Insect bites cause an allergic reaction in animals . They provoke flea dermatitis in cats with saliva, which, according to scientists, contains about 15 allergens. The disease is not dangerous for humans, but pets suffer from itching and inflammation of the skin.
The peak of the disease occurs in the warm season. Kittens rarely become infected with dermatitis . Most often, cats suffer from it when they reach 1-2 years of age. One flea bite can trigger the disease.
Where do fleas come from in cats?
Fleas belong to the category of ectoparasites. They parasitize various animals and are able to move from one “host” to another. Therefore, the most common cause of infection is contact between animals.
The flea has a flattened body, the size of the insect is 2-3 mm. The color of the chitinous cover is brownish-shiny. Fleas are jumping and very agile. If there are few insects, it is difficult to detect them.
In addition to contact between animals, humans are the source of infection. It brings adult fleas or larvae on shoes.
An adult, falling on a cat, bites the skin and feeds on the animal's blood. Fleas are actively breeding. The time it takes for a new generation of adult fleas to appear is 2 to 3 weeks.
Symptoms, diagnosis
Signs of a cat infestation with fleas include:
- Itching (pet itches).
- Decreased appetite.
- Restless sleep.
- The animal's fur contains dark waste products of insects, the sticky secretion of adult fleas and eggs.
- Skin wounds.
- A regular cloth napkin helps to detect the presence of fleas on the body of a hairless cat (Ukrainian Levkoy, various types of sphinxes, elves).
- Dark brown dots on the fabric are a sign that the animal is tormented by fleas.
The presence of at least one of the listed signs indicates that the animal is infected and the need for immediate treatment.
The cat has sores on its head and hair has come out: Causes
Many factors can contribute to hair loss and the appearance of wounds on a cat’s head, neck, withers and other parts of the body:
- Flea infestations and other parasites can cause itching, self-induced alopecia, and dermatitis.
- Allergy. It can be different: to components of the diet, to something from the environment.
- Contact dermatitis. It often occurs at the site where flea drops are used or when medications are administered subcutaneously. Crusting is often reported with Baytril injection in cats.
- Other inflammatory and non-inflammatory processes in the dermis.
Why are fleas dangerous?
Fleas are dangerous to animal health. Kittens, as well as elderly, sick and weakened cats, are especially vulnerable.
- Fleas are carriers of diseases. In addition, these insects are intermediate hosts of helminths. The risk of helminthic infestation increases.
- The skin of an infected animal is covered with wounds. The fur becomes dull, falls out and looks untidy.
- Fleas reproduce quickly, and the size of the parasitic colony increases. Since the insect feeds on blood, severe infection is fraught with complications such as anemia. In kittens and weakened animals it often leads to death.
- Allergy to flea bites. In severe cases, difficult-to-heal wounds, abscesses and fistulas appear on the skin.
A cat has sores on its neck and hair is falling out: Where to go?
Saint Petersburg:
- Sotnikov Veterinary Clinic. One of the best clinics in Russia. They deal with both complex cases that require a consultation of doctors, as well as simpler ones. The clinic's doctors are lecturers at conferences aimed at improving the skills of other doctors.
- Vetnet. Specialists will make an accurate diagnosis quickly. Quality treatment will be prescribed.
- Vetus. Top-class veterinary dermatologists work here.
Moscow:
- Medea. A wide range of veterinary services from nail trimming to ultrasound. There is a hospital. Doctors make decisions quickly and efficiently, prescribe only the necessary diagnostics and treatment without frills.
- Clinic Gav. 20% discount on consultations without animals. Friendly staff. Convenient location.
- Your doctor. Renowned dermatologists provide appointments by appointment. It is possible to immediately carry out all diagnostic procedures if the pet is properly prepared. You can always find out more information by phone or on the clinic’s website.
Rostov-on-Don:
- Center. One of the best clinics in Rostov-on-Don. Visitors note the abundance of pet products in the pharmacy. They speak positively about the staff, both administrators and doctors.
- Animal friend. High-class specialists will provide quick and high-quality assistance to your pet if you contact them in a timely manner. There is a flexible system of discounts. Friendly administrators will help and explain everything.
