Is Your Cat Scratching? If you are a cat owner, you know that scratching is a natural behavior for cats. After all, it’s a way for them to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and keep their claws in good condition. However, if you notice your cat scratching excessively, it could be a cause for concern.
And as a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this behavior and how to address it. Otherwise, your buddy will just keep on suffering in pain, which is something you will never want to happen.
Don’t worry; we have got you covered!
Here are a few common reasons why your cat might be scratching too much than usual.
Reason#1 Parasites
Is your cat scratching itself constantly all of a sudden? Well, it could be due to the pesky little critters called parasites. These tiny insects can take residence on your cat’s fur and skin, causing all sorts of discomfort in their body.
In fact, they are a common culprit when it comes to causing all sorts of itching and irritation in cats. Common parasites that tend to affect cats are fleas and ticks, which can quickly spread to other pets in the household.
So, if you suspect your cat has parasites, it’s essential to act immediately. You can use products like BugMD Flea and Tick Concentrate, which can eliminate and prevent these pests from returning.
The best part? It’s a quick and easy solution that can bring relief to your cat in no time, along with preventing further irritation.
Reason#2 Food Allergies
Another reason why your cat might be scratching too much is food allergies. Just like humans, cats can also have allergic reactions to certain foods. So, if you find your cat constantly scratching, licking, or biting their skin, it’s worth checking their diet.
Common food allergens for cats include chicken, beef, dairy, grains, and fish. Hence, if you think that your cat has a food allergy, the best is to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend the right diet for your cat and perform tests to determine which foods your cat is allergic to.
Once you know which foods to avoid, you can switch to a diet that suits your cat’s needs while preventing the situation from getting out of hand.
Reason#3 Environmental Factors
Just like us humans, cats can get stressed out too. So, if your furry friend is feeling anxious or uneasy, they may take it out by scratching excessively. Environmental factors like moving to a new home, the presence of other pets or animals, loud noises, or even a new family member can all contribute to your cat’s stress levels.
Additionally, if your cat doesn’t have enough stimulation or toys to play with, they may resort to scratching as a way to relieve boredom.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to help reduce your cat’s stress levels and prevent excessive scratching. Ensure your cat has plenty of toys to play with and access to high perches and scratching posts.
And in case you have recently changed their surroundings or introduced new members into the home, try giving your cat some extra attention and affection to help them feel more secure and less anxious.
Reason#4 Bacterial and Yeast Infections
While scratching is natural for cats, excessive scratching can sometimes indicate a health issue. Bacterial and yeast infections are two common causes of excessive scratching in cats. Some common signs of a bacterial or yeast infection include red, inflamed skin and hair loss in the affected area.
So, if you suspect your cat may have a bacterial or yeast infection, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
They can diagnose the problem and prescribe medication to help clear up the infection and relieve your cat’s symptoms. In the meantime, you can help ease your cat’s discomfort by keeping their skin clean and dry and avoiding any harsh or irritating products like perfumes or detergents.
Reason#5 Dry Skin
Do you know your cat can also experience dry skin like you? Well, this can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the weather, allergies, and poor nutrition.
And whenever their skin becomes too dry, they can feel too itchy and uncomfortable, ultimately leading your cat to scratch and lick excessively.
Over time, the problem can escalate, causing severe irritation, and in the worst-case scenario, it can result in skin infections.
Therefore, if you think that your buddy is suffering from dry skin, there are several steps you can take to help them alleviate their discomfort. Such as, you can provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet to improve their skin and coat health.
Additionally, you may want to consider using a moisturizing shampoo or topical treatment to help soothe their skin and reduce the itching.
Reason#6 Ringworm
Have you noticed that your cat has been scratching more than usual, and their skin is suddenly red and irritated? One possible reason for this could be ringworm.
Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm but a type of fungal infection that can affect both cats and humans. It spreads easily and can be passed on through direct contact with infected animals or surfaces.
Cats with ringworm often experience intense itching and may scratch excessively, causing further damage to their skin. In addition to scratching, you may notice bald patches or scaly, crusty areas on your cat’s skin.
Reason#7 Pain
Did you know that cats can experience pain just like humans do? Unfortunately, they are often very good at hiding it, making it difficult to tell when something is wrong. If your cat is scratching more than usual, it may be a sign they are in pain.
