There is a long list of potential cat skin problems, with diagnosis started by eliminating the most obvious or common causes such as flea allergy or atopic dermatitis (seasonal allergy).

During a physical examination, Veterinarians will first try and classify the skin problem based on its appearance. A vet will be able to immediately spot issues such as fleas. If the answer isn't obvious, the vet will take a skin scraping to check for mites, a skin cytology (examination under a microscope) to check for any cat skin infection, and a fungal culture for ringworm, which takes 2 to 3 weeks to get results. If parasites are suspected, a parasiticide will be recommended . If these tests do not indicate the cause, a vet will start to suspect food allergy or will take a skin biopsy/sample for additional diagnostic lab tests. Cats that are able to absorb nutrients from a quality diet usually do not suffer from a cat skin food allergy. Cat skin lumps and bumps or lesions (problem area on the skin) tend to fall into certain broad categories, which helps with the diagnosis (see pictures below). If multiple cats in the household are suffering from similar problems, then a contagious disease will be considered.

Treatment is ultimately based on identifying the underlying cause of the cat skin condition, with probiotics for cats as a possible supportive measure.. Mild conditions with just itch or flaking can be treated at home. If you see additional symptoms such as hair loss, behavior change, fever, pus or oozing lesions, see your veterinarian.

How to Investigate Cat Skin Problems

When investigating cat skin problems, start with simple explanations and then move to those that require veterinary tests (although it never hurts to visit your vet). For mild cat skin itch and flaking with no other symptoms such as pus or oozing lesions, fever or significant hair loss, try a mild non-medicated shampoo or waterless bath wash (see below for recommendations).

In terms of a cause, first suspect fleas, even if you don't find any, as an early flea infestation is hard to spot and can cause problems. Cat flea symptoms include red areas, scabs and cat hair loss. When checking for cat fleas, pay attention to areas of the body such as the spine, neck and under the chin.  For fleas, you'll need to eliminate them from your cat via a herbal treatment (see below), and then use a preventative such as Frontline Plus.

If fleas are not the problem, you can try one of the medicated shampoos mentioned below.  If the condition worsens, hair loss continues, you see changes in behavior, other symptoms such as pus filled pimples etc, then visit the veterinarian for some preliminary tests and evaluation (see below for tips on diagnosis).  

Be sure to always check your cat for any skin lumps, bumps, scabs, red skin areas, or anything that looks abnormal.

To get an idea of what could be troubling your cat, review the pictures below, and click on the related links to learn more.  Try searching our site and looking at the bottom of this page for questions submitted by readers that are similar to your concern.  Each question was answered by our veterinarian. If you need immediate help, you can try this online veterinary service that has vets available 24 hours a day.

Why It's Difficult to Recognize Cat Skin Problems

Unlike dogs, which tend to scratch at skin problems, cats are more likely to lick problem areas.  This isn't that different than ordinary grooming behaviors. Instead, you'll need to look for the following signs of cat skin disease:

•  grooming more often than normal, particularly in one area
• changes in behavior such as acting agitated or anxious
• twitching of the superficial back muscles
• hiding from view
• avoiding attention

Pictures and Descriptions of Common Cat Skin Problems

Use these pictures of descriptions of cat skin problems to identify or eliminate possible feline skin diseases.

Macule: A macule is a area of the skin where there is a change in color. Common causes are some type of inflammation or injury.

Picture of Macule on Cat Nose

Papule: A papule is a type of lesion that is elevated. If it is large it is called plaque. This type of cell inflammation is commonly called a neoplasm (which refers to any type of cells, not just papules). A bigger papule is called plaque. A neoplasm can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous that spreads).

Picture of Cat Skin Papule

Postule: A postule is an area on the skin that is filled with pus. Pus is caused by white blood cells that are sent to kill a foreign invader such as bacteria or a fungus. The dead cells create a lump on the skin called a postule.

Picture of Cat Skin Postule

Vesicle: This is a lump underneath the skin that is filled with an unusual amount of fluid (called edema).

Picture of cat skin vesicle

Wheal: A wheal is a raised area that tends to heal by itself in minutes or hours. It is an area with increased redness or has a pale color when compared to surrounding areas. It is also referred to as a cat hive with symptoms such as severe itching. Common causes include certain foods or drugs, infection, insect bites or allergy.

Picture of cat skin wheal (hives, insect bites)

Nodule: A nodule is a larger elevated bump on the skin. Causes include an abnormal cell growth (neoplasm that is benign or malignant). It can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infection.

Picture of cat skin nodule

Tumor: A tumor is a large tissue mass. It is caused by abnormal cell growth (neoplasm that is benign or malignant) or due to some type of inflammation.

Picture of cat tumor

Feline Miliary Dermatitis: Collection of small bumps in a red areas of skin. There are multiple causes.

