Page 53 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

△ Severe fur loss
Cats naturally have areas of thin fur just in front
of the ears, but thin or bald patches anywhere
else are a cause for concern.

▷ Incessant licking
Cats may lick themselves excessively if they 51
have itchy or sore skin. Over-grooming may
also be a sign of anxiety or stress.
green. Your vet will also collect a release the pus. The vet will Skin growths
sample of hairs for fungal culture. prescribe antibiotics for the If you find a lump on your cat,
All other pets in your home should infection, and advise you always have it investigated
be tested as well. to keep cleaning the area until promptly. Your vet may take a
Ringworm is usually treated with the abscess has healed. sample of cells for analysis, either
an oral antifungal drug, coupled with a needle while your cat is Coat and skin disorders
with an antifungal shampoo. The Acne and stud tail conscious, or as a biopsy under a
fungal spores can stay in your home Both of these conditions arise from general anesthetic. If a serious
for months, so you will need to overproduction of oily sebum from problem—for example, a cancerous
disinfect or replace items such as glands in the skin. Acne most often growth—is diagnosed, your vet will
grooming equipment and bedding, occurs on the chin; stud tail affects discuss the options with you.
and thoroughly vacuum floors and the base of the tail, resulting in a Unpigmented or light skin on
furniture, carefully disposing of the greasy, often matted, patch of fur. areas such as ears, eyelids, lips, and
vacuum’s contents. Long-haired cats Stud tail mostly, but not exclusively, nose is prone to skin cancer. If your
may need to be clipped to reduce occurs in unneutered males. cat develops ulcerated, crusty, or
the risk of further contamination. Generally, these are cosmetic sore patches in these areas, have
conditions but sometimes an area him examined by a vet as soon as
Cat bite abscess becomes infected and needs possible. Treatment of skin cancer
An abscess is a swelling filled with treating with antibiotics. To has the best chance of success when
pus. Abscesses often result from improve stud tail, your vet may clip carried out at an early stage. As a
fights with other cats because teeth away the fur and prescribe a wash preventive measure, you can use
may transmit infection into the to reduce greasiness. If your cat is high-factor sunscreens that are
wound. Your cat may be feverish, an unneutered male, the vet will specifically formulated for cats and
lose his appetite, and hide. recommend castration. resistant to washing and grooming.
If the swelling bursts, your cat
will feel better. You will need to
bathe the area with a teaspoonful “If you find a lump on your cat, always have
of salt in a pint of water, and take
the cat to the vet. If the abscess has it investigated promptly.”
not yet burst, the vet may lance it to

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