If a cat scratches itself frequently and the skin or coat has changed, you should get to the bottom of it.
Itching can be very distressing for cats. When scratching, the animals often injure themselves, which in turn can become infected and inflamed. Significant itching is a serious problem that you should clarify with a visit to the vet.
It is often useful to draw up a list of possible causes based on the symptoms present. Not all itching is due to flea infestation, for example, although fleas are very often involved and flea treatment is often part of the therapy. Causes can also be food allergies, fungi, bacteria, foreign bodies, nerve disorders, hormonal disorders or tumors. Sometimes several causes can be found at the same time, for example when skin damaged by fungal infestation is also colonized by bacteria.
A systematic approach is particularly important in severe or chronic cases. You should not be discouraged too quickly: It can often take some time before the cat responds to treatment. Veterinarians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases (dermatologists) can be found at the veterinary association in your federal state.
If parasites such as fleas and mites as well as other microorganisms and contact allergies have been ruled out, a food allergy should also be considered. The itching is triggered by so-called allergens, i.e. water-soluble proteins or compounds of sugar and proteins (glycoproteins) that are heat-stable. Although all feed proteins can be antigenic, often only a small proportion act as allergens. All regularly fed feedstuffs can trigger an allergy. Identified feed allergens are beef, dairy products, wheat, poultry meat, lamb and soy. Many pet owners also blame colorants and preservatives for allergies. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. However, additives can act as incomplete antigens.