Picture of Cat Miliary Dermatitis

Types of Cat Skin Problems

If you can't match one of the picture, try continuing your investigation by clicking the links below that best match the cat skin symptoms, or what you believe is causing the cat skin problems.

Cat skin cysts - these are usually benign (non-cancerous) lumps under the skin that can be found anywhere on your cats body.  Feline cysts are often drained and removed if they are making a cat uncomfortable.  Secondary complications include infection.

Cat skin warts - these are benign (non-cancerous) bumps on the skin

Cat Skin Cancer

Mast Cell Tumor

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cat Skin Rash

Dry Skin

Diabetic Dermatitis (red skin inflammation)

Feline Skin Allergies Symptoms such as hair loss and skin dermatitis (inflammation) seen in the back half of the body, and on back legs. Can also be generalized or all over. Cause by either atopy (allergens in the air such as pollen, called atopic dermatitis), or food allergy.

Cat atopic dermatitis in particular is the second most common cause of feline skin conditions after flea allergy (see below). Symptoms are similar to flea allergy so if you cat has been on a flea preventative, then atopy should be the next area to investigate. The condition is usually treated with a prescription steroid such as the medication prednisolone.  If any skin rubbing resulted in infection, then antibiotics will be prescribed as well.

Fleas: Cat flea allergy dermatitis (also called flea bite hypersensitivity) is the most common cat skin problems.  It is more difficult to diagnose in cats than dogs.  There is a wide variety of cat flea allergy symptoms, including the use of their teeth and tongues to scratch the skin. Often, cat owners believe that this is over grooming when in fact a cat is suffering from a flea allergy.  Another sign of cat flea allergy is when a cat licks the belly until a hairless spot forms.  If the feline flea allergy dermatitis is severe, the cat may chew a stripe of fur away from the spine and shoulder down to the rear.  

Cat Skin Problems or Plaques caused by Flea Allergy
Source: Washington State University

Miliary dermatitis refers to cat skin problems where scabbing lesions form in areas under the chin and neck.

Cat Miliary Dermatitis

Even a few cat fleas can result in skin problems on the back half of the body, or all over the body.  Problems are also often seen above the tail.  It can be difficult to find the fleas since cat fur is thick and fleas tend to hide near the skin.  Even if your cat stays indoors, fleas can be brought into the house on your shoes, or the shoes of your visitors. They can also be spread by other pets.  This is why all cats and pets in a home need to be on flea preventatives such as Frontline Plus® and Advantage®. Avoid off-brand products such as Pet -Armor®. Even though these have the same active ingredient as Frontline, the concentrations could be delivered in a different medium and therefore possibly be less effective (ask your veterinarian for the best product to use for your cat).

Treatment includes killing all fleas, and then using a flea preventative. During recovery, improve hair condition with a homeopathic (see bottom of page) and Omega Fish Oil Supplements.

Mites (mange, scabies)

Feline Skin Infection

• Ringworm: (also called dermatophytosis) Ringworm in cats is less common than cat flea allergy or atopic dermatitis. This fungus occurs in cats with inadequate immune systems, which is a particular problem in kittens whose immune systems haven't had time to develop. Cat ringworm symptoms include hair loss and crusting on the paws and face. Some cats can be carriers of the disease without showing any symptoms, which could explain why one cat in a two cat household has the disorder.
  
• Cat Skin Fungus
  

Symptoms of Feline Skin Disorders

Symptoms of feline skin problems include:

• Dry, flaky cat skin
• Red, irritated looking skin called skin lesions
•  Loss of hair (called cat alopecia, or the result of atopy see feline skin allergies above)
• A dry, dull-looking coat
• Lumps or bumps on or under the skin
• Red patches on the skin
• Round raw lesions on the head, hips and chest called cat hot spots
• Scaly patches or scabs on the skin
• Your cat may scratch or lick her skin excessively (called pruritis)

Diagnosis

Your vet will examine your cat’s skin carefully as part of a complete examination. In order to properly diagnose any cats skin problems in the following order:

1. Physical Examination: Some types of cat skin disease such as fleas are immediately identifiable by your vet. such as fleas.
2. Skin Cytology Tests: The next most likely cause is a cat skin infection caused by bacteria.  Cytology tests are used to examine skin cells in order to confirm this specific diagnosis.
3. Fungal Culture Test: This test is used to detect fungal infections such as cat ringworm. Results take 2 to 3 weeks, so the test is often given at the first office visit just in case.  A special lamp called a Woods Lamp is also used as an in-office diagnostic test for certain types of cat fungal skin infections.
   
