Atopy in Cats

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Atopy in Cats

By: Dr. Mark Thompson

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Section: Information In-depth

Many skin diseases of cats feature pruritus (itching) as a symptom and may appear similar to atopy. Ruling out other causes of pruritus is an important part of establishing a diagnosis.

Diseases that can appear similar to atopy include:

Food allergy. Food allergies in cats commonly causes a pruritic skin condition. Like with atopy, cats with food allergy often chew their feet, rub their faces and scratch their ears. Thus, the symptoms of food allergy are virtually indistinguishable from those of atopy. One important historical difference to remember is that atopy symptoms usually begin between one and four years of age, whereas food allergy can begin at any age. A cat that has an onset of signs, and is less than eight months of age or over six years of age, is unlikely to have atopy. Also, atopy is usually well controlled by treatment with corticosteroids (hormones) like prednisone.

Food allergy is variably responsive to prednisone; only about 50 percent of affected cats will respond.

Flea allergy dermatitis. This is the most common allergic skin disease seen in the United States. Like food allergy, it is variably responsive to corticosteroids. Cats with flea allergy tend to chew and scratch at their back ends, so lesions are typically seen over the rump, on the belly and between the hind legs. Some cats may also have lesions around the neck. This difference helps to differentiate this disease from atopy. It is possible, however, to see atopy and flea allergy in the same animal.

Scabies. This itchy skin disease of cats is caused by the sarcoptic mange mite. Affected cats are extremely itchy and often have lesions on their ears, elbows and hocks. Lesions may also be seen elsewhere on the cat. This disease is poorly responsive to treatment with corticosteroids.

Pyoderma. This bacterial infection of the skin is often associated with atopy and other pruritic skin diseases. Chronic self-trauma to the skin breaks down normal defense mechanisms and allows colonization by bacteria leading to infection. Infected skin can be very itchy. Some animals with atopy are only mildly itchy most of the time but may be much worse when they have pyoderma. Less commonly, yeast infections of the skin may be seen secondary to atopy and can also cause the animal to be itchy.

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1Food Allergy in Cats
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Read More
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A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin, and the body either itches or becomes inflamed. The itching then causes the dog to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, creating...
Read More

Atopy in Cats

Atopy in Cats

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