In fact, the scratching can be a way for them to alleviate the discomfort or to draw attention to the affected area. This pain can be caused by various conditions, including arthritis, dental issues, or following an injury.
Apart from scratching, you may notice other signs that your cat is in pain, such as limping, hiding, or vocalizing more than usual.
Reason#8 Drug Hypersensitivity
Have you recently started your cat on a new medication or treatment? It’s possible that your feline friend could be experiencing a drug hypersensitivity reaction, which could lead to excessive scratching.
Some cats can be particularly sensitive to certain medications or treatments, and the scratching could indicate an allergic reaction. If you think your case is similar, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss alternative treatments or medications that won’t cause an adverse reaction.
Reason#9 Poor Diet
Another reason why your cat might be scratching too much is a poor diet. Cats require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health, and a lack of essential nutrients can lead to skin problems and excessive scratching.
If your cat’s diet lacks omega-3 fatty acids or other essential nutrients, they may experience dry, itchy skin that prompts them to scratch more often.
You can improve your cat’s diet by providing high-quality cat food, following the Nutrition General Feeding Guidelines for Cats, that contains all of the necessary nutrients for their health. Alternatively, you can add supplements or fresh foods, such as cooked fish, to their diet to ensure they are getting the right balance of nutrients.
Reason#10 Ear Mites
Moving on, we have ear mites!
These tiny parasites can live inside your cat’s ear canal and cause severe forms of discomfort and irritation.
Besides, they are highly contagious and can spread from cat to cat through close contact, so addressing the issue as soon as possible is important. Otherwise, the infection may also spread to the rump and tail region.
Hence, if you suspect your cat has ear mites, look for symptoms such as excessive scratching around the ears, head shaking, or discharge from the ears.
Reason#11 Boredom, Anxiety, or Compulsive Disorder
Another reason why your cat might be scratching too much is due to boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder. Cats are extremely intelligent and curious animals, and if they don’t have enough stimulation in their environment, they may turn to excessive scratching as a form of self-soothing behavior.
Similarly, if your cat is experiencing anxiety or a compulsive disorder, they may use excessive scratching to cope with their emotions.
Therefore, if you think that your cat’s scratching is due to one of these reasons, it’s important to provide them with enough mental and physical stimulation such as toys, playtime, and other activities to keep them entertained and engaged all the way down.
Reason#12 Immune Disorders
Immune disorders can also be a reason why your cat is scratching too much. When a cat’s immune system is compromised, it can lead to a variety of skin conditions that cause itching and scratching.
One example of an immune disorder that can cause excessive scratching is the Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC), a group of skin conditions resulting from an allergic response.
Symptoms can include skin lesions, itching, and excessive grooming or scratching. The treatment for immune disorders will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition but may include medication or changes to your cat’s diet or environment.
Reason#13 Contact Allergies
Have you noticed your furry friend scratching more than usual? It could be due to contact allergies! Just like humans, cats can develop allergies to certain materials or substances they come in contact with.
Common culprits include fabrics, cleaning products, and even their own food. When a cat has a contact allergy, it can lead to skin irritation and intense itching.
So, if you notice your cat scratching excessively, it might be worth examining their environment and diet to see if any potential allergens could be causing the problem.
Reason #14 Sun Damage
Did you know that cats can get sunburned just like humans do? Excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause damage to your feline friend’s skin and fur, leading to excessive scratching.
This is especially true for cats with light-colored coats or those who spend much time outdoors. To protect your furry friend from sun damage, ensure they have access to plenty of shade and consider using pet sunscreen.
Reason#15 Feline Acne
Yes, you read that right – cats can get acne too! Feline acne is a common skin condition that affects cats of all ages and breeds. It typically appears as small, blackheads or pimple-like bumps on the chin and lower lip, and can cause your cat to scratch or rub their face excessively.
While the exact cause of feline acne is unknown, it’s thought to be related to an overproduction of oil in the skin. Certain factors, such as stress, poor grooming habits, and a weakened immune system, can also contribute to the development of feline acne.
Conclusion
If you have noticed your cat scratching more than usual, taking action immediately is important. The more delay you will do, the more your buddy will suffer in pain.
Whether it’s a parasite, a skin condition, stress, boredom, or a health issue, your cat’s excessive scratching can be treated with the help of your vet. And you must understand the reasons and provide a solution.
Don’t let your cat suffer in silence – take action today to keep your feline friend healthy and happy!
