Why Is My Cat Itching?

You may have noticed your cat itching a lot more than she normally does. There could be several reasons for this.

Fleas are the most common cause of irritation in cats, and you should ensure that your cat is treated against fleas regularly. Fleas live by attaching themselves to your pet and sucking their blood. In order to keep the blood flowing they will inject their saliva, which contains anticoagulants, into your pet’s bloodstream. This saliva can cause severe irritation and resultant itching in some cats, known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Other symptoms include fur loss or thinning fur around the infected area and scabs on the skin. If your cat has a flea infestation she will need to be treated appropriately- your vet will be able to advise. Your cat may also need a course of antibiotics to eliminate the secondary infection.

If you have ruled out fleas, then your cat may have an allergy. Cats, like humans, can become allergic to pollen and dust, and this can cause irritation of the skin and subsequent itching. Some cats are also susceptible to eczema and feline acne. Antihistamine or steroid based medication can help to control allergies.

Feline Miliary Dermatitis (scabby cat disease) is characterised by a red or scabby rash around the back, neck and head area, and can have a number of different causes such as allergies, infections, food intolerances and a poor diet. The cause will need to be determined before treatment can be undertaken.

Food intolerances can also induce itching. Cats can have an adverse reaction to the additives, preservatives or chemicals in certain foods, which can develop even in foods which the cat has been eating all her life. Look for red and swollen areas around your cat’s face and other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your cat may need a special diet to overcome this- dietary trials can be held to determine which food source is causing the allergy.

You may also notice your cat itching as the result of an insect bite. Mosquitoes, flies and midges can all inflict quite painful bites, and your cat will scratch to try to get rid of this irritation.

It may be worth checking for mites- if your cat is scratching her ears excessively, check for signs of ear mites. Symptoms include bleeding or a reddish brown discharge from the ear, and an unpleasant aroma. Sometimes mites can cause irritation in other areas, such as around the head, rump, tail, or between the toes.

Feline Scabies (Notoedric Mange) is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Notoedric Cacti mite. Symptoms include excess scratching, hair loss and a crusty or scabby appearance to the skin. Your vet will be able to prescribe treatment.

Ringworm is quite a common fungal skin infection in cats, which can cause itching. It is characterised by circular patches of hair loss. Read more about feline ringworm here and learn how to treat it here.

Most cats will scratch themselves every so often, but this is not usually a cause for concern. Some cats may scratch more often when they molt as the hair can cause irritation as it falls out. However, if you notice your cat itching more often than usual, it is worth taking some time to investigate the cause.