Is your cat overgrooming? Worried about a rash on their skin? It could mean your cat is experiencing cat allergy symptoms.
Cats often experience itchiness because of environmental allergies (feline atopic dermatitis).
Some causes of cat allergies are:
Fleas
Adverse food reactions
Cheyletiellosis (‘walking dandruff’ fur mites)
Otodectic mange (ear mites)
Dermatophytosis (ringworm)
Psychogenic alopecia
Adequate flea control should be done for eight weeks to rule out fleas triggering dermatitis. If your cat historically has non-seasonal (year round) itchiness, a food trial with a novel source of protein should be done for eight weeks to rule out food allergy. Diagnostic tests such as skin scraping and cytology should be performed to rule out parasitic triggers.
If your cat is overgrooming, causing hair loss or coughing up extra hair balls, ask your vet today or make an appointment with a dermatologist. If cat atopic dermatitis is suspected, we will recommend intradermal allergy testing to start desensitisation and address the underlying environmental allergy.
Is your cat overgrooming? Bring them in for a consultation. We treat your pet like one of our own. Call now on: +61 08 6277 9430 (Murdoch) and (Balcatta) or email: dermnurses@adcmg.com