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Cats are meticulous creatures. They preen and groom and do their best to keep their coats shiny and clean. They never miss a chance to clean up and take a bath, wherever they may be sitting. A lick here and a nibble there and your cat feels fresh and ready to nap.
Sometimes, they can nibble, or scratch, a bit too much, and this is something to look out for. Of course, you might not even notice your kitty scratching if she does it in private, but you will notice if she is becoming fuzzy (or even bald) in spots that used to be full of fur. When kitty is spending more time scratching than having fun, the first thing to discover is what is causing the cat-scratch-fever!
Many Reasons To Itch
Several things can cause a cat to scratch themselves with vigor. Some include:
- Feline Pox or Acne
- Bacterial Infection
- Contact Dermatitis
- Atopy (allergy to inhalant)
- Manage
- Flea Allergy
- Cat Food Allergy
- Ringworm
- Tick Bites
- Bee, Wasp, or Hornet Sting
- Hives
- Dry Skin
- Boredom, Anxiety, Compulsive Disorder
- Mites or Lice
As anyone who has ever had an itch knows, until you get rid of the source of irritation, life can be one big frustration.
The Common Four
Though listed above are possible reasons why your cat is itching so much, the most common reasons really come down to four:
- Hypersensitivity to Flea Bites
- Parasites
- Environmental Allergies
- Cat Food Allergy
Sometimes these are easy to diagnose. Sometimes; not-so-much.
Flea Allergy
Your cat may be super-sensitive to the creepy creatures who enjoy trying to make a meal out of him. While flea bites will make a cat scratch, those who have an allergic reaction to the bites will often develop:
- Intense Itching
- Redness
- Hair Loss
- Crusts
- Scales
- Skin Infection (sometimes)
Though this problem is easy to diagnose, it can be difficult to find the fleas. If you cannot find them with a visual inspection, you might be able to find the “flea dirt,” which are deposits of digested blood that are left behind. Fortunately, flea allergies can be treated with steroids and antihistamines to get your kitty back in furry shape. Be sure that all fleas are eradicated from your home to prevent future infestations.
Pesky Parasites
Besides fleas, there are plenty of pesky parasites that can cause trouble in your kitty’s life, especially those who go outdoors. Ticks, ringworm, lice, mites, and chiggers can cause itching, scaliness, crusting, and general irritation. First, get rid of the parasite. Then, your vet can treat your cat with steroids or various meds to stop the itching. Once their skin is healed, you’ll find your kitty will be right as rain again soon.
Environmental Allergies
This can be anything inhaled (from pollen to mold), or anything that comes in contact with the skin such as chemicals and dyes, household products, carpet cleaners, deodorizers, and even poison ivy. You’ll often find bumps and redness on the skin, inflammation, hair loss, and sometimes blisters. Of course limiting your cat’s exposure is essential, and she can be treated with antihistamines, steroids, and even certain supplements.
Can It Be A Cat Food Allergy?
Most people think that a cat food allergy will only manifest itself through obvious GI problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea after the animal ingests its food. Not so! Cat food allergies can also present with itching, scabs, lesions, and hair loss. This can make it less obvious, but if you have looked at everything else that can be causing the itchiness, a cat food allergy might be the culprit.
There is no good laboratory test to confirm if your cat has food allergies, so the best way for you to discover the allergy is to eliminate certain ingredients from kitty’s diet and go from there. An 8-10 week diet that contains zero allergens is the best way to start. Talk to your vet before you begin so that he can rule out other issues before you check for cat food allergies.
Allergy At Any Time
Your cat might be born with an allergy to certain foods, or she might develop it as she ages. Even if your kitty has been eating the same food for years, an allergy can crop up at any time. Though cats tend to like corn and corn meal, this can be a source of allergy. Other allergy inducers are:
- Wheat Gluten
- Soy
- Dairy
- Seafood
- Beef and Lamb
But not all cats can be allergic to these sources, so you’ll likely need a trial run to discover the source of your cat’s food allergy.
Go Grain Free
You can begin by eliminating corn or grain from your cat’s diet first to see if it helps. Some popular grain free cat foods include:
- Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Turkey
- Solid Gold Grain and Gluten Free Mackerel and Tuna
- Nutro Ultra Grain Free Adult Cat
- The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken
A Meaty Change Is Good
If you discover that your cat food allergy doesn’t derive from grain, you can also try mixing up your kitties dietary choices to eliminate culprits. For example, if kitty feasts on a beef-based cat food, try switching to a chicken-based variety. Or, if the delicacy of the day is salmon or ocean fish, consider duck or pork. Chicken all day? Try fish or seafood. And if your cat has been eating a mixed grill, changing to something she has never tried before, such as venison or lamb, might be just what she needs. Some switched-up varieties include:
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Duck Pate
- Wysong Au Jus Rabbit
- Addiction New Zealand Brushtail & Vegetables
- Wellness CORE Beef, Venison, and Lamb
Work with your kitty to determine what he needs to thrive. An itch-free kitty is a happy kitty and a happy kitty is one of the best creatures you’ll ever meet.
