You’ve just brought home your new kitty in the cutest little ball of fluff, and now he or she seems to be allergic to everything. You’re getting a rash every few days, and you’re not sure what’s causing them. It doesn’t help that your local pet store seems to have an endless supply of cute little kittens who come with free raffia hats in the summer and sweaters in the winter.
So it should be no surprise that you have more than your fair share of feline “new arrivals” over the next few weeks until the sneezes finally stop. With so many new kitties around, it couldn’t hurt to have some extra company, right? But even though there are hundreds of adorable cuddly pets everywhere you look, not all of them will make great house guests for you.
Your kitty may have a cat allergy, and they need to stay away from other cats as much as possible if they want a chance at a healthy life as an indoor pet instead.
Felines are known for being independent, curious pets that enjoy being outside as much as they enjoy being inside. They’re also known to be very clean animals, with their sensitive paws and hair-covered coat making them prone to skin rashes.
These rashes can be incredibly frustrating and scary for cat owners since they have no idea what could cause them or how to treat them. Fortunately, most of these rashing episodes can be easily resolved by learning about the causes and treatment options. Here’s a guide on how to keep your kitty healthy and happy in between vet check-ups.
What Are the Causes of Cat Skin Rashes?
Cat skin rashes are most common in cats who are going through a change in their environment, diet, or health. In addition, certain medications can also cause allergic reactions in cats. Allergic reactions are the most common cause of cat skin rashes.
If your cat has a skin rash, then it’s most likely an allergic response to something she’s been exposed to. While most allergic skin conditions do not pose a serious health threat to your cat, it is important to carefully examine her diet and environment.
Once an allergic reaction is identified, the rash will likely go away once the trigger is removed. There are some skin conditions that occur in cats that are not actually skin-related.
These include parasites, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. If your cat has a skin condition that isn’t linked to an allergic reaction, she will need to see a veterinarian to find out what is causing it.
Prevention and Treatment of Cat Skin Rashes
Cat skin rashes often occur as a result of an allergic reaction. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to identify what your cat is allergic to. This can be done by keeping a food diary for a few weeks and noting what your cat is eating.
It’s also a good idea to examine your cat’s environment to note what she is exposed to. If your cat is showing signs of an allergic response, then you can try keeping her away from the item that triggered the reaction.
You can alternatively administer anti-allergic medication to reduce the itching and discomfort. If your cat is not allergic to any of the things in her environment, then you will need to consider why she is getting a rash. One reason that comes to mind is that your cat is experiencing poor hygiene.
Managing a Feline With a Rash
It’s important to keep in mind that while your cat most likely doesn’t enjoy rashes, they are not dangerous or serious. It’s also important to keep in mind that rashes are often temporary and your cat will likely recover on her own with minimal discomfort.
If your cat has a rash, be sure to examine the rash for signs of infection. If your cat does have a bacterial infection, then you’ll need to treat it with an anti-bacterial medication. You can also use home remedies to soothe your cat’s rash. One remedy that is often recommended is soaking a rag in warm water and applying it to your cat’s rashes.
Conclusion
While skin rashes are common in cats, they’re not serious or dangerous. The best way to treat them is to identify the trigger and take steps to prevent it.
If you notice that your cat is experiencing a rash, take steps to identify the cause and prevent it from reoccurring. In many cases, a rash can be easily resolved by taking your cat to the vet for examination and treatment.
