What is Scaly Skin?
Treating scaly skin is not just about finding out the underlying cause, but also alleviating itchiness associated with the condition to help make your cat comfortable.
Cats may have scaly skin for a number of reasons, some of which are minor, such as naturally dry skin. Scaly skin often looks like dandruff, but can also consist of larger flakes that can be seen through your cat’s fur. If you notice your cat excessively licking or scratching certain areas of his body, check to see if you spot any signs of scaly skin.
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Symptoms of Scaly Skin in Cats
Cat owners are often unaware of their cat’s skin problems because cats tend to groom themselves on a regular basis, so excessive licking may not seem unusual. But, it’s important for cat owners to make an effort to look for scaly skin symptoms, including:
- Small or large flakes of skin
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Thinning fur
- Red, irritated skin
Causes of Scaly Skin in Cats
Scaly skin is a sign of an underlying health condition. Although it can be caused by something as minor as dry skin in the winter, there are other more serious health conditions that could be affecting your cat. Some of these causes include:
- Cheyletiella mange, caused by mites
- Demodectic mange
- Allergies, especially flea allergies
- Ringworm
- Seborrhea, or an excessive production of sebum
- Sunburn
- Yeast infections on the skin
- Autoimmune disorders
- Inadequate grooming due to e.g. joint pain or dental disease
Diagnosis of Scaly Skin in Cats
A vet will be able to spot scaly skin through a simple physical examination of the cat’s fur and skin, however in order to treat it, the underlying cause must be diagnosed. Be sure to give your vet detailed information on when the symptoms began, and what behaviors your cat has exhibited. If your cat has been diagnosed with any other health conditions in the past, be sure to bring this to your vet’s attention as well. Because scaly skin can be caused by allergies, tell your vet if you have recently changed your cat’s diet or something in their environment such as their bedding.
First, a vet may perform a complete blood count test and urinalysis to get a better picture of the cat’s overall health. Blood tests can also show if there is a serious cause of the scaly skin, such as an autoimmune disorder.
Skin scrapings, which test for mites under the skin, are usually done. A small sample of hair may also be taken and examined under a microscope to determine if there are excessive amounts of sebum on the hair follicle. A culture may be taken to check for fungal and bacterial infections.
A vet may also do a thorough physical examination to check you cat for fleas. Scaly skin can often be a sign of an allergic reaction to fleas, so if any are found, this could be the cause.
Treatment of Scaly Skin in Cats
Once a diagnosis has been made, the vet will discuss treatment options with you. If the cause is related to fleas, ringworm or mites, medication will be prescribed to combat the pests. The vet may also prescribe steroids or antihistamines to help alleviate the cat’s itchiness and skin inflammation.
Cats will be prescribed antifungals or antibiotics if the cause is a yeast or bacterial infection. These are usually given orally, however some topical treatments may be required, depending on the condition of your cat’s skin.
Seborrhea is treated with special shampoos designed to control the production of sebum. Your vet may wash your cat in the office for you, and then ask you to continue using the shampoo at home.
If the vet believes your cat has scaly skin because of an allergy, he may suggest allergy testing to determine what your cat is allergic to. Once you find out, you will need to reduce or eliminate your cat’s exposure to the allergen to help your cat heal and prevent further issues.
To treat autoimmune disorders, your vet will prescribe medication that suppresses the immune system and allows your cat’s body to recover. If the cause of the scaly skin is cancer, which is rare, your cat may need to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Ensure your cat is grooming adequately and brush their coat through every day. Consider starting skin supplements and a skin supportive diet containing omega 3 fatty acids and biotin.
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Recovery of Scaly Skin in Cats
Recovery will depend on the cause of the scaly skin. If the scaly skin was caused by fleas or mites, you will need to administer medication to your cat on a monthly basis to prevent the issue from recurring.
Bacterial and fungal infections will usually clear up after you have given your cat the full course of medication. To prevent these infections from coming back, your vet may recommend you use special shampoos to keep your cat’s skin clear and healthy. Not every cat will tolerate being shampooed.
Scaly skin caused by allergies will usually clear up once the cat is no longer exposed to the allergen. However, if it’s impossible to completely eliminate the allergen from your home, talk to your vet about whether you can use medication to alleviate symptoms. Immunotherapy may be an option for some though can be expensive.
Regardless of the cause, be sure to speak with your vet about an grooming routine. Most cats needs to be brushed regularly. In general, bathing is not advised but may be needed to treat certain medical conditions.
Scaly skin can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of developing scaly skin, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Scaly Skin Average Cost
From 558 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
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Top
Scaly Skin Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic medium hair
Finn
Three Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Scabs
Bald Spots
Scratching
Over Grooming
Hair Balls
My three year old Finn has been having an ongoing battle with over grooming himself to the point of giving himself bald spots. Particularly on his front legs, left side near his rib cage, and some small spots on his back knees. He had a flea infestation nearly a year ago that was thoroughly taken care of, and I brush him at least 3 times a day; there are no fleas in sight. He does have feline herpes/allergies, to which I've seen the vet many times about. They've given him the steroid shot twice now, it works for a bit; however, within a few days Finn goes back to scratching, and over grooming himself.
