Cat Dermatitis [With Pictures]: Our Vet Explains What to Do

Has your cat been scratching and grooming herself a lot recently? Many times, kitties that start itching and licking excessively have dermatitis. There are various causes of dermatitis in cats, and they can all cause your furry friend to become extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

What is cat dermatitis? [with pictures]

Simply put, dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. In cats, the condition presents with areas of irritated skin (dermis). The irritation leads to rubbing and scratching, which may cause rashes, patches of bumps, or scabs on your feline. As the skin is broken and traumatised, we often see secondary bacterial infections too.

You can see examples in these cat dermatitis photos.

Most commonly, food allergies, flea bites, or an environmental allergen triggers the reaction.

If you think your cat has dermatitis, schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Once the doctor diagnoses the underlying cause, he’ll be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan and get your cat feeling better in no time.

Types of cat dermatitis

There are several types of cat dermatitis. Let’s look at the characteristics and symptoms of the most common ones.

1. Miliary dermatitis

With miliary dermatitis, cats have small, crusty pustules that resemble millet seeds. This type is usually the result of an allergy, and it makes your kitty extremely itchy. As the bumps are tiny, you may feel them under the fur before you see them, when you are stroking your cat. As the disease progresses, you may find the fur becomes sparse or bald in patches. The most common areas for the lesions to appear include:

• Face
• Neck
• Ears
• Lower spine
• The base of the tail
• Flanks 
• Belly

2. Food allergy dermatitis

Cats with food allergies will frequently develop dermatitis. Many have other signs too, including bloating, flatulence and runny stool.

Usually, cats with sensitivity to certain foods react to a specific protein in their diet. Some of the more common allergens include chicken, beef, egg and soya.

These types of reactions can begin at any age, but is usually first seen in the first three years of life.

When a kitty develops food allergy dermatitis, she will have a rash or bumps that tend to appear around the neck and head, as well as the groin and paws. It is not uncommon for the anus to be red, irritated and itchy too.

Learn more here.

3. Flea allergy dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis is a form of miliary dermatitis. Some cats develop a sensitivity to flea saliva, and there is likely a genetic component to this. When these cats have a flea infestation, they get intensely itchy and scratch to excess. They will develop red skin, scabs and fur loss. Cat flea dermatitis is seen more often in outdoor cats, but even indoor kitties can be affected.

Fortunately, this form of dermatitis is easy to resolve by eliminating pests. You should treat all the cats and dogs in your household with flea medications, and ensure the home is also deep treated. Learn more about getting rid of fleas here.

4. Solar dermatitis

Solar dermatitis occurs when cats have too much sun exposure. It’s more common in felines that have pale or white skin and appears mainly on the ears, nose, and around the eyes. At first, you may notice pink, scaly areas of skin. There may also be hair loss.

As the condition progresses, the skin will become ulcerated and crusty.

Take your kitty to the vet when you see signs of solar dermatitis. This condition can lead to squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer).

Those with lighter fur should be kept out of direct sunlight and your vet can advise how best to use sun screen.

5. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis can arise from an inhaled allergy, a contact allergy, or an ingested allergy. When felines react to an allergen from their environment, they usually have incredibly itchy skin. The symptoms can be body-wide or localized to certain areas, including

• Armpits
• Ears
• Feet
• Face

Contrary to flea allergy dermatitis, the tump is not usually the worst affected location.

To deal with itching, cats can rub, lick, scratch and nibble their skin.

Your vet can perform a blood test to diagnose what your cat reacts to, and sometimes immunotherapy injections can be carried out, to make your cat less reactive. The use of things like air filters and damp dusting can help keep the level of mites and dust down. However, if the irritant is in your fur baby’s environment, you may not be able to easily eliminate exposure.

Your kitty may require ongoing medications such as antihistamines or steroids to control the symptoms.

6. Seborrheic dermatitis

With seborrheic dermatitis, cat skin will be flaky or scaly and terribly itchy. This condition can be a result of allergies, a fungal infection, skin parasites, obesity, or a hormone imbalance. In each case, the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. As the back is rich in sebaceous glands, this is often the area worst affected.

