Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Feline Inflammatory Skin Disease

Feline inflammatory skin diseases including atopy, food allergy, and mosquito bite hypersensitivity cause significant pruritus and welfare harm.

Key Facts

Feline skin diseases are the third most common reason for veterinary consultation
Atopic dermatitis in cats causes chronic pruritus manifesting as overgrooming and excoriation
Food allergies require an 8-week dietary exclusion trial for accurate diagnosis
Immunotherapy is effective for environmental allergen sensitisation in cats
Recurrent skin disease requires specialist dermatology referral for optimal management

Welfare Considerations

Inflammatory skin disease causes chronic, poorly-recognised pruritus in cats. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment prevent years of unnecessary itching and discomfort.

What You Can Do

Consult a veterinary dermatologist for cats with recurrent or severe skin disease
Complete full 8-week dietary trials for suspected food allergy
Discuss allergen-specific immunotherapy with your vet for cats with environmental allergies