Cat Waxy Coat

by Anonymous

My cat's fur is very dry but when you stroke him some brown waxy stuff comes off. He also has eczema. He has been tested for mites, has no fleas and is not infected with FIV/FeLV. Fatty acid supplements are not helping. He may be carrying the calici virus. He is also very timid and sometimes very stressed. I would love to help him feel better.

Editor Suggestion Regarding Treatment for a Cat Waxy Coat

Cat skin is more sensitive then other companion animals. Cats also require regular grooming, which is why cats usually groom themselves. However, when a cat is subjected to skin problems or even a minor amount of stress, they may not regularly groom themselves, which causes a worsening of the condition.

In this particular case, based on the symptoms of eczema, oiliness and fur dryness, and given the lab results you received, the cat waxy coat problem is likely caused by a case of secondary seborrhea.

Seborrhea in cats has many forms, but symptoms such as itching, inflammation and sebaceous exudate suggests that your cat is suffering from seborrheal dermatitis.

Remember, seborrhea may be primary or secondary in nature, but primary congenital seborrhea is noted in very rare cases and also in very young kittens, which persists for their entire life. Secondary seborrhea has various forms and most commonly occurs as a result of some other underlying cause.

In most cases, the underlying condition causing this type of cat skin problem is either an allergy and/or endocrinopathy related (hormone problem). It is less common that the cause of seborrheal symptoms is a viral infection.

If you suspect that your cat is a carrier of feline calici virus, you should see symptoms such as nasal discharge, respiratory stress and feline stomatitis (inflammation in the mouth), as these are the major symptoms related to a feline calicivirus infection.

We suggest initially going to your veterinarian for an allergy test. Once this cause is eliminated, endocrine or hormonal balance should be tested. In most cases that involve young cats, it usually appears to be an allergy, while in middle age or older coats, endocrinopathies (hormone problems) are the most likely underlying cause.

For the time being, to get these symptoms such as the cat waxy coat under control, and to support the overall skin health of your cat, we suggest bathing your cat with a medicated shampoo such as Four Paws Magic Coat Medicated Shampoo. Once the condition improves, for regular bathing switch to a quality herbal shampoo such as Clean Cat Shampoo.

The use of natural remedies will also help to improve skin health. Try a skin tonic such as Skin and Coat Tonic. You can also use a natural remedy to reduce any stress and fear reactions and to promote a sense of well being with a product such as Pet Calm.

Remember, the aforementioned suggestions are for support only. Your cat surely needs a definitive diagnosis that in turn will lead to a specific treatment. Net, you should initially bring your cat to the veterinarian for allergy tests. If they eliminate allergy as the cause, follow this up with tests for hormonal balance.

Best of luck and please keep us up to date on the cat waxy coat and cat skin problems.