On average, 20% of all cats worldwide are infested with fleas, and of those, 8% have flea allergy dermatitis[2]. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common causes of skin disease in cats that cause itching. It is a result of infestation by the cat flea parasiteCtenocephalides felis. The skin damage which occurs secondary to flea infestation […]

Atopy is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of cats that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment that are contacted through the air, either by absorption through the respiratory tract or contact through the skin. Atopy is thought to be an inherited disease, as litermates can have concurrent atopy[1]. It can be difficult to […]

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Lysosomes 3 Causes 4 Symptoms 5 Diagnosis 6 Treatment 7 References Introduction Chediak-Higashi syndrome (Oculo-cutaneous albinism) is a lysosomal storage disease causing albinism in cats. To first understand this syndrome, it may help to understand the basics of storage disorders. Chediak-Higashi is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Mutations have been found in the CHS1 gene. The primary […]

Urticaria pigmentosa (‘Devon bumps’) is a relatively common skin disorder of cats, thought to be a nutritional deficiency since it responds to essential fatty acid supplements (EFAs). It is commonly reported in Devon rex and in the Sphinx cats (where a familial gene appears to be responsible)[1][2]. Pathogenesis in the cat is unknown, but may be an immune-mediated response to dietary […]

Cutaneous asthenia are a group of syndromes characterized by defects in collagen production. This results in a variety of clinical signs, including loose, hyperextensible, fragile skin; joint laxity; and other connective tissue dysfunctions. These collagen defects have been described in cats (Himalayan and Domestic shorthair). The mode of inheritance has been demonstrated for Himalayan cats (recessive) and […]

Hereditary greasy seborrhhoea is an hereditary skin disease of cats. This autosomal recessive condition has been described in Persian, Himalayan and Exotic shorthair breeds in North America[1]. There appears to be no sec predilection with this disease, which often manifests from 2-3 months of age. In affected cats, there is a greasy, matted appearance to coat with keratosebaceous deposits on the skin and […]

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are not unique to cats and occur in all species of mammals. Where there is a history of exposure to mosquitoes, as occurs near water (rivers, lakes, swamps) or if there are water containing vessels surrounding the habitat where the cat resides, then allergic reactions are likely to occur[1]. Generally […]

Skin diseases encompasses a feline medical specialty within itself. Skin conditions are one of the most common presentation in cats and account for up to 20% of causes of presentation to veterinary clinics worldwide[1]. See also Morphological description of skin lesions Note: The term miliary dermatitis is a symptom of disease rather than a diagnosis and further investigation […]

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma goondi, is a gut parasite that can cause systemic disease in cats and is zoonotic to humans. In Australia, the prevalence of Toxoplasma in human females is approximately 35-36% of women of child-bearing age. In most cases, this parasite which lives in the intestines, causes mild diarrhoea. It does not normally warrant consideration except that […]