Your cat Smoky has always had a thick, shiny coat that makes him stand out among his feline friends. Smoky gets a good daily brushing, and you’ve got him on a regular bath schedule with his groomer. In fact, Smoky’s coat care routine would be the envy of a Hollywood celebrity. Even with excellent nutrition and regular coat maintenance, though, Smoky’s still susceptible to common feline skin ailments. Good thing your Smyrna veterinarian is well equipped to diagnose your cat’s skin condition and provide effective treatment.
Dull, Lackluster, or Flaky Coat
You’d definitely notice if Smoky’s coat became dull and lackluster, like he just couldn’t be bothered with it. If his coat became greasy or flaky, you’d know something was wrong, and you’d actively search for the cause. Perhaps Smoky’s a bit on the pudgy side, and he can’t reach a patch of fur on his back. If that’s the case, he’ll develop a dull coat on that exact spot. Smoky could also be lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids that help to moderate skin inflammation. If he’s not getting enough Omega-6 fatty acids, his skin’s cell membranes can be affected.
Facial or Ear Sores
While Smoky’s gray facial fur might briefly hide a small red sore, daily attention to his coat will uncover the problem. If the sore doesn’t heal quickly on its own, your vet should immediately examine it. Smoky’s persistent sore could mean he’s contracted a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. He could have also developed an autoimmune disease or cancer.
Sparse-looking Coat
If Smoky’s lush gray coat begins to thin, and you can even see some bald spots, your vet will first suspect fleas or allergies. However, Smoky’s hair loss can also result from a ringworm or other infection, or even from stress. If Smoky’s an older guy, he might suffer from a system-wide condition such as adrenal disease.
Don’t wait and see what happens next; instead, ask your vet to quickly address the problem’s source.
Strange Skin Masses
Smoky and his feline buddies often visit their vets with skin swelling and skin mass symptoms. Most of the time, your vet will find that Smoky has developed an abscess, consisting of a small external skin lesion with messy pus and debris just under his skin. Because Smoky feels considerable pain from the abscess, he’ll likely avoid his daily couch cuddling session, and he might stay away from you entirely. Keep in mind that your vet must perform a skin biopsy or aspiration to find out what’s causing Smoky’s painful skin condition.
Once your Smyrna vet uncovers Smoky’s skin problem, he can prescribe treatment that should make your feline family member feel much better.