- Veterinary clinic of Dr. Zarubin. The initial appointment is only 200 rubles. Other manipulations are performed according to the price list. The experience of doctors allows us to quickly make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Quantity
Treatment
There are various ways to get rid of fleas.
When choosing one or another remedy, folk or purchased, you need to consider:
- Breed of the animal.
- Health status.
- Age (some products have age restrictions).
- Availability of other pets.
- Risk of allergies.
Let's look at the main types of flea control agents.
Drops
In terms of popularity, drops on the withers are inferior to shampoos and collars, but in terms of effectiveness they have proven themselves well.
Advantages of drops:
- Can be used for animals afraid of water.
- Convenient to use for pets that cannot be forced to swallow a tablet.
Apply drops to dry, clean skin, on the animal’s withers. The pipette is opened immediately before use and then discarded.
Here is a mini-review of the most common means:
- "Advocate" . Colorless liquid in a pipette. The active substance has a detrimental effect on the nervous system of parasites, which contributes to their rapid extinction. Helps get rid of fleas and worms. Not recommended for use in kittens under one year of age.
- "Stronghold" . The drug is from Pfizer (USA). The dosage is selected depending on the pet’s body weight. The active substance, absorbed into the skin, protects against fleas for a long time.
- "Inspector" . A universal drug that successfully fights parasites such as worms, ticks and fleas. Can be used for kittens from 1.5 months of age.
- "Weaphar" Natural product from Dutch manufacturers. The advantage of the medicine is that it destroys even the larvae of bloodsuckers. Has no side effects. Cannot be used on kittens.
When choosing drops, you need to consider the following factors:
- Range of actions: universal or narrowly targeted drug.
- Duration of action.
- Destruction of fleas and their larvae.
- Degree of toxicity.
Collars
A collar is the simplest means of fighting fleas. They are coated with repellents that are harmful to insects on the animal’s body. In addition, collars are also used for preventive purposes.
The collar is equipped with a fastener for fastening it on the animal’s neck. The insecticide is not washed off with water. The accessory itself is made of waterproof material. The duration of action is several months.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Ideal for cats who don't like to swim.
- Availability of special modifications for babies and pregnant cats.
- Versatility (the collar helps fight fleas and ticks).
- Long validity period: from 1 to 5 months.
There are also disadvantages:
- Risk of injury if cat gets caught.
- Reduced service life when heavily wet.
- The effectiveness of the product depends on the conditions under which the animal is kept, the individual characteristics of the pet, and its state of health.
The most common brands: Bars, Hartz, Bolfo. Before purchasing a collar, you should consult a veterinarian, since accessories from different brands have contraindications.
Symptoms of flea dermatitis
The degree of manifestation of signs of dermatitis depends on the cat’s body weight, its age and the state of its immunity. The main symptoms of the disease are :
- Severe itching.
- Scratches from claws on delicate areas of the skin - stomach, muzzle.
- Lacerations from scratching. The cat tears the skin until blood and deep scratches appear.
- Thinning coat . Shedding.
- The appearance of scabs on itchy areas.
- Pus on wounds. Secondary infection.
- Fleas.
- Lack of appetite . Vomit.
- Nervousness and timidity of the pet.
- Piteous meows during intense scratching.
Treatment at home
Removing fleas from a pet using folk remedies is not an easy task.
Most “home” remedies have a deterrent effect:
- Tar soap . It is less effective than a commercial drug, but has an unlimited scope of application. It is used to get rid of fleas from elderly and weakened animals, as well as pregnant and lactating females. Regular soap is replaced with liquid or shampoo.
- Vinegar mixture. Mix vinegar, cologne and ammonia in equal proportions. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and treat your pet's fur. Pack the cat in a plastic bag, leaving the head outside. Let your cat soak for 10 minutes, then bathe and comb out any dead insects. If your pet is not calm, it is better not to use this method.
- Saline solution (1 kg of table salt per 10 liters of warm water. Bathe the animal for 5-7 minutes so that the salt saturates the fur. Now bathe the animal in warm water and comb out the dead bloodsuckers. This method is also suitable for kittens.
Hydrocortisone and chloramphenicol ointments help eliminate itching from flea bites.
