Identifying Common Cat Skin Diseases

Cat skin diseases are one of the most common problems faced by cat owners. Your cat's skin serves a wide variety of purposes and is extremely important to the health of your cat. Cats have thick skin, which helps the immune system by repelling bacteria, and keeps the cat's organs safe.

Common Skin Diseases

Symptoms of a skin disease are often limited to bumps, redness, itching and sometimes sores. As a result it can be difficult to identify what is causing the anomaly and get it properly diagnosed.

Infections

Bacterial and parasitic infections on the skin may sometimes cause diseases. For example, ringworms cause dermatophytosis, a disease resulting in a mild necrosis of the skin. For a cat, this can be very dangerous. The weakening of the skin cells in any area may allow for bacteria and viruses to enter, opening the way for further infections.

Mites are the source of a mild dermatitis known as cheyletiellosis, a highly contagious (though rare) condition that can pass from cat to human. It is characterized by itchy bumps, fur loss and scaly skin.

Cats are susceptible to acne. Though this is somewhat less common, the acne can be painful, cause swelling or tenderness to the touch and be a weak spot for bacteria to form.

Immune System Deficiencies

Sometimes repeated infections can be the result of an immune deficiency. A cat's skin plays an important role in the feline immune system. Most directly, it prevents the entrance of bacteria and toxins into the body. In cats, most immune system deficiencies take the form of FIV or FeLV, which cripple the immune system and leave your cat open for bacterial effects. If your cat suffers from repeated infections, a blood test may be necessary to determine if your cat is afflicted with a retrovirus.

Cutaneous Manifestations

Sometimes an abnormality in your cat's skin is not a skin disorder at all, but a cutaneous manifestation of an internal disease. In this instance, the skin may appear bruised, swollen or even hot to the touch (as in a fever). It may also be the result of an allergic reaction. Regardless, if you cannot identify the cause of something odd on your cat's skin, you should visit the veterinarian to ensure that it is not the cutaneous manifestation of something more serious.

Cats face a variety of common skin diseases ranging from mild bacteria infections to life-threatening disorders. The symptoms are often similar in all cases, and there are a limited number of signs to directly diagnose a problem. Many experts recommend that at the first sign of a skin anomaly, a visit to the veterinarian may be needed to swiftly diagnose and treat a potentially dangerous disease.

 

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