Back to Disease DictionarySkin
Allergic Dermatitis in Cats
Skin inflammation from allergic reactions to food, environmental allergens, or fleas. Intense itching is characteristic, with hair loss from excessive grooming.
Vet Supervised
Symptoms
- Intense itching
- Hair loss (from overgrooming)
- Skin redness
- Scabs/crusts
- Ear inflammation
Related Symptom Pages
Causes
- Food allergy
- Environmental allergy (pollen, dust)
- Flea allergy
- Contact allergy
Diagnosis
1
Elimination diet trial
2
Skin examination
3
Allergy testing
4
Skin biopsy
Treatment
- Allergen removal
- Steroids/immunomodulators
- Dietary management
- Thorough flea prevention
Prognosis
Good if allergen can be identified and avoided. Food allergies often improve with dietary management.
Severity: Medium
Prevention
- Thorough flea prevention
- High-quality diet
- Clean environment maintenance