Treatment of dermatosis with folk remedies
Flea infestation threatens the death of cats , especially young ones, since not all medications are suitable for kittens.
In this case, use wormwood oil. It has an unpleasant odor that repels fleas and does not harm the general condition of the animal.
Garlic and brewer's yeast have a pungent odor . A mixture of these ingredients is used to treat carpets or animal bedding. Apply for 30 minutes, then remove with a vacuum cleaner.
A solution of turpentine and water is used to treat the animal and the floors in the house . To prepare the product, mix a bucket of warm water with 50 ml of turpentine.
Folk remedies do not cure a cat of fleas 100% . You will still have to use the services of a veterinarian to prescribe medication.
What does a flea look like?
If you look at a flea under a microscope, this blood-sucking insect looks like a scary monster. Paws covered with spikes are attached to the flat body for easy movement through the fur. The hind legs are especially powerful - after all, this helps the flea jump as much as half a meter in length (this is like a person jumping 200 meters). On the small head of the flea there is an oral cavity that is capable of biting through the rather tough fur of the animal. A real monster, you say. And you'll be right.
Although fleas seem like inconspicuous and harmless insects due to their small size, in fact this small midge is about 3 millimeters in length, but is capable of truly bringing hellish torment to its owner. So if you notice small brown insects with a flat body in your cat’s fur, gathering in groups near the ears (the skin is softer there), then these are undoubtedly fleas.
Where do fleas come from in cats?
As it turns out, it is simply a myth that an indoor cat that does not leave the apartment and does not walk with outdoor cats cannot become infected with fleas. These parasites, in search of a victim, are quite capable of moving long distances on their own, even feeding on raids, without using an animal. Therefore, it can be difficult for owners to detect whether a cat has fleas.
The main causes of fleas in cats:
- from another infected animal;
from you, you could bring a flea from the street on your own clothes;
from a neighbor’s apartment or basement if you live in an old house or the neighbors do not process their animals;
from your dog (yes, fleas are also transmitted from dogs to cats) who picked up a flea on the street.
“Fleas in animals are a very relevant topic, since most dermatological patients suffer precisely because of this problem. In veterinary medicine, there is a disease called atopic flea dermatitis (an allergy to flea saliva). It occurs in many patients and manifests itself as dermatitis and itching.
Diseases leading to the appearance of sores on the skin of a cat
Follicle
Follicle.
Eczema.
Microscopic organisms enter a cat's skin in various ways and cause various dermal diseases. The animal's fur becomes contaminated with dust or an animal walking on the street comes into contact with its relatives.
Ringworm
Ringworm is an infectious disease caused by microscopic fungi (microsporia, trichophytosis). They produce huge numbers of spores that are widely distributed throughout the environment. This disease often affects kittens and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Ringworm;
- Acne;
- Scabies;
- Bedsores;
- Demodectic mange;
- Miliary dermatitis;
- Allergy;
- Eczema.
Skin diseases in cats may differ in the factors affecting them. And also methods of treatment. To help your kitten in a timely manner, it is best to know what you are faced with. Many ailments can be easily identified using the description of diseases and diseases in cats.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicle. Develops as a complication of acne or other infectious skin diseases. It looks like a swelling around a hair, often filled with liquid; palpation causes pain in the cat.
Fungal otitis media
Inflammation of the external auditory canal. The first signs of the disease appear by shaking the head and the cat scratching its ear. Develops against a background of weakened immunity.
Ear mites
If you do not properly care for your pet's ears, mites begin to multiply in them at a frantic pace. The disease manifests itself as scratching, an unpleasant odor from the ears, and dark gray discharge. The skin of the ears turns red and the local temperature rises.
Alopecia
They arise in response to any irritant - food, natural, chemical. Food allergies are the most common - the cat scratches its neck and head. Some breeds are predisposed to negative reactions to the flowering of certain plants. Many animals, especially young ones, react sharply to bathing and grooming. To treat allergies, it is often enough to eliminate the allergen.
Internal reasons
Problems with various vital systems of a cat also lead to the manifestation of skin diseases.
