Cats may be extremely clean creatures, but they are as vulnerable to skin problems as anyone else. And their behaviour can also cause their condition to worsen, like scratching, compulsive chewing and licking, and hair loss.
Here are some common skin problems in cats, as compiled by PetMD.com:
Fleas
This is perhaps the most common of all. Like many warm-blooded mammals, cats are susceptible to the itchy bite of the common flea. Aside from being a nuisance for cats and people, fleas are also a means of transmitting parasites like tapeworms.
To counter this, there is a wide array of topical, oral, and environmental products that exist to kill fleas. It is also important to treat furniture, bedding, and carpeting because if your cat has fleas, they are sure to exist around you as well.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are most commonly seen in young cats. Cats infected with ear mites may show only mild symptoms of ear canal irritation. They also appear extremely itchy, pawing and scratching at their ears and shaking their head. This can lead to bursting blood vessels.
If you observe that your cat has this, immediately go to the vet for a check-up and treatment. Ear mites are very contagious so if you have more than one cat, have all of them visit the vet.
Ringworm
Ringworm (or dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection very common in cats. The most common species of ringworm can also be transmitted between cats, dogs, and people. Because of their fur, it is more difficult to spot ringworms in cats than in people. Symptoms include scaly skin and round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. Lesions are most commonly seen on the head, chest, along the back, and on the forelegs.
Ringworm is treated with a combination with topical antifungal shampoos and oral antifungal agents. The environment, including furniture, bedding, combs, and bowls, have to be treated as well because fungal spores can remain dormant in the environment for months.