Skin inflammation in cats is referred to as feline atopic dermatitis or feline atopy, and is defined as a hypersensitivity to a harmless substance in the environment. The condition can be seasonal or non-seasonal, as common irritants include pollen, mold, dust, and external parasites that thrive in warmer seasons of the year. Atopic dermatitis is hereditary in nature, commonly affecting purebred cats and cats with longer hair coats. Feline skin inflammation affects cat early in life, as most possess symptoms when the cat is less than five years old.

If your cat has developed a skin rash along her belly or head, neck, and ears, she could be suffering from skin inflammation. Skin inflammation is an allergic response to elements in a feline’s environment including pollen, parasites, deodorizers, and cigarette smoke. The skin inflammation is an over-reactive response the body’s immune system makes to elements it believes to be hazardous invaders. When these so-called invaders come into contact with the cat’s skin, the immune system released a chemical inflammatory response, causing the skin to redden, swell and become overwhelmingly itchy to the feline.

A cat diagnosed with skin inflammation has several treatment options available to her, including allergen avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy. Allergen avoidance can be an appropriate treatment for cat experiencing skin inflammation due to household elements or seasonal allergens. Household deodorizers, cigarette smoke, and dust mites can easily be eliminated from a cat’s environment simply through keeping the home clean, using air purifiers, or smoking outside. If the allergen cannot be avoided, the veterinarian may recommend relieving the cat’s symptoms through antihistamine and steroid drugs. However, these medications only treat the symptoms of skin inflammation and will not treat the problem at hand, therefore, the vet may recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy. A diluted allergen injected into the skin over a period of time is a type of therapy used to improve the body’s immune response, similar to that of vaccinations.