Increased secretion of this gland leads to excessive accumulation of sebaceous secretions. When released, it envelops the hairs at the point of growth, blocking their further development. As a result, the hair falls out and bare areas form. Treatment comes down to constant monitoring of the problem area; castration helps cats.
Tumors
Some older cats develop lumps under the skin over time—single tumors. They can be easily removed surgically. Cats with white ears often suffer from a more dangerous type - skin cancer. It manifests itself as a change in the appearance of a certain area of the skin, often visible darkening, unevenness of the skin.
After severe stress - moving, the appearance of a child, another animal in the house - some cats fall into a state of constant grooming. By licking themselves over and over again, they injure the skin, ulcers appear, and hair falls out.
Demodicosis
A serious disease caused by microscopic mites. It is highly contagious and develops rapidly. The main symptom is severe, constant scabies, the skin becomes covered with red spots. It starts with the head, ears. Without treatment, it quickly spreads to other areas of the body, appearing consistently in the armpits, on the folds, and at the base of the tail.
Factors predisposing to the appearance of demodicosis are improper feeding, maintenance, lack of a number of B vitamins, vitamin A, E, and worms.
Eczema
The main symptom of eczema is a weeping surface of the skin. The cat scratches the affected area, redness and nodules appear on the skin. The general condition changes: a fever develops, the cat loses weight, and kidney problems begin.
Based on skin scraping tests, your veterinarian will rule out other skin diseases and prescribe antihistamines. It is not recommended to treat the cat yourself, as any incorrect treatment can cause additional complications.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is dangerous due to its unpredictable manifestations. If left untreated in time, they can severely undermine the animal’s immune system.
Bedsores
Necrotic destruction of a cat's skin due to prolonged lying in one place. Manifested by tissue necrosis, death of skin cells. It is observed in sick animals that are forced to remain in one position for a long time. Symptoms: pain when touched, decreased temperature of the dying area, color change, appearance of ulcers.
Some feline diseases lead to the development of skin problems. For example, with leukemia, the integument is especially severely affected - abscesses, neoplasms, and wounds appear. Immunodeficiency in cats causes chronic otitis media with damage to the skin of the ears, and numerous pustules (vesicles with pus) appear on the body. causes damage to the skin of the paw pads and around the nose.
It is important to promptly seek help from a veterinarian to determine the cause of the skin disease. The specialist will determine the main cause of the soreness and prescribe adequate therapy.
The cat scratches itself periodically, but looks quite well. However, once again stroking the pet, the owner notices the cat’s sores appearing in different places on the body. What are the reasons why, seemingly asymptomatically, a cat develops sores?
Among the broad picture of feline skin diseases, a number of particularly common ailments can be identified, as a result of which the cat develops sores.
How to remove fleas from cats at home
Nowadays there are quite a lot of medications on sale to cope with fleas in cats. Some pet owners prefer folk remedies such as rosemary infusion and wormwood soap. The effectiveness of such products has not been proven. But on sale there are proven medicinal sprays, shampoos, tablets and even flea collars that will help your animal live a comfortable and healthy life. Let’s take a closer look at which product you should choose.
“There are many flea and tick treatments for pets on the market. Isoxazolines have proven themselves well: “Bravecto spon on” drops on the withers for cats or in tablet form for dogs, sarolaner “Simparica” and “Frontline Nexgard” for dogs” - Marina Mikheenko, veterinarian.
Flea collars for cats
This is one of the most popular remedies for fleas among cat owners, probably deep inner instincts and a craving for amulets are triggered, that if you hang a collar with a bell on your cat, the flea will immediately understand that this animal is under the protection of higher powers and should not bite it in any way case is not allowed.
Just kidding, of course. No, there is still some benefit from flea collars treated with special agents. This benefit is preventive, since the smell of the medicine actually repels fleas. But this product also has undeniable disadvantages:
- some of them are very toxic, so it is imperative to use only collars with special markings for cats;
The collar's impact area is near the cat's head and ears. But who will protect the kitten's butt? Yes, but it is precisely on a cat’s soft spot that fleas can have fun and overeat with impunity;
The collar lasts on average about a month, so it is quite an expensive pleasure, and if you do not change it on time, it is simply a useless decoration for your pet.
