Feline excema?

Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
So, my cat has started to get these scab like things on his skin. Though they're flatter than a scab would be. At first I thought it was 'cuz he had been fighting with our other cats and they were wounds but after healing more have developed elsewhere. They don't show through his fur nor does he seem bothered by them; he doesn't appear to be in discomfort, nor does he scratch at them or try to lick them or anything like that.

I've scratched at some and if they come off they're just like normal skin color. It doesn't appear to hurt him, nor does he seem any happier before or after I scratch him where they'r at.

I was scared for a while that it was mange but no one else has gotten them (we have 4 cats) and his fur isn't falling out (no more than he normally sheds that is) or anything.

Any ideas? Think it's just dry skin or something??
12/14/2010
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Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
Quote:
Originally posted by Jessica Elizabeth
So, my cat has started to get these scab like things on his skin. Though they're flatter than a scab would be. At first I thought it was 'cuz he had been fighting with our other cats and they were wounds but after healing more have ... more
Might just be dry skin. Have you tried calling a vets office and seeing if you can get some free phone advice?
12/14/2010
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
Quote:
Originally posted by Jobthingy
Might just be dry skin. Have you tried calling a vets office and seeing if you can get some free phone advice?
Not yet. Only just decided to ask about it; I thought it had gone away. I'm thinking that dry skin is all it is.

I should call them tomorrow...
12/14/2010
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
It doesn't sound like mange from your description. Mange typically causes extreme scratching/itching to the point that an animal can literally scratch themselves raw and bloody. There are other potential parasites/mites that could cause skin problems, but are less likely if none of the other cats are affected since they are typically contagious diseases. Dry skin is possible, but obviously is hard to say simply by your description. Is it dandruff like, or actual scabs? Dry skin would most typically appear like dandruff, small flaky bits of skin that you should see in the fur as well.

I would definitely give your vet a call, although they will likely suggest you bring your cat in since a phone diagnosis is really impossible.
12/14/2010
Contributor: firekitten firekitten
It sounds like ringworm to me, though it's kind of unlikely since your other cats aren't showing the same signs. Definitely need to take him in and get it checked. Hairloss can be something as simple as they've developed an allergy, to thyroid disorders. There's just no way to know for sure unless a Vet checks him out. From Peteducation.com:

Cats with ringworm may have skin lesions which can appear different depending on where they occur and how long they have been present. The classic symptom is a small round lesion that is devoid of hair. The lesion will often have scaly skin in the center. Small pustules are often found in the lesion. The lesion may start as a small spot and continue to grow in size. The lesion may or may not be irritated and itchy. Lesions are most common on the head, ears, and tail. In some infections, the fungus will not be in a circle and can spread across the face, lips, chin, or nose and look like an autoimmune disease or other generalized skin disease. Occasionally, the infection will occur over the entire body and create a generalized scaly or greasy skin condition. Hair loss may be mild or severe. In some cases the first sign may be excessive shedding, and hairballs may occur when large parts of the body are affected. Scratching at the ears is also common. Ringworm can also occur in the nails, often causing them to grow malformed.
12/14/2010
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by firekitten
It sounds like ringworm to me, though it's kind of unlikely since your other cats aren't showing the same signs. Definitely need to take him in and get it checked. Hairloss can be something as simple as they've developed an allergy, to ... more
Ringworm is considered the great imitator in terms of skin diseases. It can literally present as almost anything as that paragraph demonstrates. While not impossible, it is somewhat less likely given that none of the other cats have any symptoms. The other consideration with ringworm is that it is contagious to people as well. Be sure to mention to your vet if you or anyone else in the household has any skin issues.
12/14/2010
Contributor: Not here Not here
One of my mother's cats had a similar issue, but she did lose some hair. She put Sulfodene on the spots, which is Hot Spot treatment for dogs. It worked, but I just looked at the website and it says it is only meant to be a treatment for dogs. The cat is fine, and hasn't hadn't any skin issues since using it, so I doubt it had any harmful effects. But, your best bet is probably to take the cat to the vet so you can find out for sure what the problem is.
12/14/2010
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
He does have a little dandruff, but he always has. It's little flakes when it comes off. We have some spray "soap" that we have for one of our other cats 'cuz he doesn't bathe himself, that I think I'll use and see if a good clean and comb will help.

A friend has a good vet so I'll talk to her and see if I can just take him in or what.

Thanks guys!
12/15/2010
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
I ended up getting some slamon oil to put in my cats food. Apparently it helps with their skin and fur. It was recommended at the pet store, so let's see if it helps
12/17/2010
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by Jessica Elizabeth
I ended up getting some slamon oil to put in my cats food. Apparently it helps with their skin and fur. It was recommended at the pet store, so let's see if it helps
Not sure if it helps for cats but we give our dogs an egg, scrambled, once in awhile and it makes a big difference in their coat.
12/17/2010
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
Not sure if it helps for cats but we give our dogs an egg, scrambled, once in awhile and it makes a big difference in their coat.
I've heard that! May have to try that with some soft food sometime

Thanks!
12/17/2010
Contributor: Midway through Midway through
Just a note- if your cat is an outdoor cat, it probably comes in contact with other cats. Outdoor cats often come in contact with each other a lot and get FIV. What your cat is displaying could be weakened immune system response to FIV. This can be caused by something as small as a flea bite. It is the feline version of AIDS. You'll want to get her looked at and combo tested for FIV/FLV.
12/17/2010
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
Quote:
Originally posted by Midway through
Just a note- if your cat is an outdoor cat, it probably comes in contact with other cats. Outdoor cats often come in contact with each other a lot and get FIV. What your cat is displaying could be weakened immune system response to FIV. This can be ... more
Nah, he's an indoor cat. Probably spends less than 5 minutes outside a month LOL
12/18/2010