Home Remedies for Cat Scabs
There might come a point in your cat’s life when you see them excessively grooming themselves. Although it’s part of their usual routine, too much licking and scratching indicates itchiness and a potential underlying skin condition. As a responsible feline owner, it is essential to determine why this is happening instead of promptly using home remedies to treat your cat.
If you don’t know what’s causing the irritation, you risk making the condition worse with DIY treatments. Discovering the root cause of your cat’s itchiness can be tricky, but we’re here to help you determine the source of your pet’s woes.
Why Is Your Cat Itchy?
Itching is not a disease per se, but it could be a sign that there is something wrong with your cat. The most common reasons for feline itching are fleas, parasites, and allergies. Although itchiness is not necessarily life-threatening, it is still important to check with your veterinarian to rule out any significant health issues.
Signs of itching include excessive licking, scratching or biting. These behaviors can lead to hot spots, hair loss, and skin infections. Let’s discuss the common culprits for cat itching:
Flea Bites
The most common reason why your cat itches are fleas. Cats are meticulous groomers, so it can be hard to detect fleas since your pet may remove all traces of them. But there is one thing you can do, and that is to look for flea “dirt,” or the digested blood that these pests leave behind. Flea dirt will look like small, black flakes on your cat’s skin.
To identify flea dirt, simply put the residue on a wet paper towel. If it dissolves and turns red, then it’s definitely flea dirt. If it stays the same color, it’s just regular dirt.
Parasites
Aside from fleas, skin parasites such as mites, ticks, and ringworms can also be the culprit for your cat itching. Spotting parasites can be tricky, and you may need your veterinarian’s help. Let them conduct skin scrapes to accurately diagnose your cat.
Food Allergies
Just like humans, felines may also suffer from skin irritations due to certain foods they eat. Did you recently change your cat’s diet? They may be allergic to their new food. Or, they may also develop hypersensitivity to the food they usually eat—anything is possible.
Signs of irritation from food allergies are hair loss around their face or neck. Scabs are common as well. Some cats may also suffer from upset stomach, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Behavioral Reasons
It is normal to see your cat clean themselves most of the day. However, this can turn into a compulsive habit if the cat gets bored, stressed, or anxious. Indoor cats have a higher chance of suffering from these mental issues since they get less physical exercise and mental stimulation than outdoor cats.
Your cat may develop compulsive grooming behavior if you recently changed their environment, such as moving to a new house or adding another member to your family. It is best to have your cat checked by the veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis.
Environmental Allergies
Aside from food allergies, cats may develop skin irritation from exposure to allergens in their environment. Atopic Dermatitis, or red and itchy skin, usually happens in response to environmental triggers, and it can occur at any time of the year. Some cats may experience it during spring or fall, while others develop sensitivities because of the dry winter air.
Your cat’s allergies may be triggered by dust mites, dirt, and human or canine dander. Signs that your cat is suffering from environmental allergies include bald tummies, ear and skin infections, and excessive grooming. Some may also experience runny noses, watery eyes, congestion, inflamed paws, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If your cat has these symptoms, visit your veterinarian so they can provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Natural Home Remedies for Cat’s With Itchy Skin
After determining the reason for your cat’s itchy skin, you can now proceed with the next step: treatment. Aside from prescription and over-the-counter medicines, several home remedies are proven to be effective at treating cat scabs and itchy skin.
Home Remedies for Itchy Cats (General)
Homemade baths are a huge help in relieving a cat’s itch. Adding peppermint, pennyroyal, and rosemary is proven to soothe itching caused by fleas and dry skin. If your cat hates water, adding catnip or aloe can help them stay still. Keep in mind that essential oils may be dangerous to cats if they ingest them, so only use small amounts and monitor their reactions carefully.
Aside from dips and baths, getting your cat more exercise and providing them with mental stimulation helps relieve their stress. Play with them and keep them busy with toys so they don’t resort to licking and scratching.
Home Remedies for Fleas and Parasites
Lemons - Dilute lemon juice with water and put it on a spray bottle. Spray a small amount on your cat’s affected areas, making sure to avoid spraying the solution in their eyes. The citric acid present in lemons effectively kills fleas. Be sure to closely monitor their skin for further irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Mixing apple cider vinegar and water with a ratio of 2:1 may be effective in treating your cat. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on your cat’s skin. Cedar Chips - Fleas hate the smell of cedar chips. Try putting some on your cat’s sleeping and play area.
Itchy Cat Home Remedies for Food Allergies
The most common ingredients that may trigger allergies on your cats are beef, corn, dairies, lamb, seafood, soy, and wheat. Avoid adding these to your cat’s diet. Instead, choose organic, grain-free foods and treats. To see if the diet change is effective, avoid giving your cat medications during the transitioning period.
If you’re still having trouble finding out the culprit of your cat’s allergy, seek your veterinarian’s help.
Home Remedies for Environmental Allergies
Environment allergies are hard to determine since there are so many potential triggers. You may need to conduct testing with your vet’s help. However, there are ways to avoid exposure to environmental allergens:
- Clean your house with a vacuum cleaner. Make sure your cat is not in the area where you’re cleaning
- If your cat is up for it, regular baths with anti-itch shampoo will help
- Keep pollen, grass, and dust out of your house
- Visit your veterinarian for regular check-ups
Related Article: Cat Bad Breath Home Remedies
Preventing a Cat’s Itchy Skin with Home Remedies
Now, you’ve learned some of the home remedies that can alleviate your cat’s itchy skin. Just be sure to figure out why your cat is itchy before taking any action. If you’re still unsure where to start, it is best to seek your vet’s help.