Feline Skin Care:

A healthy coat and skin is a sign of a healthy animal and a cat’s coat is susceptible to attacks from parasites and other intestinal worms.



If the cat is not fed a nutritious diet, this is likely to show up on the coat as well. You may want to consult a vet for medication and for suggestions on a well balanced diet based on the deficiency she or he notices.



Cat skin care involves proper and routine grooming which will help the owner identify problems before the condition aggravates. Since cats are finicky animals that constantly groom themselves, they rarely require a bath.



But in case it is necessary, it is best to use a mild shampoo, rinse well and dry quickly with a towel or a hair dryer. There are different types of cat skin problems: the cat may develop what is known as a macule, which is a change in the coloration of an area of its skin. This is caused due to some trauma or injury. Cats may develop elevated lesions called papules which is benign in most cases, but will require immediate medical attention as it could be cancerous.

Cats may develop wheals which indicate a slightly raised area where the cat heals itself when subjected to insect bites or allergies to certain kinds of food or medication. Other common cat skin problems include rashes and dry skin and these are often caused by fleas, mites, ringworm and fungus. The symptoms of cat skin allergies include flaky and excessively dry skin, skin lesions symptomised by red, raw looking skin, scabs or scaly patches, acute loss of hair, reddish patches on the skin, lesions on the head, chest and hips that are round and look raw, bumps under the skin and a rather dull and dry coat. If the cat seems to be licking his or her skin more often than usual, it may be a symptom of a skin ailment as well. Cat skin infections can be bacterial or fungal and are often treated by an application of topical ointments, medicated shampoos and conditioners. Occasionally the skin infection develops due to some other underlying cause, but because of the itching, the cat scratches too much and hence the onset of a bacterial infection. While the skin infection requires treatment in this case, the underlying cause must also be identified and treated as well to prevent a recurrence.