What to use for cat's itchy skin

Cat's itchy skin can be caused by multiple factors, and it is necessary to find the cause first before taking medication accordingly. Itching caused by external parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites can be treated by purchasing parasite control products to kill the parasites. Additionally, frequent bathing or using human shampoo for cats can damage their sebaceous glands, leading to dry skin and itching. Lastly, itching may also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

1. External Parasites Infection

When cats are infected with external parasites such as fleas and lice that bite and suck blood, they can experience symptoms like itching, hair loss, and dandruff. Cat's external parasite control usually involves medications containing ingredients like selamectin and imidacloprid. It is recommended to give cats regular external parasite control treatments, and they should not be bathed for three days before and after the treatment.

Most external parasite medications for cats are in the form of drops, which need to be applied to the skin after parting the hair. It is advised to put an Elizabeth collar on the cat after using the external parasite medication to prevent them from licking it.

2. Frequent Bathing or Use of Human Shampoo

Frequent bathing can lead to dry skin, itching, and other issues in cats, making their skin more sensitive and prone to skin diseases. Moreover, since cats and humans have different skin pH levels, using human shampoo can cause dry hair, dandruff, and hair loss.

Usually, it is recommended to bathe cats once a month in summer, and three times a year in spring, autumn, and winter. When bathing cats, use cat-specific shampoo and dry their hair promptly after the bath to prevent catching a cold or developing skin diseases. Keep the water temperature around 40 degrees Celsius and use heaters to keep the cat warm, avoiding coldness and sickness.

3. Skin Diseases Caused by Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Clinical symptoms of cat infections with fungi or bacteria include crusting, increased dandruff, hair loss, swollen skin, itching, and others. It is necessary to send the cat to a veterinary hospital for a skin scraping examination and use targeted medication after confirming the type of skin disease. Fish oil and egg yolk contain nutrients that can help improve the cat's skin resistance and reduce the likelihood of skin diseases.