Khujli Se Pareshan! (Troubled by Itching!): Understanding Your Cat’s Skin Problems 😼

 

Our cats are usually very clean and meticulous about their grooming. So, when you see your feline friend scratching, licking, or losing patches of hair (baal jhadna), it’s a huge red flag that their skin (twacha) is in trouble.

Cat skin issues are incredibly common, but the good news is that most are treatable, provided you catch them early. If your cat is constantly having khujli (itching), here’s what might be happening:

 

Part 1: The Three Main Culprits (The Most Common Reasons)

 

Most cat skin problems in India trace back to three major issues:

 

1. The Flea Menace (Flea Allergy Dermatitis – FAD)

 

• The Problem: It’s not the flea bite itself; it’s the allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva. Just one tiny bite can make an allergic cat intensely itchy for weeks!
• Signs: Severe scratching, red bumps, and hair loss, especially near the base of the tail and neck.
• Solution: Year-round, vet-recommended flea control is essential. You must control fleas even if you don’t see them!

2. The Daad (Ringworm) Fungal Infection

• The Problem: This is a highly contagious fungal infection (not an actual worm!) that can easily spread to other pets and humans in the family.
• Signs: Circular patches of hair loss, scaly or crusty skin, often on the head, ears, or legs.
• Solution: Requires antifungal medication from the vet and deep cleaning of the cat’s bedding and environment to prevent reinfection.

3. Food and Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

• The Problem: Your cat’s immune system overreacts to something they eat (khana) or something in their environment (like dust, pollen, or mould).
• Signs: Chronic, generalised itching all over, small crusty bumps (miliary dermatitis), or even ulcers on the mouth (eosinophilic complex).
• Solution: Requires a vet to play detective—often through an elimination diet (switching foods) or medication to calm the immune system.

 

Part 2: Other Common Skin Issues

 

The Most Important Tip: Prevention and Action 🚨

Don’t ignore the scratch! Unlike a mild human itch, constant cat scratching means they are in real distress and can quickly lead to painful, chronic infections.

• Regular Grooming: Brush your cat often to remove loose hair and spot any lumps or bumps early.
• Flea Protection: Year-round! Ask your vet for the best product (spot-on or tablet) for your cat.
• Clean Bowls: Switch all plastic food and water bowls to stainless steel or ceramic and clean them daily to prevent acne.
• Vet Check-ups: Any persistent itching, hair loss, or strange odour needs a vet visit. Only they can accurately diagnose the primary cause (allergy, parasite, or fungus) and give you the right medicine!