I've found some scabby marks around the front area of his body, but it does not look like flea bites. Instead it's connected to his hair when I brush it off. The vet suggested to change his food, in which I did to what the vet recommended, but still no luck. I've already sprayed dust mite spray, given him extra supplements such as Omega fatty acids, and organic topical medicine. However, no luck.
I'm totally at a loss, and I can tell my baby is uncomfortable. Please any suggestions? I've been to the vet 4 times the past year about it.
July 31, 2018
0 Recommendations
Conditions like this rarely have a simple solution; allergies, irritants, infections, parasites among a range of various different dermatological conditions. Food allergies are a common issue, however environmental sources may also cause excessive irritation and over grooming; sometimes narrowing down on a cause can be like trial and error, allergy testing may help narrow in on an allergen or rule them out but this may be a long process. There are no shortcuts I’m afraid. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 31, 2018
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Asian domestic
Rirbow
2 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Flaking Skin. Looks Like Dandruff
How do I treat my cat's skin as his feet's skin are flaking off. This resulted to hair loss. I do not have money to send my cat to the vet. How can I treat it using only things I can easily buy or already at home?
July 24, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing the cause of Rirbow's hair loss, I am afraid that I can't give you any suggestions to treat it. It may be related to parasites, bacteria, fungus, poor nutrition, or a hereditary problem. Without seeing him, I'm not sure which direction you might need to go. Many clinics do offer free or discounted first office visits, and that may allow you to have him seen and get a better idea as to the cause.
July 24, 2018
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British shorthair b
Luna lulubell blue
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dry Flaky, Patches, Excessive Lic
I recently adopted a cat. She was an ex breeders cat and apparently she arrived in a terrible condition. She was loosing patches of fur and was put on a diet and the skin cleared up, although the fur remained a little patchy. I got her in February and there were no problems until May when she licked herself so much that she took all the fur off her front legs and chest. She licked so much that the skin became infected. She has been wearing a cone since because as soon as it comes off, she licks herself all over and removes her fur. There are a few patches on her fur, her skin is flaky. She lives indoors and I treat her with flea treatment every month. We live in Hong Kong and it started to get hot around May. She allows me to rub her body (although her tail wags) but she will simulate licking. I hoover the house every day and wash the floors. Help! She can’t have a cone on her all the time. It’s not fair
July 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Luna may have allergies or a bacterial or parasitic skin infection. I agree that she should not have to wear a cone and be itchy all the time, and it would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can look at her, determine what might be going on, and give her any medication that she may need.
July 4, 2018
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Orange tabby shorthair
Simba
19 Years
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My cat is 19 years old and I have recently started to notice what feels like scabs on him. His diet is the same, his environment is calm and nothing's changed, he grooms himself but not as often as he should ( I think). I give him a thorough brushing and sponge bath with his eyes corners and ears getting cleaned as well, every weekend. The condition I'm noticing is more on the base of his neck and equally down his back.He only occasionally seems bothered by it and barely scratches (though he does at times). When brushing him,these "scabs" come off easily and he seems to be feeling relief not discomfort ( noted by laying down, nudging his head on me and purring). My main concern is that overall this " condition" seems to be getting more pronounced and a bit more frequent. I have thoroughly checked for fleas ( I'm allergic myself ) and there are none on him, our other cat whos 6 and no person has been bit. The skin underneath seems very mildly pink, but the "scabs" coming off are dark coloured and he's an Orange tabby. He will even allow me to brush his fur the opposite way to ensure I get the most stuff Off of him. I'm trying to do what I can at home for him as I think a trip to the Vet would be alot for this old boy to handle, but I will take him right away if you feel it's necessary. Thank you
May 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many possible causes for scaly skin especially in an older cat like Simba; hormonal conditions, nutritional deficiency (malabsorption), mites, mild infections (more susceptible with age) among other causes. Without examining Simba, I cannot say for certain what the specific cause is; however benzoyl peroxide shampoos may help with scaly skin in some cases. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 27, 2018
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Long haired calico
Cheeky
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scaly Skin
Dandruff
Dry Skin
My cat has recently started getting dry, flaky skin that looks scaly under her fur. Her skin is just white and doesn't seem irritated but when I touch her lower back where the scaly skin is she twitches and meows in irritation. Is this normal/ not serious, and can it just clear up by itself?
May 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Cats often develop dandruff as they age, sometimes due to a skin condition, and sometimes due to the fact that they can't reach those areas to groom as well as they used to. Cheeky may need you to brush and groom that area with a soft brush to clear off the dead skin for her. If that doesn't improve her skin condition, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as she may have other skin problems. I hope that all goes well for her!
May 4, 2018
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domestic short hair
Bacca
Ten Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss/Dry Hair/Large Flakes
My cat is ten and has been healthy his entire life. He has short black hair, and I would notice that when I comb him sometimes, he would have flakes of skin, nothing serious. About a month ago, we lost our dog that he was very attached to and has since lost approximately ten pounds. (He used to be about 25 lbs.) He is long and tall, an all-around big cat. I attributed his weight loss to depression from losing his buddy, but I am now worried it may be something else. He still eats his average amount, bowel movements and urination are the same, but he is continuing to lose weight and has significant flaky skin now. Is there anything I can do to help is hair and skin? His food has not been changed, and there is nothing new in his environment.
Scaly Skin Average Cost
From 558 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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