Introduction
A cat’s skin can be affected by many conditions, as from a minor dandruff up to malignant tumors. The skin of a cat can reflect many types of medical disorders, and therefore it is important to treat any problem with attention. At the same time, treating cat skin diseases can be a difficult procedure, as it depends on the general health condition of the cat. The treatment of cat skin diseases is in general similar to that used for treating dog’s skin, but with a little difference that is coming from a high tolerance level of cats to hormonal therapies. Most common cat skin diseases are: flea infestations, fungal infections, feline acne, etc. Depending on the gravity of the skin disease, the treatment can be applied at home or under the observation of a veterinarian. If you start to treat the skin problems of your cat early, you can treat her successfully directly at your home, but if the problem reaches latter stages, you should require a treatment from a professional veterinary.
Consult a professional veterinarian
Establishing a correct diagnosis is the key for treating with success cat skin diseases. Consult with your veterinarian that will check the symptoms in order to establish a correct diagnosis. A professional veterinarian is more informed about the most common cat skin diseases, and has the experience and tools for making the right diagnosis. A first sign that should alert you is when the cat is not eating as before, or when this begins to lick, scratch or chew the irritation. After the right diagnosis is made, the veterinarian will give a treatment for the cat’s skin, which has to be followed strictly.
Administrate the treatment
Start to treat early, as this can be the key to a successful treatment. Most of cat skin diseases can be treated with success and without complications if the treatment is administrated early. Take into consideration the dosage and the frequency of the treatment, and respect the indications of the veterinarian. You might have to clean daily the affected area with an antibacterial solution, and depending on the veterinarian’s indications, to wash the cat with a medicated shampoo. In general the affected area has to be scrubbed often with the antibacterial solution or with a special shampoo for cats. In case the cat continues to scratch and lick the spots, you might need to administrate her oral antihistamine or a special topical spray.
Monitor the evolution
If the treatment was applied according with the veterinarian’s indications and no improvements are registered, you should call immediately the veterinarian. Usually when a home treatment is made, it will take from 7 to 10 days to heal the problem. If during treatment hot spots are transforming into oozing sores or open wounds, or if the cat does not allow you to treat her, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. It might be the case of administrating an antibiotic, and in severe cases, even anti-inflammatory medication. Monitoring with attention the evolution of the cat skin diseases under the treatment, might prevent further complications.
