Dermatitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Dermatitis in cats is a common skin condition causing inflammation, itchiness, and often flaky, irritated skin. It can present in many forms, including Miliary Dermatitis, where the coat appears greasy and dandruff-like, accompanied by pinpoint scabs along the cat’s back that cause considerable irritation. Hair loss frequently results from persistent scratching or licking, often alerting owners that their cat has a skin problem.

Diagnosing and managing feline dermatitis requires careful collaboration with your vet to identify underlying causes and tailor appropriate treatment. While short-term relief with anti-inflammatory injections or tablets can help itching, addressing the root cause is vital to prevent further skin damage and ensure your cat responds well to treatment.

Common Causes of Dermatitis in Cats

1. Food Intolerance or Allergy

Food-related allergies in cats can be tricky to identify, often stemming from additives or preservatives rather than the main food ingredient. Given cats are obligate carnivores, their diet should primarily consist of meat or fish, with minimal fillers like rice or cereal. Occasionally, specific meats or fish types might trigger allergic reactions. Milk intolerance is common and can manifest as gastrointestinal upset or, less frequently, dermatitis. If your cat is receiving treats from the family table, this might contribute to skin problems.

Owners may need to switch to a controlled diet, possibly providing freshly cooked meals, to pinpoint allergens. It's important to feed all pets in the household the same diet during this period and keep the affected cat indoors to avoid uncontrolled feeding by neighbours or other pets.

2. Insect Bites and Parasites

Flea infestation remains the most frequent cause of itchy skin, but other insect bites can also provoke allergic dermatitis. While wasp or bee stings are visible due to puncture marks, midges, harvest mites, flies, and even mosquitoes can induce itchy, flaky patches. Some parasites such as ear mites not only affect the ears but can spread to other areas, aggravating the skin.

Harvest mites are especially prevalent in late summer and autumn in areas with chalky soil, often found around the cat’s face and feet. Midges hover under trees at dusk, making it wise to bring cats indoors during these times. To maintain airflow while keeping your cat safe, consider fitting mesh screens to windows and doors.

Regular grooming is essential, particularly for long-haired cats, to detect insect presence early and prevent tangles that can exacerbate irritation.

3. Environmental Allergies (Dust or Pollen Allergy)

Known as Atopic Dermatitis, environmental allergies can arise from sensitivity to dust, pollen, or mould spores. These allergies are related to conditions like eczema or asthma in humans. Although testing for these allergies in cats exists, results may not be fully reliable.

This type of dermatitis is not curable, but treatment options such as essential fatty acid supplements and antihistamines may provide some comfort. In severe cases, your vet might suggest corticosteroids, although these come with potential side effects and long-term risks, so should be used judiciously.

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Dermatitis

• Intense itching and scratching
• Flaky, greasy or dandruff-like coat
• Redness, scabs, and crusts on the skin
• Hair loss due to over-grooming or scratching
• Secondary infection signs, such as smell, oozing or worsening redness

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Short-term Relief

Anti-inflammatory medications or steroids can reduce itching and swelling temporarily. However, these should never replace proper diagnosis and cause management, as long-term steroid use can harm skin health.

Cause Identification and Elimination

Working closely with your vet is crucial to identify whether fleas, food allergies, insect bites or environmental factors are responsible. Flea treatments should be up to date year-round, not just seasonally.

Dietary Management

Food trials with hypoallergenic or novel protein diets may be necessary to pinpoint food allergies. Fresh home-cooked meals under vet guidance can help control ingredients and monitor reactions.

Environmental Control

For insect-related dermatitis, limiting outdoor exposure during peak insect activity and keeping your home free of dust and pollen can help. Use mesh screens to safely ventilate indoor spaces.

Regular Grooming

Maintaining a well-groomed coat helps you spot problems and avoid skin irritation caused by mats or parasites.

Consulting Your Vet

If you notice signs of dermatitis, seek veterinary advice promptly to avoid complications and secondary infections. Do not use human creams or ointments on your cat, as these may contain harmful ingredients, and cats will lick off topical treatments, potentially ingesting dangerous substances.

Remember, responsible pet ownership involves attentive care to your cat’s health, diet, and environment. Early intervention and appropriate management can greatly enhance your cat’s comfort and quality of life.