Skip to content

Why does my cat scratch at his ears?

Why does my cat scratch at his ears?

While your cat may occasionally scratch at its ears to relieve a stray itch or irritation, excessive or persistent scratching can be a sign that your cat has a medical problem. If you spot an infection or trauma to the ears, either caused by disease or the itching itself, you should get the cat veterinary treatment.

What causes scratching and head shaking in cats?

Bacterial and fungal (yeast) infections of the outer ear often look quite similar to ear mite infestations. The symptoms – scratching and head shaking – are essentially the same, but if you look closely at the ears, you may notice some differences.

What do cats do when they have ear problems?

Headshaking is one way. Equally common is scratching. Most affected cats will use a back paw to scratch at their ear (s), sometimes vigorously enough to cause abrasions to the ear and the surrounding skin. We’ve found four cat ear problems from ear mites in cats to malignant tumors and how to treat them.

When to take your cat to the vet for Itchy ears?

To treat itchy ears in your cat, take it to the vet if your cat is scratching its ears frequently, or if you spot the signs of an infection. Your vet may recommend cleaning its ears at home with a product made specially for cats.

What causes your cat to scratch his ears?

Why Do Cats Scratch Their Ears So Much? Ear Infections. Infections to the middle or inner ear are invariably caused by bacteria. Allergies. If a cat has an allergy, it will lead to dry, itchy skin. Ingrowing Fur. Sometimes, a cat’s itchy ears are caused by fur. Trauma and Wound Healing. Stings. Sun Damage. Trapped Foreign Objects. Hypertension. Polyps. Diabetes.

What causes Hot Ears in cats?

Fever: one of the most common explanations of why a cat has hot ears is that they are suffering a fever. This may be true up to a point as the cat’s immune response will elevate their temperature and their ears may be used to regulate it.

How do cats ears help them?

Cats also can hear sounds at great distances – four or five times farther away than humans. The ears also serve in another way that is vital to successful feline life. The vestibular apparatus, housed deep in the cat’s inner ear, is responsible for the cat’s remarkable sense of balance.

What can cause spots on cat’s ears?

A number of nonmite ear conditions can cause bumps and scabs on your cat’s ears, either directly or indirectly. Your cat may pick at polyps or other growths on his ears, causing irritation, hematoma (i.e. broken blood vessels) or open wounds. Fleas, overactive sebaceous glands and even stress can induce itching and scratching to similar effects.

How can you tell if a cat has an ear infection?

The symptoms – scratching and head shaking – are essentially the same, but if you look closely at the ears, you may notice some differences. Ear infections often cause a cat’s ears to become more red and swollen than do mite infestations, and the discharge from an infected ear tends to have a distinctly foul odor.

While your cat may occasionally scratch at its ears to relieve a stray itch or irritation, excessive or persistent scratching can be a sign that your cat has a medical problem. If you spot an infection or trauma to the ears, either caused by disease or the itching itself, you should get the cat veterinary treatment.

Bacterial and fungal (yeast) infections of the outer ear often look quite similar to ear mite infestations. The symptoms – scratching and head shaking – are essentially the same, but if you look closely at the ears, you may notice some differences.

To treat itchy ears in your cat, take it to the vet if your cat is scratching its ears frequently, or if you spot the signs of an infection. Your vet may recommend cleaning its ears at home with a product made specially for cats.

The symptoms – scratching and head shaking – are essentially the same, but if you look closely at the ears, you may notice some differences. Ear infections often cause a cat’s ears to become more red and swollen than do mite infestations, and the discharge from an infected ear tends to have a distinctly foul odor.

How can I tell if my cat has ear mites?

Ear mites make cats shake their heads and scratch themselves around the ears, head and neck. To determine if your cat has ear mites, check your cat’s ears for material that looks like coffee grounds. Gently take out a chunk and put it on a dark background.

What’s the best way to inspect a cat’s ears?

Inspect your cat’s ears. Once you notice that your cat is spending a lot of time scratching its ears, you should do an inspection of the ears. Hold your cat in your lap or go down to its level. While petting it and keeping it calm, you should look closely at the outside of your cat’s ears. Then gently fold back the cat’s ears and look inside them.

Why does my cat scratch his ear all the time?

Ear Mites. Ear mites are tiny parasites that like to live in and around cat ears. They are easily passed between cats and are most commonly diagnosed in kittens. Ear mites make cats shake their heads and scratch themselves around the ears, head and neck.

Ear mites make cats shake their heads and scratch themselves around the ears, head and neck. To determine if your cat has ear mites, check your cat’s ears for material that looks like coffee grounds. Gently take out a chunk and put it on a dark background.

Inspect your cat’s ears. Once you notice that your cat is spending a lot of time scratching its ears, you should do an inspection of the ears. Hold your cat in your lap or go down to its level. While petting it and keeping it calm, you should look closely at the outside of your cat’s ears. Then gently fold back the cat’s ears and look inside them.

Is it normal for a cat to scratch itself?

A cat scratching itself is a normal and healthy behavior. If we had the dexterity of most cats, we’d be scratching just as much. However, as with any behavior, when it becomes excessive it signals a problem. If your cat won’t stop scratching, the first thing we might think of is a skin problem.

Why is my cat scratching his ears so much?

The most common reason why cats scratch their ears is ear mite infection. Ear mites are parasites that attach themselves to the pet’s body and feed on oils and tissue present in the ear canal. The pet excessively scratches his ears and causes open sores.