To determine the best way to treat a cat with seborrheic dermatitis, schedule a veterinary exam. Depending on the underlying cause, the doctor may prescribe:

• Steroids
• Medicated shampoos
• Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids
• Retinoids
• Antibiotics

7. Eosinophilic dermatitis

Allergens (including fleas and foods) can trigger certain blood cells known as eosinophils to collect on the skin. This form of dermatitis may appear as rodent ulcers, plaques, or granulomas. 

Eosinophilic dermatitis can cause significant discomfort. Treatment for cats with this disease includes anti-inflammatories and antibiotics along with eliminating the allergen if you can.

We often see the first sign of this condition in young cats, less than two years of age. For many, signs will continue to develop throughout their life. however, this can be prevented by reducing allergen exposure. As well as excellent parasite prevention and feeding from a ceramic bowl, some kitties benefit from a hydrolzed, hypoallergenic diet.

Learn more here.

8. Malassezia dermatitis

An overgrowth of the yeast commonly found on cat skin can cause dermatitis. When felines have this type of dermatitis, the skin may be:

• Red and irritated
• Scaly or greasy
• Thickened
• Darkened
• Foul-smelling

To treat this condition, your vet will recommend medicated shampoos and ointments to reduce the number of bacteria and yeast on the skin. If your cat also has a bacterial infection, he may prescribe antibiotics.

What causes dermatitis in cats?

Several things can trigger skin inflammation in felines. These include:

• Food allergies
• Flea saliva
• Inhaled environmental allergens
• Adverse drug reaction
• Ringworm (a fungus)
• Mites (mange)
• Bacterial infections
• Arthritis (as it leads to excessive grooming)
• Hormonal disorders
• Immune disorders
• Contact reactions to irritants, such as cleaning products

The driving factor or root of most causes of dermatitis is an allergic reaction. When your kitty encounters a foreign substance or allergen, her body treats it as an invader and mounts an immune response. When the system releases immune cells known as histamines, the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. The subsequent scratching and licking, causes skin damage and secondary infections.

What are the symptoms of cat dermatitis?

As there are multiple causes of cat dermatitis, it can have a range of symptoms. However, there will always be irritated skin. As a result, you should be able to find rashes or clusters of tiny, red bumps somewhere on the skin. Other symptoms you may notice include:

• Fur loss
• Continual scratching or grooming
• Dandruff
• Reddened, swollen skin
• Raw skin from scratching
• Patches of thick, hardened skin
• A musty odour
• Secondary infections, which may mean discharge and crusting

When should you call your veterinarian?

If you notice your cat licking or scratching excessively, check for a rash or clusters of red bumps. You can run your fingers through her fur or use a flea comb to look under the hair. Another place to check for signs of irritated skin is between your kitty’s toes. Any time you find signs that point to dermatitis, you should call your vet to schedule an exam. The doctor should be able to diagnose the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

How is dermatitis diagnosed in cats?

The way you treat your cat’s dermatitis will depend on the type and cause of the inflammation, so it is important to try and reach a diagnosis. When you take your kitty to the vet, he’ll collect a history of symptoms and conduct a physical exam. Based on the initial findings, your vet may recommend an initial treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your cat’s progress.

If general treatments such as medicated shampoos, steroids, antibiotics, or flea therapy don’t help to resolve your cat’s dermatitis, the vet will conduct additional diagnostic testing:

• Fur combings and scrapings to check for skin parasites
• Skin swabs to check for bacterial infections
• Fur plucks to check for fungal infections
• Allergy tests with IgE immunoglobulin
• Fecal analysis to check for parasites or gastrointestinal disorders
• Food elimination trials, or providing a hydrolyzed diet for 8 weeks
• Skin biopsies, particularly when autoimmune disease is suspected
• Hormonal blood assays

How to treat cat dermatitis?

Depending on the symptoms and cause of your cat’s itchy skin, there are various cat dermatitis treatments. Once your doctor has a diagnosis, he will tailor a plan to meet your feline’s specific needs. Treatments may include:

• Flea prevention medications and environmental treatments
• Antihistamines to help counteract allergies
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Corticosteroids to control inflammation and reduce itching
• Medicated shampoos to soothe irritated skin and treat surface infections
• Dietary supplements such as fatty acids to support skin health
• Hypoallergenic diets, to be fed exclusively

Are there any effective cat dermatitis home remedies?

