Allergic skin disease in cats including flea allergy dermatitis and environmental allergies causes chronic discomfort and is underdiagnosed.
Cats with allergic skin disease experience chronic pruritus that significantly reduces quality of life. Scratching, overgrooming, and skin trauma cause secondary infections and further discomfort. The condition is often recurrent and requires long-term management. Owners may not recognize the connection between flea prevention failure and skin disease. Stress in cats can exacerbate pruritus through neurogenic mechanisms. Effective flea control, dietary management, and immunomodulatory therapy substantially improve welfare. The welfare burden of undertreated allergic skin disease in cats is significant.