Hotspots are the bane of many a pet owner. Few of us can stand by idly and watch our loved ones suffer from irritation, loss of hair and fur, and what seems like lots of pain and discomfort.
The continual biting and licking lead to concerning spots on the skin, lesions, and possibly further infections.
There are several possible causes for hot spots in cats. Many also cause hot spots in dogs. Here are the main ones, which account for most cases.
An excessively starchy diet is generally bad for cats. Cats are primarily meat-eaters, and a starch-heavy diet can lead to issues like dehydration, urinary tract infections, and, yes, skin issues.
Besides skin infections, seemingly unrelated ear infections may also lead to scratching, especially around the ears. Ringworm is another possible cause of scratching and skin breakage.
A more general skin ailment, eczema, is caused by any of the other triggers mentioned here, like spores, pollen, contact with nylon or wool, or even dust.
Fleas create problems for pets in that they carry infections and can affect the skin adversely. Cats who are not kept relatively flea-free may scratch excessively, leading to breakages of the skin and subsequently, infections.
A cat, like a human, can be allergic to a whole variety of things. Allergies are usually noticed through runny eyes, sneezing, scratching, and licking.
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