Their skin provides not just a surface to keep everything else intact, it also performs many essential functions such as protection from the environment and regulation of body temperature. 

Skin diseases are relatively common and can be caused by numerous conditions such as parasites like fleas, mites, and mosquitoes, food allergies, airborne allergens, injuries, and abscesses.

Factors that affect the type of skin disease cats suffer from can depend on the breed of cat, their lifestyle and their gender. 

For example, indoor cats are less prone to abscesses resulting from cat fights whereas male, outdoor cats are the exact opposite.  Mosquito bites are more prevalent, but not limited to, areas where there is an abundance of stagnant water. Flea dermatitis maybe more of an issue in a home where there is a dog who lives inside and out and visits the dog park as opposed to a sedentary, indoor, one cat home.  

The type and cause of a cat’s skin disease can be very difficult to diagnose so it is important that your veterinarian takes a detailed history and thoroughly examines your cat. Food allergies are not to be underestimated as a possible cause and even though your cat may have been on the same diet for 10 years they can still develop a sensitivity to one or more ingredients in that food. 

So next time you pop Moggie on your lap for a pat, take a good look at their skin and coat for some of the common signs of skin disease such as lumps and bumps, redness and swelling, patches of lost fur, flaking, scaly or scabby skin and watch out for excessive licking, scratching or biting of their fur.