“Many people use anti-flea collars, but if they work and fleas are still observed (and also cause a local allergic reaction), it is recommended to use drops on the withers” - Marina Mikheenko, veterinarian.
Flea shampoos for cats
In general, using shampoo is quite safe and effective; just remember to thoroughly rinse the animal’s fur several times with running water so that there is no shampoo left at all.
Shampoos can be used for bathing small kittens (there are special markings).
Flea sprays for cats
Sprays and aerosols are one of the most effective and at the same time toxic remedies for fleas. They can only be sprayed in a ventilated room or outdoors, since indoors there is a chance that not only the cat, but also the owner will inhale the poisonous spray to the point of inhalation.
Fleas actually die from the spray a few hours after application, but only if you do not have a fluffy cat, but with regular fur. With fluffy cats, spray treatment may not work, since the spray simply will not penetrate deep into the fur, right up to the fleas.
The cat scratches its neck until it hurts - accompanying symptoms
- Ectoparasites - the location is the skin or fur.
- Ringworm.
- Dermatitis (inflammatory skin reaction) of a bacterial nature.
- Infection with endoparasites (helminths, worms).
- Allergic reaction.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
The listed problems are united by a common manifestation - severe itching, usually localized on the ears, neck, back and head.
Now we should take a closer look at each cause of the itching sensation. The cat scratches its ears and neck until it bleeds due to the active reproduction of ectoparasites - fleas, lice, ticks.
Detailed mechanism of action:
- In cats, scratching on the neck often occurs due to itching from flea bites. A small amount of protein substances gets under the skin with saliva. They cause an allergic response, accompanied by scratching.
- If a cat scratches its ears until it bleeds, then one of the reasons is the activity of microscopic mites. The disease otodectosis affects stray and domestic animals. Mites multiply quickly in the ears. The appearance of allergies does not require a large number of parasites. For pets with sensitive skin, one or two bites are enough. The discomfort from mites is stronger - scratching affects a specific area, for example, the ear.
Scratching appears on the cat's back, paws and ears due to the development of fungi. These microorganisms are constantly in symbiosis with microbes on the surface of the skin, without causing negative symptoms.
When the immune system is weakened and pathogenic microflora enters, the active development of fungi begins. Microsporia (lichen) occurs.
If a cat scratches its neck, head or other parts of the body until it bleeds, then the cause may be pyoderma. Pets with weakened immune defenses and animals on poor quality nutrition are more at risk of bacterial infection.
Pyoderma affects the surface of the skin, but sometimes penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin (in hairless or short-haired cats).
Scratching a cat's head is one of the manifestations of allergies. The irritant is often food or its components. For example, allergies to store-bought chicken and milk are common. It's not just food that triggers a response. Typical allergens are detergents, pollen, spores, dust.
Expert opinion! If the cat has already scratched itself, then testing for the type of allergy often gives false positive results due to the tension of the immune system. Therefore, the use of analyzes loses relevance.
Helminths in a pet
Lack of regular vaccinations and antiparasitic measures are reasons that increase the risk of helminth infection. All animals are susceptible to this, at any age. For example, newborn kittens become infected from their mother.
Worm infestation significantly spoils the pet’s health, as it has a complex effect on the body. The main thing is that the toxins secreted by parasites provoke the development of an allergic reaction and itching.
Hormonal disbalance
Hormonal imbalances are a rare problem in cats, but owners need to be aware of them. Common causes: thyroid dysfunction, Cushing's syndrome and diabetes.
These conditions are dangerous to the life and health of the pet. Therefore, if a cat scratches its neck, back, or head until it bleeds, then you should not forget about rare diseases.
The cat scratches his neck until it hurts because of itching. This is a feeling that brings severe discomfort. Itching is an indicator of skin damage, sometimes it occurs even before the first signs of the disease appear. Types: local - the cat scratches its head or neck until it bleeds; general – affects all parts of the body.
Other typical symptoms:
- reddened skin;
- peeling, scabs, ulcers;
- blood in places where you scratched;
- the appearance of bald patches, sparse dull hair.
