Introduction
Despite the many different causes of skin allergies in cats, the symptoms of skin allergies are most often the same. The symptoms are usually seasonal, and they usually appear at a young age.
Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Cats
Common Symptoms
The two most common symptoms of skin allergies in cats are continual licking and constant scratching. The licking is usually focused on areas which include the groin area, the base of the tail, and the sides. If the allergies are not treated, the cat will lick itself so much that these areas begin to appear bald. Constant scratching occurs most often around the ears, neck, and head area.
As a cat suffering from skin allergies constantly licks and scratches itself, sores will begin to appear around these areas. The severity of the sores depends on how much the cat is scratching and licking in an effort to relieve the constant itching of the skin.
Severe Symptoms
If a cat is suffering from severe allergies, small puss filled bumps may begin to appear around the head and neck area, and in extremely severe cases these bumps can occur over the entire body. In cases where a cat is experiencing symptoms of skin allergies due to a food allergy, periodic vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
Cats that suffer from skin allergies often develop secondary bacterial or yeast infection on their skin and in their ears. Excessive ear discharge, and an odor coming from the ears and body, can occur if these secondary infections develop. The cat may also have a greasy feel to its body, and the fur may appear sticky and patchy.