   If the fungal culture is negative, then most vets will conduct additional tests such as:
   
   
4. Skin biopsy: These tests look for problems such as cat skin cancer.  In this test, a needle is used to remove cells from a lump to be examined by a pathologist. This can determine if a lump is cancerous or if it is just a cyst or wart.
5. Food Trial: Food allergy is a common cause of allergy in cats.  If this cause is suspected, then the vet will recommend a hypoallergenic diet .
6. Blood and Serum tests: These tests can be used  to check for infections, certain nutrient deficiencies and allergens (serum tests). Intradermal tests (skin surface tests) can also be used to test for certain allergens that are causing atopic dermatitis (skin inflammation), after other possible causes are eliminated.

Identifying Cat Skin Problems by Location on the Body

The location of the cat skin disorder can also indicate the type or problem your cat might have. For example feline skin problems on the ear can indicate mites or food allergy, a facial problem could be mange and near the tail is most likely a problem with fleas.   Hair loss on the back half of the body are often due to food allergy or atopy (hypersensitivity to allergens in the air such as pollen, dust mites or mold spores).

Certain breeds have a higher incidence of cat skin problems.  For example:

• Abyssinian cats: earwax and cat ear canal infection (otitis externa), excessive grooming (feline psychogenic alopecia)
• Persian cats: cat walking dandruff (caused by mites, cheyletieliosis, cheyletiella dermatitis), Ringworm  (dermatophytosis),  superficial dermatitis that occurs in skin folds due to moisture that leads to skin infection, feline seborrhea (skin flaking)
• Siamese cats: food allergy, hair loss (feline hypotrichosis), white cat hair around eyes (periocular leukotrichia), cat white skin patches (cat vitiligo)

There are also problems that are unique to kitten skin.

Treatment

The treatment of the diseases and conditions associated with feline skin problems depends on the exact disease or condition.

Home Cat Skin Treatment and RemediesIf the cat skin condition is mild, meaning there is mild skin itch or skin flaking, then you can try home treatment.  First, look for an early stage cat flea problem.  Even if you don't see fleas in your home or on your cat, don't immediately eliminate this as a possible cause since fleas are great at hiding.  Also, contrary to popular belief, fleas are one of those cat skin problems that can occur at any time of the year. To check for cat fleas, use a flea comb and comb through your cat's coat, with special focus on the area just above the tail and also be sure to carefully examine the back part of the thighs.

If you suspect cat fleas, you'll want to kill the fleas that are on your cat using a product such as Adams Plus, followed by the use of a flea preventative.  If this is the cause be sure to also clean your cat's environment  to remove any hiding fleas. Check with your Vet for a specific product recommendation as well.

Therapeutic Shampoo

Next, if you rule out fleas as the cause of the cat skin problems, you can try bathing your cat in a colloidal oatmeal shampoo or use over-the-counter sprays or waterless bath foam (if your cat hates baths)  to see if you can bring some relief.  These are not cures, but can help with symptoms. Avoid using medicated shampoos at first, as these can often irritate the skin.  If the natural shampoos don't help, then a medicated cat shampoo is worth a try (see below).  The key to shampoo therapy is contact with the skin, which isn't always easy with a cat that hates the water.

Instructions for Applying Shampoo

The ideal length of time for a shampoo to stay in contact with the skin is 10 minutes. If you cat allows it, massage into the skin, and then rinse the shampoo off your cat for 5 to 10 minutes.
If the non-medicated approach does not help, try these shampoos depending on the symptoms and suspected cause of the condition. 

Cat Skin Problems and Suggested Cat Shampoos Check With Your Vet For Your Cat
Cat Skin Disease and Symptoms	Product	Typical Frequency of Shampooing
Bacterial cat skin Infection, Fungal infection.	Duoxo with Chlorheidine	Every 1 to 14 days,
Mild skin flaking (seborrhea sicca, seborrhea dermatitis), cat dandruff	Veterinary Formula Shampoo Also look for shampoos with Sulfur and/or Salicylic acid	2x to 3x per week until improvement is seen, then reduce frequency
Dry Cat Skin and itchy cat skin	Paul Mitchell Cat Shampoo with colloidal oatmeal	Every 3 to 14 days as needed

Note: Do not use shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide or only tar with cats unless advised by your veterinarian

If you notice the cat skin condition worsening, despite your home treatment,  see a Vet. Always see a Vet if you see hair loss, red skin areas, pus or oozing areas on the skin.  

Also, if your cat has scratched herself too much, antibiotics may be necessary, as a secondary bacterial infection may have set in. Treatment may involve oral or topical medications.

Treatment may also involve surgical removal of any lumps or bumps from your cat’s skin. This is usually only done if the growth is cancerous or if it seems to be bothering your pet. If it is benign and is not causing your cat discomfort, it can be left alone.

There are several over the counter homeopathic products that could help to improve overall skin and coat condition such as  Skin and Coat Tonic. 

References

Dermatologic Examination
R.S. Mueller
Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

Carter, G.R., Wise, D.J., and Flores, E.F. (Eds)A Concise Review of Veterinary Virology

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - The challenge of Cat Skin Disorders