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Sep 28, 2024 · The 4 Reasons Why Cat Scratches Itch 1. Skin Barrier Disruption. Anything that breaks the skin, including a cat scratch, can cause our cells to release inflammatory molecules 1. These...
Another reason why cat scratches itch is due to the cat's saliva. Cats have bacteria in their saliva that they use to clean themselves, and when they scratch, this bacteria can be transferred to the wound. The saliva can irritate the skin and cause itching, especially if the scratch is deep or if the cat's claws are dirty.
Nov 11, 2024 · If you suffer from cat allergies and get scratched by a cat, you’ll likely experience more itching than a non-allergic person would. In many cases, if you get scratched by a cat and are allergic, your doctor will prescribe antihistamines to reduce your reaction.
- Environmental Allergies. Just like humans, cats can suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies to pollen, grass, dust mites, or mold. These allergies can cause inflammation, itchiness, and discomfort.
- Food Allergies. Cats can develop food allergies, just like people. Most cats with food allergies are reactive to proteins in common cat foods like fish or chicken.
- Contact Dermatitis. Contact allergies are also common in cats. If a cat suffers from a contact allergy, they may develop a rash or swelling after coming in contact with an allergen.
- Bacterial or Fungal Infections. An itchy kitty may also be suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection. One common infection, ringworm, causes a scaly, itchy, often hairless rash that typically doesn’t resolve without treatment.
- Normal Healing. A scratch that does not go that deep into the skin and tissue is at a lower risk for becoming infected or having complications. The bodies’ normal response is to recruit white blood cells, platelets, and other cells to help heal the wound closed.
- Allergies to Cats. Many people are allergic to cats. Allergies to cats, similar to allergies to other things, can range from minor to severe. If a person just has a minor allergy to cats, they may get watery eyes or itchy skin when they are near them.
- Infection. Cats’ nails are typically full of bacteria. Think about it—your cat goes to the bathroom in a litter box. They use their nails to scratch and bury their urine and feces with the litter.
- Cat Scratch Fever. Cat scratch fever is a very specific disease that may develop following a significant cat scratch. It’s caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae.
May 24, 2023 · We explored the anatomy of a cat’s claw, delved into the causes and effects of cat scratch allergies, and uncovered the potential risks of cat scratch dermatitis and infections. We also learned how scratching, while providing temporary relief, can worsen the itchiness and delay the healing process.
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Dec 4, 2023 · Itchiness and nonstop scratching are telltale signs of a flea infestation. When a flea bites your cat, flea saliva gets into your cat’s skin. This can trigger an allergic reaction that results in extreme itchiness—a condition called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
