What it is
Healthy skin is a protective barrier, and the coat keeps the cat warm and helps it sense its surroundings. When the barrier is damaged by flea bites, an allergy to food or something in the environment, a fungus or other causes, the skin becomes inflamed and itchy, and the cat licks and scratches it all the more.
Cats spend a good part of every day washing, so licking too much is easy to mistake for tidiness. Look more closely if the fur on the belly, thighs or flanks thins evenly, as if it had been clipped: it can mean the cat is licking it off itself.
Skin changes can also be linked to an illness inside the body or to stress, and some fungi can pass to people and other animals, so a vet will help find the cause.
Signs you may notice
- Scratches or chews its fur
- Licks too much
- Bald patches
- Dandruff or scabs
- Red skin
- Dull or greasy coat
A cat scratches, licks or chews its fur too much, and bald patches, dandruff, scabs or red skin appear. The coat may turn dull, greasy or smell unpleasant.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat has been scratching for more than a few days, bald patches or small sores appear, or its coat looks different.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.