. It is this skin ailment that most often leads to death.
ear mite
The progression of the disease is fraught with inflammation of the outer ear, which is able to move to the middle, which in turn is dangerous imbalance. In such a situation, the animal will constantly keep its head to one side. Sometimes the infection reaches the parotid space, provoking severe inflammation.
Treatment of ear mites includes the systematic cleansing of the ear canals and the use of acaricidal drops.
Learn more about a common disease -.
Psychogenic alopecia
Alopecia is the rapid loss of hair. The cause of psychogenic alopecia in domestic cats is a neurosis that occurs as a result of environmental changes (change of residence, a new owner, the appearance of a new family member or pet in the house, etc.).
Most often, this disease occurs in emotional breeds: Siamese, Himalayan, Burmese, Abyssinian, but it also happens in outbred individuals. Externally, the disease manifests itself as alopecia in the groin, on the abdomen, sides and inner thighs, along the dorsal midline. On the bald areas there is neither redness nor crusts.
In the treatment of psychogenic alopecia, the main thing is to eliminate or minimize stress. Of the medicines, behavior-correcting drugs have proven themselves: Amitriptyline, Kot Bayun or Stop Stress.
Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome (or hyperadrenocorticism) is an extremely rare disease that develops as a result of an excessive amount of the hormone cortisol in the body. An excess of cortisol can occur with the use of large amounts of corticosteroids orally, topically or by injection, with tumors of the adrenal cortex, and also as a result of pituitary gland disease.
With Cushing's syndrome, the following phenomena are observed:
- increased thirst and increased urination;
- voracity;
- enlarged belly;
- amyotrophy;
- lethargy;
- hair loss;
- skin thinning.
In the treatment of this serious disease, as a rule, the drug Trilostan is used, which suppresses the production of cortisol. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the adrenal or pituitary gland, as well as radiation therapy for the pituitary tumor.
Sarcoptic mange
The clinical picture of sarcoptic mange is similar to other diseases: the affected areas dry out and cause itching, later the hair falls off in these places, and the scabs form unattractive ulcers.
In the fight against ticks, Sarcoptes have proven themselves, which are applied to the withers of the animal.
Notoedrosis
Symptoms of this disease include:
- severe itching;
- bubbles are observed on the muzzle, ears, abdomen and inguinal region, which, after combing, become covered with crusts;
- hair loss, often in places where crusts are concentrated;
- as the disease progresses, the skin thickens, dries and cracks - as a result, wounds open the gates to infections (bacteria, fungi and viruses).
Notoedrosis therapy includes bathing with acaricidal and keratolytic shampoos, as well as topical application of drugs (Demos, aversectin ointment, neocidol aqueous emulsion, sulfuric ointment, Stronghold).
When a cat or a cat itches or licks diligently, this is a completely normal and natural phenomenon. However, pet owners should be alerted by their too frequent manifestation, which is accompanied by anxiety, irritability. In this case, often the animal already needs help. Remember that itching is not yet a disease, but its first symptom, so this manifestation cannot be ignored.
[ Hide ]
Causes of obsessive licking and self-nibbling by cats
Fleas
Allergy
An allergy can be not only to food components, but also seasonal or, for example, to dust and pollen. It is important to get tested and identify the irritating allergen as soon as possible.
Bacteria and fungi
Various microflora lives on the skin and in the body of any even healthy animal. But if the cat's body is weakened, experiencing some kind of stress, lack of vitamins, and so on, this can cause an increase in the number of pathogenic microflora. Because of this, various kinds of skin inflammations, rashes, itching occur, and the general condition of the pet worsens. Most often, the cause of this phenomenon lies in bacteria and all kinds of fungi. By the way, they can also be transmitted through human hands, because the cat constantly licks its lips.
Skin diseases
When a cat owner detects skin problems, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and observe personal hygiene, as many viruses and bacteria can be transmitted to human hands.
