Nothing is worse than having an itch you can never scratch. Think back to the last time you had poison ivy or a nasty mosquito bite — the more you scratch it, the worse it feels. The same thing happens to our feline friends! This itching sensation is called pruritus, a common problem for cats.
Cats who experience pruritus will often lick or scratch the area excessively, exacerbating the issue and leading to raw, dry skin and inflammation — and more itching. Getting to the cause of the problem is critical.
Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. Sometimes it takes serious detective work (and a few visits to your local vet) to find the culprit.
We’ve done a lot of the work for you — gathering a list of the top 7 causes of itching in cats and solutions to help your fur baby find relief and end the itching cycle for good.
Parasites
External parasites (often hard to see with the naked eye) could be living on your cat. Even indoor cats could be susceptible to fleas and mites. Eradicating a parasitic infection is essential, as these annoying, itch-inducing creatures could spread to your other cats, dogs, or even you.
Fleas
“Cat fleas” love to hide in your feline friend’s thick, fluffy coat, often leaving behind “flea dust” as evidence of their feast. Fleas cause cats to itch and scratch excessively and are present in 50% of itching cases.
Certain cats have hypersensitivity to fleas and will experience extreme itching after just one or two bites. This is called flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) and is an allergic reaction to flea saliva.
Note: Mosquito bite hypersensitivity is similar to FAD and could cause an allergic reaction in certain cats.
Solutions:
- Give your cats (even indoor ones) regular flea-control treatments to help keep these microscopic pests at bay.
- Regularly inspect your cat for fleas. You can get a small flea comb and check their skin for any flea dust left behind. Check along the spine, neck, and base of the tail. Remember, just because you don’t see any evidence of fleas doesn’t mean they’re not there!
- Itching around the base of the tail or the back half of the body is a good sign that fleas are present. You can also check for red, sore skin.
- Take your cat to the vet if you cannot fight off the fleas at home. The vet may prescribe a shampoo or pet-safe insecticide to fight off the infestation.
- Complete eradication of fleas from bedding and carpets, the affected cat, and any other animals in the home is the best solution to any flea infestation. However, this is especially important if your cat is diagnosed with FAD.
Mites
Mites can infest cats, leading to an inflammatory disease called mange, characterized by flaking skin, hair loss, and excessive itching. Mite infestation is especially prevalent in cats that are allowed to go outdoors. Ear mites, in particular, are prevalent and often lead to excess ear debris and odor.
While most mites are too small to see, harvest mites are visible to the naked eye due to their bright orange coloring. These specific mites often crop up in late summer and autumn.
Solution:
- Vets will usually take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope to check for the presence of mites. They may also take a stool sample or blood test, depending on the situation.
- Many flea treatments can also eradicate mites, so some veterinarians may prescribe flea medication to treat the mites.
- Lime sulfur is a common topical medication often used for mite control.
- Ask your vet about cleaning tips to kill any mites on furniture, carpet, or blankets.
- If you suspect your cat has mites, it’s essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Mange is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate without professional treatment.
Allergies
Just like humans, cats can develop allergies that lead to itching. It can often be hard to pinpoint the culprit, but finding the root cause is vital in helping your cat get relief.
Food allergy or intolerance
Yes, cats can be allergic to their food. It will often be a food you’ve been giving them for a long time. Allergies can seemingly develop out of nowhere and are usually caused by proteins in cat food such as fish, dairy, or beef.
Food allergies can cause itching along with gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
Solutions:
- You can try switching your cat’s food if you suspect an allergic reaction. However, it is often simpler to get guidance from a veterinarian.
- To test for food allergies, vets prescribe a hypoallergenic diet and will ask you to track your cat’s itching behavior for six to eight weeks. The results will help provide information regarding further treatment needed or food avoidance.
Seasonal/environmental allergies
Atopy is an allergic skin condition caused by environmental allergens like house dust, mold, or pollen. This condition causes pruritus and is often related to seasonal or regional allergens.
Solution:
- Some clinics offer intradermal skin testing to check for allergies, but it can be inconclusive and provide false results.
- Atopy usually won’t go away independently and will require regular treatment. In extreme cases, cats may need long-term corticosteroid shots or cyclosporine medication.
Contact allergies
Though not as common as other causes of itching in cats, contact allergens could be to blame for your kitty going crazy with their back leg. Cat litter, certain fabrics, dyes, laundry detergent, plants, or cleaning materials could all cause undue itchiness.
Solutions:
- This is where you’ll need to go into full detective mode. If you suspect a contact allergen, start with where your cat spends the most time, such as their favorite blanket or couch cushion. Try switching laundry detergent or cleaning products until you find the culprit.
Infections
Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections could all contribute to pruritus. Generally, after ruling out parasites, vets will check for signs of infection. Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is the most common infection behind feline itching and contributes to hair loss, inflamed skin, and excessive grooming.
Solutions:
- Unexplained excessive itching is always worth a trip to the vet. They will perform tests to check for infection, such as skin or stool samples.
- Antibiotics and topical medications prescribed by a vet will help clear up lingering infections.
Dry skin
Low-quality cat food is often lacking in fatty acids and other vitamins essential for skin and coat health. Over time, these nutritional deficiencies lead to dry, flaky skin and itchiness.
Outdoor winter air, indoor heating systems, chronic health conditions, and old age are all culprits contributing to dry skin and pruritus.
Solutions:
- Feeding your cat a healthy, well-balanced diet is usually the best way to combat dry skin. Give them real food with no added chemicals, dyes, or preservatives.
- Consider installing a humidifier if you live in a dry climate. This is especially beneficial for indoor cats.
Behavioral or mental health
Underlying mental health issues like anxiety often contribute to unnecessary itching. If you’ve ruled out every other possibility and cannot determine a physical cause, the pruritus is likely due to a stressful situation, anxiety, or boredom.
Sometimes major life changes such as a move, new routine, or new person in the house can cause cats to become stressed and start itching or licking excessively. They use this grooming as a coping mechanism and may lick or scratch until their skin is red and inflamed.
Solutions:
- Indoor cats are particularly susceptible to behavioral-related itching. Give them plenty of toys and attention.
- Try to provide as much structure and routine as possible, and see a vet if your cat still shows signs of anxiety after a few weeks. They may be able to help with medications or supplements.
At-home remedies for itching in cats
We’ve covered the most common solutions for particular causes of itching in cats, but how can you provide them relief while you get to the bottom of the situation or wait for a vet visit?
Here are our top at-home remedies to soothe your kitty’s itching skin:
Calming bath
While bathing a cat is no easy task, sometimes it’s necessary to help reduce the constant itching. Use a gentle, natural cat shampoo specifically formulated for dry skin and itch relief. Over-the-counter options containing colloidal oatmeal are a great place to start. If that’s not effective, many vets sell medicated shampoos that could prove beneficial in extreme cases.
Home flea treatment
As mentioned above, getting your cat on a regular flea treatment regimen is important. It is crucial for prevention as well as treatment. Even if your cat never leaves your house, it can still get fleas. Fleas can be tough to eradicate, but you can avoid them entirely by staying on top of flea treatments.
Itching is one of the most common health issues plaguing cats, and it can sometimes be tricky to find the cause. However, taking the time to investigate and address the issue will help your cat feel better and return to normal in no time.
