Cat Skin Symptoms: When to See a Dermatologist
- Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS RCVS
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Skin disease in cats is not uncommon and can be very distressing for both the cat and their owners. Cat skin disease can lead to behavioural problems, and cats may become withdrawn or possibly aggressive if they feel unwell or itchy.
Cat skin disease affects cat’s ears and claws. Claw infections, ear disease, hair loss, crusty or scaly skin, red skin, spots, ulcers are all symptoms of skin disease but similar symptoms can have different causes. Cats will commonly get secondary skin infections. It is common that a vet will treat the infection but fail to get on top of the underlying cause. If your vet cannot find a reason for your cat’s skin disease it may be worth seeing a veterinary dermatologist. This is also true if your cat’s skin initially gets better but keeps relapsing.
In this article we’ll discuss:
Symptoms of Cat Skin Conditions
Symptoms of cat skin diseases vary depending on the underlying cause. That said, there are only so many ways the skin can react.
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is common and broadly splits between the cats who are itchy and those who are not.
Crusted spots can be seen with allergies and cats are often itchy. They may scratch, bite or lick themselves.
Ulcers have a number of causes.
Crusty skin of the face and legs can be an autoimmune disease.
Scaly skin or dandruff can be seen with allergies, parasites and other conditions.
Red skin is seen with infections and allergies.
Infected cat claws could be a bacterial infection but if multiple nails are affected could be autoimmune disease.
Find out more about common skin conditions in cats.
Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Cats
There is not a single set of skin symptoms that tell you that your cat has allergic skin disease or what it might be allergic to. Instead cats tend to present with one or more ‘reaction patterns’ such as red patches of skin, skin crusts and lip ulcers.
Miliary dermatitis
Crusted, hard spots usually on the back
Head and neck itch
Scratches on the face and neck
Ulcers of the skin on the face and neck
Red patches of skin
Symmetrical alopecia
Caused by overgrooming, excessive licking
Often the tummy or sides of the cat
Seen on the legs as well
Eosinophilic granuloma complex
Eosinophils are white bloods cells that can coalesce in patches in the skin - raised, red plaques
They can form raised ridges in a line - such as on the legs
Lip ulcers - used to be called ‘rodent ulcers’ because people thought they were due to rat bites
Ear disease can be due to allergy and this is often seen as ‘dirty’ ears with infections. Compared to dogs, cats rarely get secondary skin infections, but if they do symptoms may include red, moist skin or grease on the skin.
What are the Signs of Skin Conditions that Affect Outdoor Cats?
For cats who go outdoors, fleas and flea allergy are more common. These present as the same ‘reaction patterns’ we see with allergies:
Miliary dermatitis
Head and neck itch
Symmetrical alopecia
Eosinophilic granuloma complex
Some viral conditions are more common such as Cowpox, which can affect cats mainly in the autumn when voles are more active. Cowpox can produce skin disease on the face and legs if your cat gets bitten by an infected vole. The most frequent clinical presentation we see is skin nodules progressing to ulcers, which then scab over. These often start as a single lesion on or around the head or paws. They often then become more widespread.
What are the Signs of Skin Problems In Indoor-Only Cats?
Both indoor and outdoor cats commonly get similar skin conditions. However, some things may be more or less common depending on whether your cat goes outdoors or not.
Indoor only cats can be affected by the following skin problems:
Fleas less common but NOT impossible
House dust mite allergy may be more common
The symptoms are the same as for all allergic skin diseases in cats, which include:
Miliary dermatitis
Head and neck itch
Symmetrical alopecia
Eosinophilic granuloma complex
When to See a Veterinary Dermatologist
If your cat’s symptoms fail to resolve after initial treatment by your veterinary surgeon, or if they keep coming back, then it is worth seeking a referral or a second opinion from a veterinary dermatologist.
A veterinary dermatologist has additional qualifications obtained after additional study and examinations related to skin disease in animals.
Most veterinary dermatologists only see animals, including cats, with skin, ear and claw disease. If you wish to speak to one of our team please contact us.
Caring For Your Cat’s Skin At Home
Cats are very good at looking after their own skin and haircoat under normal circumstances. If you have a long-haired variety you will need to regularly groom your cat to avoid matted hair.
Some cats may groom less if they have pain in their mouth or joints. So dental disease or ulcers in the mouth may impact your cat’s ability to groom. Likewise arthritis in the joints or back pain may affect your cat’s ability to reach areas that require grooming so it is always worth seeing your normal vet first to check for any other conditions that may affect your cat and its ability to groom itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Skin Diseases and Infections
How Do I Know If My Cat Has Infected Claws?
If your cat has an infected claw you will find it is usually only one claw that is affected. This may lead to pain and lameness. You may see swelling of the toe adjacent to the claw or redness or a pussy discharge. Very rarely tumours of the toe or nail bed may be present and these may require surgery so always go back to your vet if the claw infection is not responding to treatment.
If multiple nails are affected then it is likely that there is another cause of your cat's claw disease. This may require the help of a dermatologist to make the diagnosis as it may be a problem with the immune system that may require skin biopsies. Autoimmune disease can affect multiple claws but often shows crusty skin disease as well, especially of the face and head.
Can Cats Be Allergic To Cigarette Smoke?
It is not so much that cats can be allergic to cigarette smoke but it can cause wheezing and breathing issues if cats get feline asthma and this can be part of the allergic syndrome we see in cats.
Is my Cat Prone to Skin Disease?
Thankfully few cat breeds are ‘prone’ to skin disease more than any other cat breed. However, Abyssinian cats have been shown to be more prone to allergy.
Can Cats Recover A Skin Issue On Their Own?
A mild skin infection due to a bite or scratch, usually from another cat, may get better on its own. But if your cat is unwell or you see a swelling that may indicate an abscess, then it is worth making an appointment to see your vet.
However, most skin conditions will require the help of a vet to diagnose and treat the problem. However, a veterinary dermatologist will be used to dealing with these complex conditions.
Sources and References:
Santoro, D., Pucheu-Haston, C.M., Prost, C., Mueller, R.S. and Jackson, H. (2021), Clinical signs and diagnosis of feline atopic syndrome: detailed guidelines for a correct diagnosis. Vet Dermatol, 32: 26-e6.
Written and Approved by:
Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology
Director of Advanced Veterinary Dermatology Ltd
Comments