You may be wondering if there are natural home treatments for cat dermatitis because you want the best for your kitty. In very mild cases, it may be worth trying out a few things at home. However, it is not recommended to delay veterinary treatment if your cat is uncomfortable or has broken skin. Delaying vet care can lead to skin issues which are more persistent, and difficult to treat.

For those who are mildly itchy, there are some cat dermatitis home remedies may be able to help ease your fur baby’s symptoms. If your kitty shows no improvement or their signs are worsening, contact your veterinarian. 

1. Oatmeal bath

Before you panic about having a battle royale with your cat because you try to dunk her in water, relax. You won’t need to soak your kitty to provide her with the benefits of oatmeal. Instead, grind some rolled oats to a fine powder and dissolve 2 tablespoons in 2-3 cups of tepid water. 

Soak a washcloth in the solution and apply it to affected areas of skin and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. After that, rinse or wipe away the residue with a clean cloth. Repeat this procedure every day. It may take several days or a few weeks before you see noticeable improvement.

2. Chlorhexidine washes

An alternative to oatmeal baths, would be a Chlorhexidine wash. You can get this from any pharmacy and it is inexpensive. You dilute it 1:10 in water and apply to itchy or red skin using cotton balls. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry. This medicated wash helps reduce surface bacteria and yeast levels.

3. Fatty acid supplements

Supplementing your kitty’s diet with salmon oil can help support skin health. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids which may help to reduce inflammation.

4. Hypoallergenic skin moisturizer

Use a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer that’s safe for cats to keep your furbaby’s skin well-hydrated. You should choose products made from natural ingredients. Check the ingredient list for substances that can help to soothe and protect the integument like aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamins A, B, and E.

As cats tend to lick creams off, you may need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this. It is also advised to apply any creams, and then to distract your kitty with e.g. a game, as they dry.

FAQ: Can I use coconut oil for cat dermatitis?

Coconut oil has many potential benefits for cats. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin and helps soothe irritated skin. For cats, it’s best to start by applying a small amount to an affected area of the skin. If your kitty tolerates it well, you can apply it to other inflamed areas.

Beware: Some kitties will lick more when this oil is on, and signs may thus worsen. Also, ingesting too much oil can lead to a medical condition called pancreatitis.

What is the prognosis for cats with dermatitis?

In most cases, dermatitis has a favorable prognosis with the appropriate treatment. Once you eliminate the underlying cause, the skin irritation will usually resolve. However, if the underlying cause is an allergy, your kitty will often need ongoing management.

FAQ: Can miliary dermatitis be fatal to a cat?

The most common cause of miliary dermatitis in cats is an allergic reaction or skin condition. It’s not life threatening. 

How can you prevent dermatitis in cats?

There is no one-size-fits-all way to prevent dermatitis in cats. However, if you know the underlying cause of your feline’s skin inflammation, you can take some actions to eliminate the risk. Preventative measures may include:

• Feeding your kitty a diet that doesn’t include known food allergens
• Grooming your kitty a few times a week to remove dander and skin debris
• Routinely cleaning the litter box
• Regularly washing bedding 
• Deep cleaning your cat’s environment every so often
• Treating your cat and the household to eliminate fleas
• Feeding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids for skin health

Frequently asked questions

Is dermatitis in cats contagious?

Dermatitis simply means inflamed skin and is generally not contagious. However, if the underlying cause is something like ringworm or skin mites, the inciting disease is contagious. 

Is cat dermatitis painful for my cat?

Cat skin dermatitis can be painful when the inflammation is left untreated and the area becomes infected or severely irritated.

How long does it take cat dermatitis to go away(with and without treatment)?

Usually, once the underlying cause of dermatitis is cured, your cat’s skin should improve in 1-2 weeks. If your cat has allergies, you may be able to control the symptoms and take preventative measures. However, the condition requires lifelong management. Untreated dermatitis usually won’t resolve on its own.