The sight of a cat who can sit quietly, without biting his skin and chewing is considered quite a rare sight for a cat lover. This is so because our furry friends though extremely sweet and affection, are quite destructive towards their own bodies. Cats’ love licking their bodies to a major extent going on to the extent of biting their fur as well just like dogs. Though it may seem like a natural desire for a novice, the reality behind the situation is quite unnerving in comparison. The main reason for this tendency of our pets to scratch themselves points towards itchiness which has been identified as one of the major areas of concern for a pet parent according to vets. Let’s take a close look at some of the critical causes which result in itchiness in pets:
- Allergic Skin Diseases: Such diseases have been identified as one of the most common causes of seasonal or chronic itchiness in pets. Pets usually display symptoms like scabs, pustules, ear infections or even scratching in case they come in contact with an allergen inhaled, contacted, injected or even absorbed in one or many locations on the body.
- Fleas: These parasites are a major cause of illness in the daily lives of our furry animals. Flea bites have been known to be extremely itchy in nature but an allergy to flea bites can prove to be even more harmful with even a tiny amount of flea saliva resulting in intense discomfort for pets.
- Bacterial Infection: Bacteria can prove to be extremely harmful to pets out there as the skin of animals tends to get extremely itchy when in contact with bacteria. Allergic skin diseases have also been identified as the leading reason behind chronic bacteria-linked skin infections in cats as well as dogs.
- Ringworm Infection: The fungal infection is referred to as dermatophytosis and can prove to be extremely itchy in nature for our pets.
- Steps which can be undertaken to prevent Itching: There are several steps which can be undertaken by pet parents who wish to safeguard their pets from Itching as a whole. Here are some of those measures:
1) Ensure a regular bath for your pet if he seems to be unusually itchy: A bath can prove to be extremely effective in safeguarding your dear pet from itching or irritation of any kind. There are several shampoos which have proven to be extremely effective in safeguarding the health of our pets from any form of itching. At the same time, it is quite necessary to ensure taking a step only after proper consultation with an experienced vet. It is also not advisable to cut costs by attempting to use human care products on your dear pets.
2) Cleanliness is Godliness: It is necessary to ensure that your pet is spick and span at every stage and does not get exposed to a lot of dust or worms which may result in an increased tendency to start scratching himself. One should ensure that the pet’s hair is well-kept from all sides with the length of the fur also regulated well at all intervals.
3)The utilization of Sprays and Powders: Therapies like Powders and relief sprays have proved to be quite effective in nature with regard to gaining relief from any form of irritation. At the same time, the application should be carried out judiciously in order to ensure optimum benefits.
Treatment:
In order to gain relief from itchiness for your cat, one can invest faith in a range of treatments from oral medication to long-term treatment with immunotherapy and restricted diets likely to be prescribed as well.
It is necessary to take the necessary steps at the right time to ensure that itchiness which can prove to be a disturbing element ceases to impact your pet as soon as possible.