Why does a cat scratch and how to relieve the itching?

If you also own a cat, you will surely agree with us when we say that these little creatures full of personality are known for their habits and their insistence on hygiene and, of course, for their characteristic and simply adorable behaviors. 😻

Being with the feline all day, you will surely have noticed his “obsession” with regards to personal hygiene. In most cases, the little feline dedicates enough time to the ritual of grooming, cleaning and scratching. But what happens when we realize that this behavior seems to be increasingly frequent and even accompanied by evident discomfort caused by persistent scratching?

Unfortunately, itchy skin not only causes discomfort, but can lead to more complicated problems such as: excessive hair loss, annoying infections and even unpleasant pain if the cat is not treated in time.

Why does the cat scratch itself insistently?

1. Probably one of the most common reasons is external parasites. Fleas, ticks or mites are external parasites that can cause severe itching. Additionally, some cats may develop an allergic reaction to flea bites, which can make itching worse.

Unfortunately, these situations are becoming more and more common because many cats live indoors and are not treated for these parasites. Many cat owners are reluctant to administer necessary treatments consistently, sometimes due to the misperception that indoor cats are safe from parasite infestation. But while it may seem unexpected, fleas can be present in more than half of cases of itching in cats.

2. Some felines may show up allergy to certain foods, molds or other substances in the environment. When the cat comes into contact with some allergenic substances through inhalation, ingestion or simple contact, its immune system can overreact.

These can lead to skin inflammation and unpleasant itchy rashes, redness of the skin and even hair loss in the scratched area.

3. Skin conditions such as dermatitis, fungal or bacterial infections they can also cause itching. Another cause of excessive scratching can be acne, which is itchy and manifests itself as red, inflamed lesions, often visible in the chin area.

4. Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors do scratch intensely to remove impurities accumulated on the fur and skin such as shavings or various impurities. When these particles stick to the fur, the cat tries to remove them by brushing them excessively.

5. In certain situations, the causes of itching can be internal caused by hormonal problems, hereditary genetic diseases, autoimmune diseases or even some types of cancer, which can generate an itchy sensation on the skin of cats.

How to soothe your cat’s itching

Of course, your feline’s health and comfort are a priority. If you notice that your cat scratches excessively, there are some things you can do to alleviate this unpleasant situation. Before starting any home treatment, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian. This is an important measure to ensure the health and safety of the feline.

🡆 if you’ve noticed that your cat scratches and bites its skin insistently, a relaxing bath can be a good first step. Warm water helps soothe the skin by removing scabs, dandruff and allergens such as pollen or dust, which can irritate the skin;

🡆 if you bathe your cat, use special shampoos for cats, as they moisturize the skin and help reduce itching. If the itching persists, your vet may recommend a medicated shampoo specifically for your dog’s problem. Do not under any circumstances use human shampoos, as you may cause them more harm than good.

🡆 to avoid excessive licking which aggravates the itching, you can use a special cat collar.

🡆 follows complete schemes of pesticide treatments, both internal and external. If you suspect parasites are the problem, talk to your vet about the right treatments for your feline. Fortunately today there are pesticides on the market in various forms, I take collars, sprays, pills or pipettes so that the feline is not bothered by the treatment.

🡆 If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may also recommend an elimination diet to identify the problematic ingredient. We generally start by eating hypoallergenic foods, specifically designed for these problems.

🡆 supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation. But be sure to talk to your vet before giving any supplements.

🡆 dry skin can cause itching, and a dry environment can influence this itching. Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the cold winter months, to keep your cat’s skin hydrated.

Seeing your cat scratching excessively can be worrying. However, with the right knowledge, veterinary advice and proper care, you can help your feline heal and return to its pleasant hygiene habits.

Sources: