Among the various ailments that fine weather can bring, itching could be an annoying companion for your cat in these spring months. How can you recognise itching in cats?

Itching in cats manifests itself with various symptoms and through specific types of behaviour. That is why it is good to know the most common attitudes to try to identify the discomfort and the causes of itching, and then to take targeted action.  

Symptoms of itching in cats

Just as with humans, cat itching can vary depending on the area and the intensity of the discomfort. That is why the symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on whether the cat feels mild or very unpleasant.

In any case, what is certain is that itching in cats is a great annoyance. Because of the itching or in an attempt to find relief from it, some of these strange behaviours may occur, they are alarm bells that should not be ignored:

• They are very nervous and irritable
• They often scratch themselves, sometimes even to the point of hurting 
• they wake up and run nervously
• their grooming is exaggerated, they often lick 
• Tend to become more solitary and isolate themselves
• They bite parts of their body and rub themselves excessively

These behaviours are easily recognisable and may be more or less noticeable depending on the intensity of the annoyance.

Causes of itching in cats

Itching in cats can be caused by very different factors. Spring in particular is not an easy time for felines and can lead to major discomfort, including itching. Here are the main reasons for itching in cats.

• Parasites: these are annoying little animals that move around on the animal’s skin and feed on their blood, irritating the skin and often causing severe itching. It is important in such cases to take extra care in the spring period. Furthermore, parasites can be not only cutaneous but also intestinal, such as worms and tapeworms.

• Allergies: Allergies can cause severe skin reactions, such as irritation and itching. They can be spring allergies, such as pollen allergies, or caused for instance by dusty environments. Food intolerances are also a cause of itching in cats, very often caused by preservatives and particular substances found in industrial foods.

• Grooming products: Be careful not to over-clean your cat! Intensive use of brushes or toilet wipes may alter and irritate the skin. 

• Diseases: Unfortunately, itching in cats can sometimes be a symptom of certain diseases or infections such as tumours, diabetes, arthrosis and neurological problems. 

If you notice that your cat is suffering from itching, it could be a minor ailment as much as something more serious. That is why our advice is to always consult your vet and try to calm and cuddle your pet as much as possible.