Skin problems in cats are one of the most common reasons they're brought to the vet. The good news is that most skin conditions in cats are treatable if caught early—and in many cases, can be prevented altogether.
When you notice a change in your cat's skin—such as new redness or bumps, flakiness, loss of fur, raw patches, or itching—the first thing to do is take a close look at your cat's environment. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Does the area where your cat spends most of its time have enough ventilation?
Does it have access to plenty of water?
Has your cat been coming into contact with any new household products?
Is there anything else that might be causing stress for your cat? This includes other pets or people.
If you can't identify anything that might be causing your cat's skin irritation, it's time to make an appointment with your Vet. Your vet will perform a complete physical examination and may request additional diagnostic testing. In some cases, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
