貓咪皮膚問題知多少？

When cats scratch themselves, they often strike yoga poses, their soft, three-dimensional ears twitching, looking adorably憨厚 (honest and simple). But did you know that frequent scratching of the body, ears, and licking of the fur in cats can be due to itchy and painful skin problems? Below, GGH will discuss common skin problems and symptoms in cats.

Cat ear mites

Ear mites in cats are caused by ear mites. When infected, cats will frequently scratch their ears and shake their heads. The earlobes become covered with a layer of waxy residue, have muddy stains, and scratch marks. Even after cleaning, the earlobes quickly become oily and dirty again. In severe cases, black scabs will appear in the ear canal, which will fall off when the cat scratches its ears. In addition, cats infected with ear mites will also show brown tear stains and sneezing. Ear mites need to be treated promptly, otherwise the mites can spread through the ear canal, causing middle otitis media and meningitis. Since the ear canal connects to the five senses (eyes, nose, and throat), ear mite infection can lead to eye and respiratory infections, affecting the cat's immune system.

Ear mite testing requires visual inspection combined with microscopic sampling and observation. Treatment for ear mites typically takes 1-2 months. Daily ear cleaning is necessary, involving gently massaging the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal, then absorbing excess moisture and cleaning away any dirt with cotton swabs. After drying the ear canal, apply ear mite treatment ointment, strictly adhering to the prescribed dosage; overdosing can be harmful to the cat. After evenly covering the ear canal with the medication, wipe away any excess medication from the ear flap to prevent the cat from scratching and ingesting it. Use an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent further ear scratching. Since ear mites infest the fur and can recur, it is recommended to combine this treatment with external parasite control to eliminate the mites hiding on the body.

Cat ringworm

Ringworm in cats is caused by bacterial or fungal infection, resulting in symptoms such as hair loss, redness, swelling, and increased dandruff. Due to itching, cats scratch constantly, causing the affected areas to break and bleed. Ringworm can spread to other parts of the body through scratching and licking, and can also infect people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children. Cats may contract ringworm due to a damp environment that fosters fungal growth, or it could be from a newly arrived pet that wasn't properly isolated, or from outdoor ringworm on shoes. Veterinarians will remove the hair from the affected area and clean it with boric acid solution. After the area is dry, a natural antibacterial and antipruritic ointment specifically for cats will be applied. During subsequent treatment, owners should follow the instructions to clean and dry the affected area and apply medication regularly. It is recommended to use pet wipes to clean the cat's entire body to remove any microorganisms and fungi hiding in the fur. When a cat in the home has ringworm, it is important to isolate the affected area, thoroughly clean the cat's frequently used spaces, and wash and dry the cat's belongings.

Allergic dermatitis

Environmental dust, food, household disinfectants, and cat grooming products can all cause allergic dermatitis in cats. When acute allergic symptoms appear, pet owners need to screen for allergens. Some pet owners use human medications on their kittens, which is also a common cause of pet allergies. Careful observation reveals that allergic dermatitis presents with red, swollen skin and erythema, but the skin is smooth and free of dandruff, unlike ringworm. Allergic dermatitis causes intense itching, leading to constant licking and scratching, resulting in hair loss, broken skin, bleeding, and scabbing. Cats should be taken to the vet immediately. Some cases of allergic dermatitis, if left untreated, can even lead to edema. Veterinarians typically prescribe anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory injections to control the allergic reaction, and oral anti-inflammatory medication may also be necessary.

If your cat is scratching excessively and experiencing bleeding, you should pay close attention to its skin condition and take it to the vet promptly. Treating skin problems requires patience and consistency for faster recovery. In your cat's daily diet, ensure they receive adequate protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins to boost their immunity and skin barrier. Gogo Herbs focuses on improving the health of cats and dogs, offering carefully selected high-quality natural health supplements developed by professional Chinese veterinarians and approved by Wai Yuen Tong Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our products are free of preservatives, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, and have passed tests for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microorganisms. Our products are the result of in-depth market research by our veterinary and nutritional teams, aiming to bring safe and effective pet health solutions to your beloved pet. If you encounter any problems while shopping, please contact us via WhatsApp at +852 5483 0695.