Cat Skin & Coat Care

Get expert advice on how to best care for your cat's skin and coat.
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Understanding the Itch: Allergies, Fleas & More

All Cat Allergies
Medical Conditions With Educator Resources

Allergies in Cats

Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions affecting cats. An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance, called an allergen. This handout outlines types of allergies, how they occur, symptoms, and treatment options.

Diagnosis Diet & Nutrition

Food Allergies in Cats

Medical Conditions Parasites

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats

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Unlimited Exams* with CareClub® Starting at Just $19.99/Month
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Treatment of Itchy Skin in Cats

Your VCA veterinarian will provide itch relief for your pet throughout the diagnostic approach. Here’s what you can expect.

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Stop the itch

Prescribe anti-itch therapy.



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Rule out parasites

Check for parasites with a flea comb, skin scrapes or a fecal test. Start a parasite preventive.
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Treat skin infections

Look for visible signs of infection as well as run diagnostics like a skin cytology or skin culture.



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Conduct a food trial

Prescribe a hypoallergenic diet for an 8-week trial period.



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Confirm atopic dermatitis

Tailor an approach to treating your pet’s airborne allergies.

Keeping Your Cat's Skin and Coat Healthy

Expert Cat Skin & Coat Resources

Explore More Cat Conditions & Treatments Topics

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No more "wait & see"
with a CareClub Access Plan

Unlimited Exams for $19.99/mo.*
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*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.

CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.

VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.

**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.

Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.

Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.