Why Is My Cat So Itchy? Common Causes of Itchy Cats

Itchiness in cats is one of the most common complaints of feline pet parents, but it is often hard to determine the cause. Watching your cat itch, lick, and scratch endlessly is not easy for you and understandably uncomfortable for them Curicyn is here to help. This blog will explore the causes of cat itchiness and how you can help your kitty feel more comfortable.

External Parasites

With the summer weather in full force, heat and humidity are a bug’s best friend. Fleas are the most common culprit of itchiness in cats, and in some cats, even a single bite can trigger an allergic reaction, known as flea allergy dermatitis. In these cases, your cat may suffer from such intense skin irritation that they damage their skin or remove their hair by scratching so much.

Mites are highly contagious, and several types cause itchiness in cats. Ear mites make their home inside the ear canal, and skin mites burrow under your cat’s skin and lay their eggs. Mite droppings are a skin irritant, causing bumps on your cat’s skin. When your cat licks or scratches their itchy skin or ears, it can cause skin damage, resulting in skin lesions over the entire body, including swelling, redness, hair loss, and crusty or oozing areas.

Most veterinarians recommend topical flea prevention products to prevent fleas, mites, and flea allergy dermatitis in cats. However, you can protect your cat better by adding Curicyn BodyGuard Spray to repel fleas and mites before they can bite your cat.

Allergies

Another common cause of itchiness in cats is seasonal allergies, or atopy, caused by environmental factors, such as grasses, weeds, mold spores, pollen, house dust mites, and trees. Although people typically react to these allergens by developing respiratory symptoms, cats’ allergic response is itchy, irritated skin.

Some cats are intensely allergic seasonally, more often from spring to fall, while others are allergic year-round. In addition, allergies do not usually improve with age. If your pet’s scratching is so intense that they end up with open wounds*, Curicyn Wound Care Clay can help soothe the itch and promote healing with no need for a bandage.

Cats with allergies are often affected by hot spots. A hot spot is a raw, red, and constantly oozing sore that starts with itchiness, continues with non-stop licking, and doesn’t stop even when no hair is left. To protect your cat’s skin and provide relief from hot spots, use Curicyn Hot Spot Formula, which works on contact to ease inflammation, prevent infection, and speed healing.

Bacterial & Yeast Infections

Although skin infections in cats are less common, they can still happen. Bacterial or yeast infections usually occur secondary to another skin irritant, such as allergies, insect bites, or autoimmune diseases. Once excessive scratching damages the skin, an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast can take hold, causing itchiness and discomfort.

To keep bacterial infections at bay, if your cat is itchy or has skin sores or dry patches, reach for our Original Wound & Skin Care Formula. This non-toxic spray is designed to help expedite the healing process and can be used on any area of your cat’s skin, including their face and ears. It will not burn or sting and can help heal skin irritations, scratches, and wounds caused by itchiness in your cat.

Itchiness in cats makes them miserable and can lead to additional skin problems if left unhandled. Luckily, Curicyn products can help prevent itchiness, ease their symptoms, and help heal other related issues.

*Seek veterinary care in severe cases