What are Itchiness?
Pruritus can be a symptom of several conditions, including skin parasites like fleas, or more severe medical problems, like immune disorders. If your pet is exhibiting signs of excessive scratching or grooming, seek medical attention to aid with proper diagnosis of the itching and appropriate treatment.
Itchiness, medically referred to as pruritus, is a condition generally caused by skin irritation. Itchiness can affect any breed, sex, or age of cat or companion animal. Its most common symptom is excessive scratching or other general signs of skin irritation. Regular grooming, including licking and some scratching, is common in cats and not generally a cause for concern. When the behavior becomes excessive, it can be an indication of a more severe underlying condition.
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Symptoms of Itchiness in Cats
When itchiness is severe cats may display various symptoms, the most obvious of which being excessive scratching or licking. The itchiness and related symptoms may occur seasonally or could happen year round. Additional symptoms unrelated to itchiness may also be observed depending on the underlying cause of the cat’s condition.
Symptoms include:
- Excessive scratching
- Excessive licking
- Biting or chewing at one or more spots
- Alopecia or hair loss
- Red or inflamed skin
- Bumps or blisters on the skin
- Self-inflicted wounds or sores
- Open sores
- Pus or oozing from the skin
- Greasy coat
- Excessive dander
- Matted fur
- Behavioral changes, like depression
Causes of Itchiness in Cats
The most common causes of itchiness in cats are skin parasites, like fleas, or an allergic reaction. It is also possible for general itchiness to be psychosomatic, usually occurring with severe emotional reactions or during times of change in the cat’s living environment. It is also possible for pruritus to be a symptom of some underlying condition. Some of the common causes of itchiness in cats include:
- Skin parasites
- Fleas
- Lice
- Ticks
- Mites
- Scabies
- Allergies
- Flea bites
- Food or food additives
- Environmental causes (dust, pollen, etc.)
- Neurological disorders
- Strong emotional reactions
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast or other fungal infection
- Folliculitis
- Immune disorders
- Dry skin
- Poor nutrition
- Feline miliary dermatitis
- Certain cancers
Diagnosis of Itchiness in Cats
Any cat exhibiting symptoms of itchiness should be examined. A full physical examination will identify most parasitic skin infections. This process can also quickly rule out the possibility of fleas, mites, or other common skin parasites. Depending on the findings from the physical examination, your veterinarian may be able to confirm a preliminary diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for the pests causing the cat’s itchiness. If fleas, mites, and associated pests are ruled out during the initial examination, further diagnostic testing will be required to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s condition. Allergies are generally diagnosed using a skin test. Food allergies may require dietary trials to determine what is responsible for your cat’s allergic reaction. During this process, veterinary staff may also draw blood and collect a urine sample for analysis. Common laboratory testing will include a complete blood count, biochemistry panel, electrolyte panel, and urinalysis. In some cases, additional diagnostic methods like x-rays may also be employed.
Treatment of Itchiness in Cats
The treatment prescribed by your veterinarian will depend on the underlying cause of the itchiness. Treatments may vary considerably depending on what is causing the animal’s itchiness. Some of the common treatments for itchiness include:
Flea or Pest Control Treatments
If fleas or other skin parasites are determined to be the cause, treatment will focus on eliminating those pests. Your veterinarian may recommend several different treatment methods, including those for the cat and the living environment. Eliminating fleas is especially important if your pet is having an allergic reaction or sensitivity to their bites. Some flea treatments include topical medications, medicated shampoos, and powders or sprays to use around the house. Most pest control methods recommended by your veterinarian will be considered safe for pets, but take care when using any insecticide in your home.
Dietary Changes
If a food allergy is identified, the most successful treatment method will involve eliminating that food from your pet’s diet. Changing pet food brands may be required depending on the item determined to be causing your cat’s allergy. Dietary changes carry very little to no risk to your pet.
Antihistamines
This category of drug is used to control the release of histamine caused by allergies. It can help reduce the itchiness, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. It is also prescribed for some types of cancer that can release histamine in the body. Proper dosing for your cat’s size and health is essential to minimizing the risk associated with this drug type.
Cortisone
This steroidal treatment is commonly used to reduce itching and associated symptoms. It may be given orally or topically. In more severe cases it may be given as an injection. This treatment carries a low risk of side effects.
Fatty Acids
Adding fatty acids as a supplement or through dietary changes is also commonly used to treat itchiness and may be included in addition to other treatments. This method is considered low to no risk.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
If the cause is determined to be psychosomatic, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to assist with your pet’s mental state. This type of medication carries a moderate to low risk of side effects, although common side effects are not life-threatening.
