It’s natural to find your cat grooming from time to time. However, if you found it scratching more than usual, to the point of causing visible damage to the skin, it’s likely due to a deeper underlying issue.
The odd scratch is fine, but if you find your catch scratching every few minutes or chewing and nibbling at their coat, something is wrong.
In that scenario, you’ll find yourself wondering, “Why is my cat itching so much?” Penny Paws Animal Clinic, home to the most experienced veterinarians in Mansfield, TX, covers some of the most likely causes you need to know about in this post.
Environmental Allergies
Cats can develop allergies to airborne substances such as pollen or dust mites—a condition known as atopic dermatitis. These environmental allergens will throw your cat’s immune system off balance, leading to problems such as itching and scratching.
These allergic reactions can occur during specific seasons and they may also be chronic, appearing randomly throughout the year.
Food Allergies
You may not have thought about it before, but your cat can indeed have food allergies. The signs of reaction to a food allergy can appear in different ways, including itching around the head, neck, ears, and face. However, food allergies rarely cause itching alone. You may also notice other signs like:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rashes and sores
- Coughing
- Sneezing and wheezing
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
Some of the most common causes of food allergies in cats include fish, chicken, beef, and dairy products. They also don’t have to eat full meals of these food products to come down with allergic reactions. Just a few nibbles can trigger the reactions in some cases.
Contact Allergies
Some cats can develop allergic reactions when they touch or rub their body against an allergic ingredient. It’s easy to spot contact allergies because the itching will focus on a particular part of the body (usually where the touch occurred).
Some causes of contact allergies in cats include flea collars, shampoos, topicals, and some specific types of bedding. So, if you are wondering, “Why is my cat itching so much?” you should probably check the grooming products you’re using.
Side Effects of Medications
Is your cat undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism? The severe itching may be a side effect of methimazole, a medication that is usually a part of the treatment plan. Other medications, including those you use because you understand the importance of prevention, may also cause similar reactions.
So, if you notice itching around the head and face while your cat is undergoing treatment, that’s a sign that your cat is reacting to the medication(s).
Parasitic Infestations
Ectoparasites are a major cause of itchiness in cats. A flea infestation is often to blame most of the time in this case. A flea biting your cat leads to severe itchiness, licking, and scratching. The condition is known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Some cats are more tolerant to flea bites than others, but in extra sensitive cats, it only takes one or two bites for them to experience severe discomfort.
Keep in mind that you may not see these parasites on your cat. They often jump off the cat shortly after a bite. If you ever notice multiple fleas on your cat, you’re dealing with a major infestation.
If your cat is scratching their neck, base of the tail, back, head, and hind legs, there’s a high chance it’s dealing with FAD. Check those areas to see if you can spot any bugs or signs of bites, and schedule an appointment with a vet right away.
Scabies mites and lice are other ectoparasites that can leave your cat in severe discomfort. However, they are rare causative organisms in healthy cats. However, your vet will check for these parasites if your cat has an immune system deficiency.
Fungal Infections
The most common fungal infection in cats is ringworm. It can affect cats of every age, sex, or breed. However, you’re more likely to notice it in breeds with long hair and in senior cats. These cats will scratch and overgroom for a long time.
Other symptoms that may point to your cat having ringworm include:
- Dandruff
- Changes in fur or skin color
- Circular areas of hair loss
- Irritated skin
- Crusty skin
Boredom or Stress
Excessive scratching doesn’t always indicate a physical issue. If none of the above causes apply to your cat’s situation, the itching may point to anxiety, stress, and boredom. Cats that are stressed or bored will chew or scratch more than relaxed or content cats.
Indoor cats are likely to develop the issue because they don’t get as much stimulation as those who spend more time outside.
When Is the Right Time to Go to the Veterinarian?
Your cat experiencing severe itch is a major issue. You’ll want to ensure you get to the root of the problem quickly. Otherwise, the cat may damage its skin and give room for other opportunistic infections to take root.
Ideally, you should visit the vet if your cat has been exhibiting signs of severe itching and discomfort for more than three days. If you notice scratching and other concerning symptoms like visible fleas, you should consider visiting the vet right away.
During your visit, the vet will complete physical and physiological checks to make a diagnosis. They may recommend diagnostic tests for complex cases with symptoms that also point to other diseases.
Most treatments for itchy cats are topical—especially when they are due to one-off insect bites. The vet will recommend anti-itch creams or shampoos you can use after bathing your cat. However, severe cases of fungal infections or parasitic infestations may require a more elaborate treatment plan.
Get Treatment for Your Cat at Penny Paws Animal Clinic
Are you still asking, “Why is my cat itching so much?” Are you looking for a veterinarian clinic in Mansfield, TX, that you can trust for accurate diagnosis and treatment for an over-grooming cat?
The team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic can help. Call us today at (817) 993-1234 or visit our contact page to schedule treatment!