3 Common Cat Skin Issues
Your cat's health is, most likely, an important issue for you to keep track of. There are numerous things about your cat's skin health that you should be aware of, although it seems as if most cat owners are not. Read on and take into consideration these symptoms, discover what might be their underlying cause, and, if need be, make the necessary provisions to take your cat to an animal hospital or local and trusted veterinarian's office, such as Cat Care Clinic.
Dull Coat and Flaky Skin
These two issues generally coincide with one another. With the presence of a dull coat, you're likely to find that your cat has flaky skin, and vice versa. One of the primary causes of this issue is your cat's diet. If your cat is eating unhealthily and becomes overweight, it may very well be the the case that it cannot reach its back to clean its coat. There are also various acids that can affect the appearance of your skin. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can both ensure that your cat's coat will be vibrant and its skin will generate enough oil so that it does not become dry and flaky. The former can be found in most fish based products, while the latter is namely found in plants.
Abscesses
Lumps found directly under your cat's skin are actually quite common and although the common reaction of many pet owners is to fear the worst and assume that it is cancer, the more common explanation is that the lump is merely an abscess. An abscess is merely a large pocket of pus that, while far from fatal, can cause your cat serious discomfort. If you notice one on your cat's skin, it's recommended that you make an appointment with your veterinarian's office so that he or she can drain the pocket.
Allergic Reaction
Your cat can have an allergic reaction to numerous things. The most common categories of cat allergic reactions are food allergies, flea allergies, and environmental allergies. Food allergies are not incredibly common when it comes to cats, due to the fact that felines often have an incredibly strong digestive system, but flea and environmental allergies are quite commonplace. A flea allergy simply means that your cat is hypersensitive to the presence of fleas and may develop red, irritated skin after suffering from an infestation. Environmental allergies can mean that your cat is coping with an allergic reaction to anything in its environment, from dust to pollen. Most are treated by oral medication prescribed by your vet.