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Recovery of Itchiness in Cats
In most cases, the prognosis for recovery from itchiness is good. Once the underlying cause is determined, proper treatment will commonly resolve the issue completely. Some animals may continue to exhibit signs of itchiness more than others, but it is generally not life-threatening. In some cases, the underlying cause may be a more serious condition, which can affect your pet’s prognosis. While your cat is receiving treatment and recovering, be sure to follow all instructions provided by your veterinarian. This includes proper dosing of prescribed medications and returning for any requested follow-up visits. If fleas or other skin parasites were determined to be the cause, continue to manage the condition by using regular pest treatments for both your pet and its living space.
Itchiness Average Cost
From 396 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Top
Itchiness Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Zan
8 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sensitive Skin
Constant Itchyness
Anxiety Problems
My cat zan has had hair loss problems, anxiety problems, and really bad itching problems. We give him medicine to calm him every day but it seems like it hasn’t been working lately. He has been going to the bathroom upstairs at night even though he has a little box. He also has dozens of cuts all over his neck, ears, back, there was a huge cut on his face that was puss filled that we had to take care of but he kept on making it worse by itching it.My mom says that we may have to put him down, but do you think you can think of ANYTHING, ANYTHING we could do to make his life more enjoyable so we don’t have to put him down? We can’t have a cone on him or it would make his life even more miserable. Please can you help with any suggestions???
Sept. 20, 2018
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Rescue
Al
2 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Itching, Bold Spot
Hi,
Our cat developed hot spots on both neck and head. The one on the neck was due to surgery he had to remove a lump. He was starching the healing crust until bleeding. We are not sure about the one on head. So we put an e collar he wore for two weeks. The spots are healed. We took the collar off and he just scratched one of the spots again so we put it back on before he caused more damage. How long does he have to wear the cone as he is uncomfortable with it? And why would he be scratching the same area again although it is healed? It should not be itching. Even fur had started to grow on it. I don't think he has fleas as I did not spot any as he is on my lap quite a lot. We also have another cat so if he had parasites he should have them too I guess? He has no such issues. Can anything else could be causing itchiness on the neck and head area? Thanks
Sept. 2, 2018
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moggie
Olly
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
As Described Above
Hi, yesterday my 5 year old neutered tomcat was in the garden when he suddenly started to itch or sting or burn, it caused him even to try to outrun whatever it was. Took him to vet asap but found nothing. Today same thing happened again at the same time of day (noon). Could it be heat (it's hot at the moment), or insect bites or plants, or what the hell is that? He has flea preventative (advocate) on him, administered every 4 weeks. I doesn't seem to be one bite, it seems to be all over his body, licking his front legs a lot. Can't find any swelling or redness. Otherwise he is fine, eats normal etc, no diarrhoea or vomitting. Yesterday he panted a lot but I think that was because it was quite hot, the stress of itching/stinging/burning (or whatever it is) and the stress of going to vet. Today I made my hands wet and stroked him all over and there was no panting. What could that be?
June 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Warm weather may cause a variety of problems from overheating, dehydration etc… In the summer months, there are many different insects and bugs which may bite Olly and not all will leave a mark; it is not possible for me to confirm whether Olly was bitten by something or if there was another cause. I would recommend keeping Olly indoors for the next few days to ensure that he is cool and that the risk of anything biting him is minimal. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 27, 2018
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Tortie
Abby
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Looked Like Hot Spots
My 14 year old cat was excessively scratching both sides of her neck. She did not have fleas. I had moved recently to a apartment complex that required shots. She had them when she was a kitten. Throughout her years I fed her Ian's, no snacks. I thought maybe the excessive heat. It was a major trauma getting her to the vet. I bought calming spray. The scratching stopped but then her breath became very bad. She stopped eating. By the time I got her to the vet(not an empathetic one) it was to late. As a 62 year old, I have never experienced the deep anguish I felt. I am visiting my sister and still obsessing. When I moved I brought out a sparkle ball toy that a friend had given me years ago. When I was tidying up I found a couple of loose tinsel from the sparkle ball. My sister and I believe a tinsel was stuck in her throat and it made its way to her stomach. At first I thought it was an adverse reaction to the shots(3). She had coughed up a couple of hairball, nothing that I could see was alarming. I am mad at myself for not getting her to the vet soon enough. Some of us attributed it to the move. She has always been an indoor cat. I miss her terribly.I never loved as deep. I really did not know the dangers of some cat toys. Hard lesson.
Itchiness Average Cost
From 396 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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