cat skin and coat care

Allergies, parasites, and other health issues can cause skin and coat problems for cats.

Your cat’s fuzzy outside can tip you off to some common health problems. Here’s help for skin and coat concerns.

All about cat skin and coat care

Why is my pet so itchy?

Scratching can mean fleas, allergies, or infections. Find the cause

Is pet shedding normal?

Top reasons for pet shedding. Good treatments for pet shedding

Dealing with your pet's dandruff and dry skin

Tips for flaky, itchy skin on pets. Natural remedies for dandruff

Banfield's guide to skin rashes

Causes and symptoms of skin rashes. Read about rashes

Lumps, bumps, and masses

Are you seeing or feeling lumps on your pet? When to call the vet for help

How to apply skin ointment

Was your pet prescribed topical meds? Tips for topicals

Home skin and coat care

Hands-on tips for bath time, tackling fleas, and more. Take care of your pet

How to give your pet a bath

Follow our handy step-by-step instructions. It's bath time

How to check for fleas

Plus, important next steps if you find them. Check for fleas

How to find a tick on your pet

Ticks can carry nasty diseases. Spot the signs

Commonly asked questions about cat skin and coat care 

Q:

Do I really need to bathe my cat?

A:Most cats don’t need regular baths — unless they get into something stinky or yucky that they shouldn’t lick off. This is why it’s a great idea to get your cat used to baths from the start, just in case they need one.

Bathing can be stressful for cats. Always make sure their feet have a grip while you’re washing them. Even a towel or a mat for them to grab onto can help them feel more secure.

Note: If your cat has gotten into something toxic, like oil, or has sticky or clumpy areas you simply can’t remove, please see your vet ASAP! If your cat tries to lick these areas in an attempt to groom themselves, it can make them very sick.

Q:

My cat has a bald spot on their tummy that they keep grooming. Is that a problem?

A:Yes. Cats can overgroom their coats, especially on their squishy underbelly. Please address this with your vet to rule out different underlying causes (and to help prevent the risk of increased hairball issues).

Q:

Why does my cat have so much dandruff on their back and tail?

A:Cats that are older, obese, or have mobility issues can sometimes have difficulty grooming their backs (if you can’t reach it, you can’t clean it!). If this is the case, you can help them with regular brushing to reduce flakes and smooth out their coats.

No matter the size or age of your cat, see your vet ASAP if you see open sores or it’s painful to brush on dandruffy areas. These can be signs of problems like a flea allergy or an abscess that needs veterinary care.

Q:

Why are my cat’s ears balder than the rest of their body?

A:It can be completely normal for some cats have a bit less fur on the backs of their ears and on their temples. However, please check with your vet if this is a brand-new condition or if you’re also seeing skin irritation or unusual new scratching. Sometimes the only symptom of an ear infection that’s obvious to owners is an irritated outside ear.

Q:

Do hairless cats need skin and coat care?

A:Yep! Hairless cats actually need more bathing than hairy cats to keep their outsides healthy because they have incredibly oily skin. Bathing can help them to be less greasy as well as reduce buildup, which can lead to acne.

Q:

How can I improve my cat's skin?

A:Many different things can cause skin issues in cats. It’s best to speak with your vet to find out the cause. They’ll be able to recommend or prescribe diet changes, medication, or special shampoos to help your sweet cat.

Q:

How do I keep my cat's coat healthy?

A:Here are the basics on caring for your cat’s coat:

A regular high-quality diet (in the proper serving size)
Prescription parasite control
Baths (as recommended by your vet)
Regular coat brushing

Q:

How to take care of my cat’s dry skin?

A:Dry skin on cats can be caused by diet, skin infections, dry air, and more. See your veterinary team to get to the bottom of your cat’s issue. They’ll be able to recommend products, medication, and/or lifestyle changes to help.

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