Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin

As any parent knows, one of life's simple pleasures is petting your favorite cat. Running a hand over a soft coat of thick, shiny fur feels good to you and your cat. Unfortunately, if your cat has poor skin health, that simple pleasure might not be so pleasant.

What can you do?

• Check for pests. Examine your cat's coat and skin thoroughly for the presence of ticks, fleas, mites, lice or other parasites. If you spot any, ask your veterinarian for advice and follow the appropriate treatment.
• Talk to your vet. Skin conditions can have a wide range of causes - from parasites to allergies, from hormonal imbalances to bacterial infections, stress and more. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about your cat's individual health and treatment options.
• Feed your cat well. Even if the cause of her skin condition is not related to nutrition, your cat may be helped with a high quality cat food formulated especially for skin sensitivity. Look for one containing high quality protein, essential fatty acids and antioxidants - all are important nutrients that can help heal and protect your cat's skin.
• Consider allergies. If your cat is pest-free and otherwise healthy, her discomfort may be caused by an allergic reaction to something in its environment, such as pollen, dust or mold. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that results in licking, scratching, loss of fur and dry, flaky skin.

Signs of a problem:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Excessive scratching, especially at the head and neck
• Excessive shedding
• Hair loss, bald patches