Each disease has specific symptoms, which should be noted when monitoring your pet. Thus, helminthic infestation is characterized by itching of the anus, so the animal rubs this place.
When a cat scratches itself until it hurts, what should you do? - a question that interests the owner who has discovered constant scratching in his pet. The first advice is to immediately contact the clinic, since only a veterinarian will be able to find out the cause of the unpleasant symptoms.
Stages of examination performed by a veterinarian when a person comes to see that a cat has scratched behind the ear until it bleeds or in another place:
- Collecting anamnesis from the cat owner - information about contact with other animals, nutrition, detected symptoms, recent walks.
- General examination - examination of scratching areas, condition of the skin and ears, identification of fleas or ticks.
- Skin scraping is a laboratory test that confirms the presence or absence of a pathogen.
- Blood and urine tests to determine hormone levels.
Often owners complain that there is no itching, but the cat scratched its neck until it hurts - what to do? Intensive washing, bald patches in the absence of changes in the regularity of combing are signs of a licked wound.
The main thing is to be able to correctly distinguish between disorders, since in this situation the diagnosis is performed according to a different scheme.
If a cat scratches near its ears until it bleeds, then the first thing to do is to limit access to the affected area. A special collar (cap) will help with this.
The device is sold in pet stores. For example, a cap helps a lot if a cat scratches above the eye until it bleeds or behind the ears, since access to the paws is limited. Mandatory wearing of a collar does not depend on the cause of the sores.
The cat scratched his neck until it bled, how to treat the wounds? The main symptom – itching – must be eliminated. Stop Itching in the form of a suspension or spray has proven itself to be effective. Recommendations:
- For ringworm - antifungal agents for internal or external use. Sometimes they are vaccinated.
- For fleas - drops (Frontline, Advantage), sprays (Bars, Hartz, Adams), antiparasitic collars.
- Helminthic infestation – deworming depending on the helminth.
- For otodectosis - acaricidal drops (Amit, Akromectin, Amitrazine).
- For allergies - exclusion of the irritant, antihistamines.
- Pyoderma - anti-inflammatory therapy, vitamins, antibiotics.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system - a course of hormones.
The veterinarian will prescribe complex therapy aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease and symptoms. Therefore, the main answer to the question: “The cat scratched its head until it bled - what should I do?” – strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.
If an animal itches due to severe itching, then with sharp claws it damages the skin, causing infection.
We suggest you read: Tansy for fleas in cats
During severe itching, severe irritation of pain receptors occurs, because of this the animal begins to lick and chew itself. The skin on the affected area turns red and wounds appear. The reasons for this condition are different. To relieve the symptom and understand what to do, the pet must be shown to a doctor.
When it's ok
Cats are clean creatures. They wash themselves after sleep and after eating. If your pet eats natural food, then after licking the fur it will smell like the food it ate.
The smell of eaten herring is especially strong. If the animal licks itself too much, then it needs a medical examination.
The painful condition can be determined by itching of the skin or ears. With skin itching, you can notice how the cat itches a lot and tries to bite the source of its anxiety from under the skin with its teeth.
When the itching is localized in the ear, the cat tries to stick its paw deep into it to scratch.
During this period you may notice:
- constant scratching of the body with a plaintive meow;
- pronounced biting of the skin;
- hair loss, deterioration of its appearance;
- the appearance of dandruff, oily scales;
- the skin is covered with ulcers or red rashes in the form of small spots;
- parasites or their excrement are visible on the skin.
It is easy to help an animal if you notice deviations in behavior in time and take him to the clinic. An advanced disease is more difficult to cure.
It is easy to help an animal if you notice deviations in behavior in time and take him to the clinic
A cat chews itself and scratches itself when its skin becomes itchy.
There are several reasons that cause this condition:
- lichen;
- helminthiases;
- endocrine system problems;
- failure in the hormonal system;
- influence of stressful situations;
- the occurrence of skin diseases (fungus);
- there are insects in the fur that feed on blood;
- allergic reaction.
What to do if the cat sheds hair and the whole house is covered in fur all year round
First, the animal is checked for fleas. This is the main reason why your pet starts to itch a lot. Flea bite marks persist for about 1.5 months, causing itching. If there are no insects in the animal's fur, it must be shown to a veterinarian.
