If a domestic cat not only licks diligently, but also zealously scratches the skin, you need to sound the alarm. Of course, it is first necessary to establish the cause, because the cat itches not only because of fleas or lichen, there are many other diseases of the coat and skin that cause itching.
Ear mites
Ear mites are very small parasites (invisible to the naked eye) that live in a cat's ears. They are attracted by oily secretions and sulfur. The activity of mites causes inflammation of the skin and can cause severe infections. Symptoms of a lesion with an ear mite are usually pronounced: the cat's head trembles, it constantly itches, experiencing unbearable itching in the ears, a specific odor appears, and the inner side of the ears is covered with dark scabs.
A neglected lesion with an ear mite can provoke the development of otitis media. Therefore, the cat must be treated in a timely manner by instilling a special drug in the ears. For example, "Otoferonol", "Amitrazine plus", "Amit" and others.
Allergic dermatitis
Cats may experience an allergic reaction to food, animal care products, to household irritants or from the external environment (to the owner's perfume, to plastic, cigarette smoke, to travel agents, pollen, etc.). For example, if a cat is scratching its neck or head, then most often it is necessary to talk about food allergies. In this case, you can try changing the feed. If your cat scratches or excessively licks the base of its tail, it may be allergic to dust mites living in carpets. If he washes his face vigorously with occasional scratching of his eyes and nose, an allergy to pollen is likely.
Allergy treatment consists in removing allergens from the environment of the cat, as well as in the use of special preparations. For example, cortisone or steroids, which can control allergies. And the most reasonable thing is to seek help from a veterinarian, because only a specialist can identify an allergen and prescribe the correct treatment.
Ringworm
A fungal infection called ringworm often affects small kittens and young cats. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, the animal itches almost continuously. Combing spots are characterized by rounded bald patches, on which flaky, hairless skin is visible. These lesions are most common on the head, ears, neck, chest, or forelegs. The method of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but usually the cat is washed with special shampoos, smeared with ointments and given medications prescribed by the veterinarian.
Ringworm is a contagious disease that can spread to other pets as well as humans. Therefore, along with treatment, it is necessary to disinfect all household items, bedding, carpets, etc.
Fleas
The secretions and eggs of blood-sucking small insects can be found on the pet's fur, and the fleas themselves - on the skin. The cat is constantly scratching, scabbed wounds appear on the skin, the hair at the base of the tail becomes sparse. Today, there are many drugs for getting rid of fleas - from gels that are applied to the withers of an animal, to a special collar.
Scabies
A disease, something similar to ringworm, only caused not by a fungus, but by itch itching - a small blood-sucking parasite of 0.1-0.4 mm in size. It has an almost transparent body, so it cannot be seen with the naked eye. Itching takes a fancy to the top layer of the skin on the head (most often), sometimes on the chest, in advanced cases, scabies spreads all over the back. The cat is constantly itching, balding, the skin is covered with a bleeding scab. Itching intensifies at night, sometimes pustules appear on the affected areas. A timely diagnosis can be made by a veterinarian by microscopic examination, he also prescribes the necessary treatment.
Dry skin
Some cats, like humans, suffer from excessive dry skin, especially during the winter. The skin beneath the coat flakes off, causing dandruff and itching. This does not pose a particular danger to the health of the cat, but you should still pay attention to its nutrition, care, maintenance in general. Sometimes it is enough to use a special shampoo, food with polyunsaturated fatty acids and natural vitamins, as the problem disappears without a trace.
