LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Skin Rash Advice

From LoveToKnow Cats

Past Questions

Question: I recently took in a kitten whose mother abandoned her. She eats and drinks really well, but she doesn't seem to be growing like a normal kitten. I've seen no signs of worms in her stool. Also, now she is covered in itchy bumps, mainly over her belly and legs. It seems that these bumps ooze. She seems miserable. Any suggestions on what could be causing this condition would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. - Posted by: trishandlisa@bellsouth.net

Answer: Hi Trish,

Poor kitten. It sounds like she's really been through an ordeal. It's so good of you to take her on and to love her. It is probably just fleas or another parasite causing her discomfort with the bumps, but my biggest concern is that she does not seem to be growing. I think you really need to take her to the vet for a well-kitten checkup. Also, the vet will be able to update her on her shots and talk to you about when to spay her.

If you are on a budget, many of the local animal shelters will offer clinics to help with this type of things. Or call vets in the area and try to find one that works on a sliding scale. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat has a small (about 1/4 of an inch) movable cyst-like lump, on his cheek, about 1/2 inch from the corner of his mouth. Could this be a gland, and should I be concerned if it doesn't seem to be getting bigger? Thank you! - Posted by: nhadous@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Nedra,

I would take him to the vet and find out for certain. It may just be a fatty tumor or a cyst, but if it is cancerous and you leave it, the cancer can spread to other parts of his body. It would be better to be certain, than to risk letting it go.

The vet will likely take a small sample of the tissue and test it in a slide under a microscope. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have seven beautiful cats. They all appear healthy, but I'm beginning to see some white dandruff on the back near the tail on a couple of my cats. The long haired cat especially has the dandruff. What is it? How do I treat it? Is it contagious? Thanks. - Posted by: teachingkids1234@wowway.com

Answer: Hi Sharon,

The dandruff we sometimes see on our cats is the same type of dandruff you see on humans. It is caused by dry, scaly skin and is probably more noticeable on the long-haired cat because of fur color.

The dry skin is caused by any number of things, from the quality of cat food, to allergic reactions to things such as new carpeting, to the humidity in your home.

Since it is currently winter, I am betting on the humidity and would suggest you invest in a good humidifier. It will help your skin as well and will cut down on the static electricity.

Dandruff can also be caused by parasites so you may want to double check for fleas.

Most of the time, the dandruff will clear up with some minor changes in diet and environment. If you notice the condition worsening or the cat digging at his or her skin, you should take him or her to the vet as the cat may have a parasite that is not able to be seen by the naked eye. The vet will be able to treat any such conditions easily. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Am I allergic to my cat, or could it be the cat litter? My only symptom is watering, tearing and red eyes that diminish about four hours after I am out of my house. Any suggestions? The doctor thought I had conjunctivitis and treated it, but it didn't help. I wake in the morning fine, but within an hour the eyes start watering. I've cleaned the litter box by then too. - Posted by: amarsza@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Diane,

It does sound like you have an allergy, but it is hard to say if it is to the cat, or the litter, or something else entirely.

I would probably try to think about what has changed in the time since your eyes started watering. Have you brought any potpourri into your home? I once got deathly ill from a cinnamon broom.

Did you change the brand of cat litter? You may want to try switching to a different brand. Remember to switch in 25 percent stages, by mixing 25 percent of the new with 75 percent of the old for a few days, then switching to 50 percent and 50 percent and so on.

Finally, if you are allergic to your cat, there are some things you can do that might lessen your allergies, such as:

Giving the cat a weekly bath
Feeding the cat a special, high quality food
Changing your furnace filters and buying a high quality air filter
Keeping the cat out of the room you sleep in

I hope you're able to find the source of your problem and find a solution. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hello, I was just wondering about my two-year-old female cat, who is getting scabs under her chin. It also appears that her bottom lip swells. It does go away, but then it will surface again. I thought it could be herpes, but after reading about they symptoms of herpes, it doesn't seem to be that. Her eyes are without discharge, and are clear. The scabs are not painful from what I can tell, as she will let me touch it and clean it without a problem. She's had this come and go since I first got her at six weeks old. Thanks for any advice you can give. - Posted by: kimberleyann25@yahoo.ca

Answer: Hi Kim,

Just like humans, some cats are more prone to feline acne than others. The acne is a condition that comes and goes, although it is not usually as pronounced as you are describing.

There is also a rare condition called Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, which causes similar symptoms to what you are describing. The most common cause of the condition is thought to be allergies, but can also be caused by parasites. I found a picture of the condition on the Mar Vista Animal Hospital site.

The condition seems to respond to Cortison shots, so you'll want to take your cat to the vet for further analysis and treatment options. - posted by:LoriSoard