What this means
A healthy cat's skin is thin, soft and moves easily. If in some places it begins to look or feel thicker, firmer, wrinkled or rough, often together with flakes, crusts or thinning fur, the skin has changed. Because of the coat, the change is often noticed only when you run a hand over it or part the hair.
Skin usually thickens after a longer period of inflammation or constant irritation, such as from scratching or licking. But there may be several causes, including less common immune-driven skin diseases or other illnesses lying deeper in the body. So do not assume it is an allergy or fleas, and the cause cannot be told by looking.
Thickened skin does not always hurt or itch in itself, but if your cat is also eating less, losing weight or has become quieter, the problem may lie beyond the skin. Note where and since when the skin changed, and have a vet see your cat.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your cat.
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Long-standing inflammation or irritation
When skin stays inflamed or irritated for a long time, it can thicken. Constant scratching or licking can be one source of irritation.
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Inflammation of the hair follicles
A less common immune-driven condition in which the follicles are damaged, the skin flakes, thickens and may crust over. It can also be a sign of another illness.
About the condition: Lymphocytic mural folliculitis -
Allergy
Itching from an allergy that goes on for a long time can change the skin. It is one possible cause, not the only one.
About the condition: Food and seasonal allergies -
Skin infection or parasites
A fungus, bacteria or parasites can change the skin over time. Some infections can pass to other animals and to people.
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Internal illness
Sometimes skin changes go with another illness lying deeper in the body. Appetite, weight or activity may change at the same time.
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Another cause of skin change
Other causes can thicken skin too, and only a vet can tell them apart after examining the cat and doing tests.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Where the skin is thickened: head, neck, around the eyes or elsewhere
- Whether there is flaking, crusting, redness or bald patches there
- Whether your cat scratches or licks the spot
- Whether the skin there is sore or hot
- Whether appetite, weight or activity has changed
- Whether it is quieter than usual
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit if you notice your cat's skin has thickened or changed, especially with flakes, crusts, hair loss, reduced appetite or listlessness. If it is not eating or is very weak, go straight away.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: Skin and coat