Hormonal disorders
Treatment
If you notice that your cat or cat is constantly itching, licking, while behaving uneasily, beating his tail - you should immediately show your pet to the veterinarian. It is better not to try to establish the cause and diagnosis yourself, since many of the symptoms are similar to each other. Laboratory analysis and competent examination will be required.
If the skin ailment is caused by an infection or fungus, therapeutic sprays and drops will also help in the first stages. But, as practice shows, additional special medicines and antibiotics may still be required. If the cat constantly itches, licks the muzzle, scratches the ears, eyes, antihistamines are prescribed. An accurate analysis is made and the source of the allergy is determined.
Do not forget about the correct and balanced diet, which is also the key to the health of the pet. If he has strong immunity, then no infection will be terrible for him. Do not feed forbidden foods, sweets, salty and smoked foods. All this can cause or provoke the occurrence of food allergies. Pay attention to when your pet licks.
And finally, the last piece of advice is love and affection. Remember that your cat or cat is a living creature that needs your care and attention. Change of owner, change in your behavior can lead to stress in the pet. And stress, as you know, is the first step to disease. If you want to pet an animal, but it is nervous and beats with its tail, it is better to leave it alone, do not squeeze or pick it up without the desire of the pet itself. Remember that he also has the right to peace and rest.
Sorry, there are currently no surveys available.
Video "Cats love to swim too"
Do you think cats don't like to swim? How they love it too! This video is proof of what we say. Moreover, timely and proper bathing will help your pet not only be clean, but also protect against itching and fleas.
Sometimes owners notice sores on the cat's back. Often, hair falls out in shreds, and the animal becomes nervous, constantly itches, loses appetite and sleep, ceases to enjoy life. What to do in this case? Start by looking for the cause. Based on it, you can quickly cope with the disease.
What can sores on the back of a cat mean?
There are several causes of sores on the back of a cat. The most common:
- Fleas, biting a pet, leave wounds that, although tiny, can be very itchy. The animal combs the affected areas, which aggravates the situation. The risk of infection is not excluded, which leads to the formation of sores. Fleas are the most common cause of such troubles.
- Allergies can also cause sores in cats. Food, household chemicals and hygiene products, dust, smoke, etc. are capable of provoking it. In addition to skin lesions that itch, other symptoms may be present - watery eyes, nervousness, indigestion, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge. Quite often, taurine, which is part of some cat food, provokes an allergic reaction.
- Ringworm. The sores with it have a characteristic appearance. This is not a rash, not nodules, but spots with bare skin of pink color, eventually covered with brown dry crusts. They fall off over time when the animal scratches the sore. As a result, the wound becomes wet, often bleeding, and is very annoying to the pet. Ringworm tends to spread quickly and capture all large areas of the body of the unfortunate animal. Its other name is dermatophytosis (dermatophytes are fungi that cause disease).
- Demodicosis is put if the cat has sores on its back along the ridge. Ticks provoke the development of this pathology, which, getting under the skin of a pet, begin to destroy the dermis with their vital activity, and as a result, serious lesions appear. The disease is considered dangerous. May be fatal to the animal. Not amenable to treatment in advanced stages.
Of course, with all these diseases, sores can appear not only on the back of a cat, but also on the skin of the neck, ears, head, tail and other parts of the body. However, their development often begins precisely from the back.
What actions to take?
Sores on the back along the cat's spine (as in other places) should not be ignored. Animals need help. It all depends on the reason.
If there is a suspicion that skin problems are the result of an allergy, you can try to revise the pet's diet. However, it is not always possible to guess which product caused the reaction, but time goes by and the cat needs to be treated. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but immediately show the animal to the veterinarian. He will take tests, determine the irritant and tell you how to deal with the cause of the sore.
This also applies to other situations when the lesion on the back looks like lichen or demodicosis. You should not be self-employed. Professional diagnosis is needed, and then serious treatment. It often involves taking antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial drugs.
Only competent advice from a specialist, complex therapy and caring hands of the owner can quickly alleviate the cat's condition and eliminate sores without consequences.
VETERINARY CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration
Loading...