How to Get Rid of a Cat's Skin Problems

When bumps, lesions, scabs, discoloration or other signs of irritation appear on your cat's skin, you may begin to worry about disease, such as cancer or skin disorders. Before you cram your cat in the carrier and rush to the veterinary clinic, though, make sure you have examined the conditions in your own home that cause rashes or outbreaks. Solving the problem yourself by switching cat care products could save you hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills.

Instructions

1

Check for fleas. Look for red inflammations, dry skin, hair loss and irritation next to the ears or tail. Comb your fingers through your pet's coat and look for white flakes that resemble dandruff or salt, a sign of flea eggs. Turn your cat on its back or side and examine its belly. Cats have less hair on their stomachs, making it easier to spot allergic reactions to flea bites. While examining your pet, keep an eye out for actual fleas, which move quickly in a hopping motion and have a dark, brown appearance. If you find evidence of fleas, buy a topical medication from your local vet, such as Advantage or Revolution. Topical medications get rid of fleas entirely within one to two weeks and keep them away for months.

2

Prevent excess scratching. While scratching if often a sign of fleas, some pets habitually scratch themselves more than normal. If your cat scratches excessively, it may produce inflamed skin and bald spots. Try buying a scratching post. If your pet continues to scratch itself, you may want to consider having it declawed. If you do not want to remove all the claws, removing only the front claws will prevent a significant amount of the scratching.

3

Change the type of cat litter you are using. Cats have allergies, too, and your pet could be allergic to the type of litter you're using. If your litter is scented or particularly dusty, throw out the entire pan. Buy a new one and try an unscented, dust-free litter. Check a week after changing out the pan to see if your cat's skin condition has improved.

4

Change your cat's diet. Just like humans, what cats eat affects their skin, too. Always have a clean, fresh supply of water available. Feed your cats both canned wet food and dry food to ensure a balanced diet. Avoid giving cats "people-food," especially common treats such as doughnuts or fast food. Do not feed your cat chocolate under any circumstances. Contrary to the common misconception, chocolate is toxic for cats, too, not just for dogs.

5

Use fur and skin care products. Maintain your cat's fur to promote healthy skin. Simply brushing or combing to remove old hair keeps the skin fresh and clean. Try medicated shampoos and skin care gel with Vitamin A.