Cat Rash Treatment

Cat rash is a skin condition that can be localized to specific areas on the pet’s skin, or generalized rash that occurs over the entire body. Dermatitis is the clinical term used to describe skin conditions such as rashes, lesions, lumps and inflammation. Skin rash develops due to various factors and the vet will perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and the treatment options.

Symptoms of Skin Rash Include:

  • Hives
  • Red patches
  • Skin papules
  • Crusty skin
  • Pustules (pus filled lesions)
  • Itching

Causes of Skin Rash in Cats

The most common type of rash is called contact allergy dermatitis, and is caused by flea bites. Cats that are hypersensitive to flea saliva develop the symptoms of flea rash. Due to excessive itching, cats can cause skin lesions which lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Pet are also known to exhibit skin rash due to food allergy. The rash occurs around the cat’s face and neck due to an allergic reaction to ingredients present in the food. Food allergies develop after prolonged consumption of a food that the pet is allergic to.

Other causes of rash include fungal infections, feline herpes virus, drug reactions and parasite infections. Skin rash that occurs due to no known cause is termed idiopathic dermatitis.

Diagnosis of Cat Rash

The diagnosis of rash is important, as it determines the course of treatment that follows. The vet will perform a physical examination and conduct a skin scraping test. Patch testing is also conducted to determine allergic reactions. Skin biopsies are performed to rule out underlying diseases. A microscopic examination of skin cells will reveal the presence of bacteria or fungal infections in the cat’s skin.

Treatment of Cat Rash

Rash that occurs due to food allergy will be treated with diet elimination. The pet will be placed on a hypoallergenic diet that usually involves a new protein source that the cat hasn’t consumed before. Once the rash subsides, normal food will be given to determine the ingredient that causes the rash.

Pets that suffer from flea allergy dermatitis are treated with flea medication. The household will also have to be disinfected to completely eliminate fleas and their eggs. 

Cats suffering from contact allergy dermatitis will be prescribed anti-allergic medication. and pet owners will have to determine the allergen that causes skin rash or dermatitis.

Other Treatment Options

Cats also suffer from skin rash caused by parasites and bacterial infections. The vet will prescribe anti-parasite medication to kill the parasites. Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication is also administered to cure bacterial infections and reduce discomfort.

Commercial Medications Include:

  • Prednisone
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • HomeoPet Hot Spots
  • Triamcinolone
  • Panolog
  • Hydroxyzine Pamoate

Home Care

Pet owners should avoid using over the counter medication to treat skin rash without determining the cause. Prescribed medications should be administered according to the given instructions and shouldn’t be discontinued unless directed by the vet. Along with skin rash treatment, it’s necessary to keep the cat’s surroundings clean to prevent fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections.

Cat skin is very sensitive in comparison to other pets. Cat owners should thus avoid using harsh chemicals, deodorizers or disinfectants around the house.

 

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