Dry Skin in Cats
Can be dramatically reduced by using Omega 3 fatty acids



Dry skin in cats can result in your pets skin becoming scaly and resembling dandruff, and there is not one single condition that may be the cause.

Instead, there can be several causes than can range from mild to something much more sinister that may threaten your cat health.

Most owners make the mistake of placing the blame on dry skin in your cat as the result of the lack of omega-3 fatty acids or frequent bathing.

However, the drying of your cats skin can be the first sign you see of something much more serious that is happening to your cat.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

The lack of omega-3 fatty acids is one of the more common causes of dry skin in cats and is almost always the result of a poor diet that you are feeding your pet.

One of Omega-3 fatty acids major roles in your cat is in its function of producing skin cells.

Low quality cat foods that do not supply enough omega-3 fatty acids can easy result in dry skin in you are not also supplementing these critical nutrients.

However, there is also another dietary problem that can cause dry skin; too much tuna.

COMMON CAUSES OF DRY SKIN IN CATS

Too much tuna in your cat’s diet will deplete the levels of Vitamin E in your cats system, which also results in dry and flaky skin.

Frequent Bathing

Another common cause of dry skin in cats is bathing your cat too often. Cats by nature are perhaps the most tedious animals alive and they are extremely proficient at cleaning themselves.

Bathing your cat is essential in removing grease, dirt, and oil form their coat periodically; however, there are several shampoos that can actually harm your cat.

Shampoos that contain any type of soap will strip the essential oils from your their hair coat, especially if you do not use moisturizers or natural treatments.

Although these are the most common causes, there are several other potential causes, and some of them can be very serious for your cats overall health.

If your cat does develop dry skin, it should be taken very seriously as it can be something much more sinister.

Seborrhea

Blue Eyes in catsOmega 3 fatty acids can easily beat dry skin in cats

Dry skin in cats may be the result of a condition known as Seborrhea. It can very easily result in scales developing form the dryness, depending on the type.

This skin condition can cause extremely dry skin or completely the opposite; very oily skin that has an extremely foul odor.

It can be the result of two conditions: inherited or secondary.

If it is inherited, you will see it develop usually after the first year of your cat’s life. If it is secondary, it can occur at any time and is usually the result of another disease your cat has or is developing.

FeLV or Feline leukemia virus, FIP, which is Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIV, Feline immunodeficiency virus, may be the actual underlying cause of your cats dry skin.

It may also be the result of ringworm that have infected your cat. The most effective treatment for Seborrhea is with fatty acids as well as medicated shampoos that do not contain soap.

Ring Worms

The next potential underlying cause of dry skin in cats is from ring worms as the result of one of several fungal infections.

This form of dry skin will produce severe scaling, hair loss, as well as intermediate crusting areas of their skin.

Treatment for this form of dry skin can be quite an ordeal and will involve lime sulfur dips as well as anti-fungal treatments.

If your cat does develop this disease, they may also have to be given a ringworm vaccine to prevent further developments as it is a very nasty infection.

Cheyletiella

Cheyletiella may also be the underlying cause of the dry skin in your cat and is also known as rabbit fur mange.

It is caused by an infection of the Cheyletiella mite and is very common in wild animals, but it can also infect your cat, especially if the roam at all.

It causes itching, scaling skin, as well as hair loss if it is severe enough.

MORE POTENTIAL CAUSES

The most effective treatment with this disease is with Pyrethrin, which is a common ingredient in flea and tick products.

However, before this is given to your cat, request that they be tested, as it can be toxic to some cats.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

The next potential cause of dry skin in cats is also one of the most common, and is known as flea allergy dermatitis, or flea bite hypersensitivity.

It is the result of a reaction in your cat to the saliva of the flea itself, and is extremely dangerous.

It can and does do a lot more than just cause dry skin as it can cause intense itching, redness, and hair loss.

However, it can also cause papules, crusting, as well as scaling, which can very easy lead to hot spots.

Treatment for this condition will include flea control in your cat, as well as steroids and antihistamines.

Malassezia

This potential cause of dry skin in cats usually causes itching, redness as well as hair loss, and even though your cat’s skin is extremely dry, greasy scalps in their skin will develop as well.

If it is not treated and reoccurs in your cat, it can also result in hyper-pigmentation in your pet’s skin.

It is almost always the result of another underlying disease, and it can be treated with medicated shampoos but the underlying disease must also be identified and treated.

Cushings Disease

The next underlying cause of dry skin in cats is from Cushings disease, which is caused by an increase in corticosteroids in your cats body as they are overproducing it.

However in can also be the result of high dosages given by your veterinarian.

Corticosteroids should always be discussed in detail with your veterinarian as they can have several side effects, and this is one of them.

Be very, very careful with this treatment and get a second opinion if your veterinarian does recommend them.

This is a very wicked disease and does a lot more damage than just causing dry skin.

It can also cause massive hair loss, thinning of your cats skin, and as a result, they will begin to bruise very easily.

It also causes hyper-pigmentation, black heads, and the most telling of all of its symptoms; a potbellied appearance.

It is in most cases the result of glandular tumors that can be treated in some situations, but in most cases they will have to be surgically removed.

However, the list does not end here. The cause of the dry skin in your cat may also be the result of Demodectic mange, Hypothyroidism, Lupus, or Mosquito bite sensitivity.

Summary

Dry skin in cats is commonly something simple such as the lack of omega-3 fatty acids or the wrong shampoo, but it can just as commonly be the result of an underlying disease your cat is developing.

In several cases, it is the first sign that you have that something is terribly wrong with your cat.

Because of this, it should be treated very seriously and checked quickly by a professional.

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