One of the common problems pet lovers are facing with their fur friends is a skin problem. If you’re one of those pet owners, you may be noticing that parasites, mites, fleas, allergies, and infections are commonly observed in cats. Although they may be usual to your pets, you still need to pay attention to these conditions because they may lead to even worse health issues. It is vital to learn about skin conditions in cats and how a treatment, such as CBD oil, can help.
Fetch by WebMD advised that when your cats showed signs like constant licking and scratching, they may be suffering from skin conditions. Pet owners should be aware that cats are prone to parasites, skin infections, allergies, and other skin conditions.
Common Skin Problems in Cats
Listed below are some of the skin conditions that can make your cats uncomfortable and anxious. Identifying each of these conditions will help you take action as soon as you notice the symptoms on your pets.
#1 Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is often red, itchy bumps on the seemingly inflamed skin of your pet. It can be due to contact with an irritant or a strong chemical. An effective way to avoid this skin problem is to keep your feline friends from areas near chemicals. Make sure, as well, that the things you used in feeding and cleaning your pets are all clean and safe from irritants.
#2 Abscess
Another common skin problem in cats is an abscess. It is described as a painful accumulation of pus where there is a bite or a wound. There can be a firm swelling that can eventually break and produce a discharge. It is often obtained during catfights or when they are being injured.
#3 Sunburn
Too much exposure to the sun may cause sunburn and other skin problems, too. Cats with light-coloured fur are more prone to sunburn, that is why they should be kept indoors especially from 10 AM to 2 PM of the day. This will also help in preventing them from acquiring skin cancers like melanoma.
#4 Stud Tail
This may be unfamiliar to new pet owners. Stud tail happens when the glands around the tail of your pet produce excessive oil. The top of the cat’s tail becomes greasy and smelly. Make sure to consult a veterinarian to give him the proper medication.
#5 Psychogenic Alopecia
Psychogenic alopecia refers to the thinning of the cat’s fur in the back or on the abdomen. This may be due to natural causes or too much pet-grooming. Another factor that may cause this skin condition is stress.
#6 Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes discomfort and itchiness to your pet cats. This is very contagious to other animals and even humans, thus, needs to be properly prevented. The most common signs are round patches with central hair loss and a red ring in the periphery. Sometimes, there are broken hairs around the areas of ears and face. This skin condition calls for veterinary treatment since they can give the proper antifungal medications. Pet owners will also be advised to do an extensive sterilizing and cleaning at home to make sure you’ll get rid of the possible causes of ringworm.
#6 Feline Acne
This skin condition is often recognized due to the presence of blackheads on the underside of the cat’s chin. These can also be present on the lips’ edges. Experts said that feline acne can be caused by rubber food, plastic, and water dishes. This also needs an evaluation of a veterinarian for proper medication.
#7 Ear Mites
Do you often notice that your cat is tilting or shaking its head? How about constant scratching of its ears and a lot of waxy material from its ears becomes noticeable as well? If so, might as well your pet is suffering from ear mites. This skin condition causes an excessive itching as well as irritation. This should be treated promptly because if not, it can result in bacterial infection. Your cat’s vet may give ear drops that can kill the mite in your pet’s ears.
#8 Feline Scabies
Feline scabies is also highly contagious, although it is rarely observed in cats. However, if you noticed that your pet is suffering from tremendous itching due to feline scabies, it would be best to visit a veterinarian for the right treatment.
#9 Skin Infections
Cats can also suffer various types of skin infections like feline dermatitis and yeast infection. Cats with diabetes are more likely to acquire skin infections. How to know if your cats are having skin infection? They tend to over-groom themselves, and you may also find matted fur and bald spots.
#10 Allergies
There are several types of skin allergies in cats. These include:
- Allergies from food
These are usually triggered by foods where their body system reacts to protein. Make sure to be observant on what foods cause them allergy, and remove those from their diet.
- Allergies from mites and fleas
Bites from fleas and bites are the common causes of skin allergies in your feline pets. These allergies can cause severe itching and irritation.
- Allergies from the environment
Allergens or airborne allergies may include dust, pollen, mold, and mite dander. They can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled by your pets from plants, grass, and from other things around them.
Other skin problems that our fur friends can have include:
- Cat hair loss
- Cat skin bumps
- Atopy
- Cushing’s disease
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
- Seborrhea
- Yeast infections
- Immune disorders
- Itching and scratching
- Skin asthma
- Ticks
- Dry and flaky skin
- Skin cancer
You can also browse some images of cats’ common skin conditions in this post published by Pets.WebMD.com.
How CBD Oil Can Help?
Pet owners love natural treatment for their pets. CBD oil has been recognized as an effective and powerful medication due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is one of the main symptoms of allergic reactions and other skin conditions, CBD can help in relieving it. Dermatitis, as well as other skin infections, is characterized by skin inflammation.
When CBD enters the cat’s body, it will interact with the CB2 receptors that can be found in significant concentrations throughout the body system. It also interacts with the muscles, skin, immune cells, and internal organs effectively. This is how CBD works well to treat skin conditions in cats. Not only that, but CBD oil also aids in getting rid of stress and anxiety in cats caused by excessive itching and irritation.