Infection with ectoparasites occurs through outdoor shoes. The skin becomes inflamed if there are traces of scratches or small wounds on it.
If they are not treated in time, the animal will scratch them. Suppuration will appear, which will lead to baldness or sepsis. Sulfur ointment or powder is used to treat wounds. The drug in powder form called Yuglone is the most effective and is recommended for use by veterinarians.
Itching due to worms
If the animal is infected with worms, then:
- the pet itches and licks the anus area because it feels severe discomfort in this place;
- appetite deteriorates, stool changes, changes occur in the digestive tract;
- there are noticeable changes in the cat’s behavior (he is too excited or in an apathetic state);
- the skin is dry and flaky, and the coat becomes dull.
Important! Kittens also suffer from worms, having contracted them from their mother. As a preventive measure, animals should be regularly given a drug against helminth infection.
Major disorders of the hormonal and endocrine system:
- Improper functioning of the thyroid gland. At the same time, the fur becomes tangled, itching and dandruff appear. In some cases, cats go bald.
- Cushing's syndrome. Due to a malfunction of the adrenal cortex, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. Comedones appear on the back and sides of the animal.
- Diabetes. The disease manifests itself in the form of local baldness, dry skin, seborrhea, and dull hair.
If an animal becomes ill with ringworm (trichophytosis), then treatment begins immediately.
Similar symptoms occur when an animal's skin and coat become infected with fungal and yeast diseases. Dermatomycosis does not pose a danger to people; it is treated with antifungal drugs.
Ringworm
Preventing fleas in cats
Prevention of fleas in cats is quite simple. It is necessary to observe basic rules of hygiene in the home and with the animal, namely:
- carry out anti-flea treatment of the animal in accordance with the cycle of the drug used (some drops are applied once every two months, and some once every six months);
carry out unsanitary treatment of the apartment from parasites (bugs and fleas);
at least once a year, bring the animal for a medical examination to the clinic so that the doctor can detect the presence of fleas in time by passing a simple test (more about it below);
do not let the animal walk on its own (not only fleas are dangerous, but also stray dogs and cats themselves).
“If your pet is suspected of having a flea infestation, the doctor may suggest a test with tape or wet paper, when a large number of black “dots” - “flea feces” - are released from the fur, this is done when the fleas themselves are not visible on the body ( they can run in and bite, but not live on the animal).
If fleas do not cause concern, then for prevention purposes, monthly drops are used on the withers; note that they should be selected taking into account the weight of your pet. Such preparations are applied to the neck area, spreading the fur, squeezing out the entire pipette; it is not allowed to bathe the animal for several days after treatment.
In case of severe flea infestation, dietary supplement (flea atopic dermatitis), it is recommended not only to treat pets with local products, but also to treat the apartment, beds, entrances, and basements.
For treating premises, there are products based on permethrin, for example: cypermethrin, parastop, you can also use neostomazan, butox.
The room must be treated without cats: treat it and close the room for several hours. I recommend that you carefully read the instructions for all medications. Upholstered furniture can be treated with FLI spray. And you definitely need to vacuum more often. It’s better to replace the beds with new ones” - Marina Mikheenko, veterinarian.
Prevention of flea dermatitis
Fleas wait for your pet on the street and even at home . A person, without realizing it, brings flea larvae into the house on shoes. They hatch and strive to find a new owner - your pet. To prevent this from happening, it is worth taking some preventive measures :
- Do not let your pet outside.
- Limit the animal's contact with other cats and dogs.
- Get all your pets treated for worms and fleas every six months.
- Put your cat on a flea and tick collar. Even if the pet does not walk outside.
- Take off your shoes outside the home. If this is not possible, immediately wash the soles of your shoes in hot water and soap.
- If you touched your neighbor's kitten, wash your hands thoroughly when you get home. Flea larvae remain on them, which will quickly spread to your cat’s body.
By following the recommendations for the prevention of flea dermatitis, you will protect your pet from troubles associated with itching and wounds on the body. It is worth remembering that even those kittens that do not go outside are susceptible to flea dermatitis .