Why is my cat scratching its ears and shaking its head?

When a cat is scratching the ear and shaking the head, it can be a sign of many different ailments including mite bites in the cat’s ear. |. If your cat seems to be scratching his or her ears and shaking its head, it is possibly due to several different conditions or parasites .

What to do if kitten is scratching their ears?

Part 1 of 2: Getting Veterinary Treatment for Itchy Ears Have the cat seen by a veterinarian. If your cat is scratching its ears a lot, if you spot signs of infection, or if the cat’s itching has caused Have the cat’s ears cleaned. Your veterinarian may suggest that the cat get its ears cleaned at the veterinary office or by you at home. Allow veterinary procedures to be performed.

Why is my cat’s ear red and swollen?

Ear infections often cause a cat’s ears to become more red and swollen than do mite infestations, and the discharge from an infected ear tends to have a distinctly foul odor.

What can I give my Cat to stop scratching his ears?

A treatment that protects cats against fleas and ticks will work. So, Parasitology Research recommends using a treatment comprised of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin. Popular brands, such as Advocate or Advantage, will also meet these criteria. If you clean your cat’s ears regularly, you will remove wax.

What to do if your cat has ear problems?

Common Ear Problems in Cats. The skin in affected areas can also become thickened, scaly and covered with crusts. Cats may also become systemically ill and even die in severe cases. To plan appropriate treatment, a veterinarian must examine skin scrapings under a microscope to identify the type of mite that is present.

What happens if you scratch your cat’s head?

If your cat scratches its ears and shakes its head too much, it could wind up temporarily losing sanity and screaming its head off like this! With any amount of scratching, abrasions, irritation, and breaks in the skin may occur.

Why does my cat shake his head all the time?

When a cat is scratching the ear and shaking the head, it can be a sign of many different ailments including mite bites in the cat’s ear. |. If your cat seems to be scratching his or her ears and shaking its head, it is possibly due to several different conditions or parasites.

Why does my cat keep scratching behind his ears?

Any advice would be much appreciated. This can be a few things. First would be fleas. Cats seem to get fleas behind their ears and neck area. You can double check by using a flea comb, raking down to the skin surface to check. The next would be mites.

How often should I scratch my cat’s ear?

Therefore the answer is yes. However, how much scratching is too much? Personally, I would say that itching 3 times per hour is a good indicator that something is aggravating your kitty’s ear. It never hurts to occasionally check your cat’s ear for signs of irritation, dirt, or infection every few days when paying them attention.

If your cat scratches its ears and shakes its head too much, it could wind up temporarily losing sanity and screaming its head off like this! With any amount of scratching, abrasions, irritation, and breaks in the skin may occur.

When a cat is scratching the ear and shaking the head, it can be a sign of many different ailments including mite bites in the cat’s ear. |. If your cat seems to be scratching his or her ears and shaking its head, it is possibly due to several different conditions or parasites.

Why does my cat scratch and itch all the time?

Itching and scratching are some of the most common symptoms a cat can display and have a range of causes. Prolonged scratching can cause self-trauma, and lead to skin infections. Fleas are one of the most common causes of itching and scratching in cats.

Why does my cat have an ear infection?

Ear infections invariably start with the presence of ear wax. This invites ear mites, which feed on this wax. The wax can also lead to bacterial or fungal infections. These are sometimes referred to as yeast infections. Ear mites (otodectes cynotis) are among the most common parasites to affect cats. Ear mites feed on wax in a cat’s ears.

Common Ear Problems in Cats. The skin in affected areas can also become thickened, scaly and covered with crusts. Cats may also become systemically ill and even die in severe cases. To plan appropriate treatment, a veterinarian must examine skin scrapings under a microscope to identify the type of mite that is present.

Why does my cat have Itchy ears?

After the vet does the exam, discuss your cat’s diagnosis. Itchy ears can have a variety of causes, including ear mites, ear infections, and polyps or growths. In severe cases of ear disease, your veterinarian may suggest sedating your cat so that they can do a thorough exam.

Why is my cats ear bleeding inside?

Cat ear bleeding. This is also another common condition in cats. It could be due to injuries from scratching, fight wounds, carcinoma, foreign body, mites, and ear infections.

Why do cats have Itchy ears?

There are many possible causes of itchy ears in cats other than mites – yeast infections, wax buil-up, environmental or food allergies.

What causes sores on cats ears?

Ear Mites. The most common reason why cats scratch their ears is ear mite infection. Ear mites are parasites that attach themselves to the pet’s body and feed on oils and tissue present in the ear canal. The pet excessively scratches his ears and causes open sores. These sores lead to ear infections that are often very severe in nature.

How to check your cat for ear infections?

Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms of Ear Infections Notice any ear sensitivity. Ear infections can make your cat’s ears sensitive to touch. Look for excessive scratching. Ear infections can cause a lot of itching and discomfort. Check for any discharge. Another common symptom that occurs with ear infections is discharge. Look for problems walking. Check for any redness and swelling.

Does your cat scratch a lot?

If your cat spends a large portion of his time scratching, he may have a condition known as pruritus, or itching, an unpleasant sensation that causes your cat to scratch or bite at himself. It is caused by chemical reactions that occur in the skin and stimulate the nerves, causing the brain to feel the itch.

Pyoderma can be superficial or deep and is often secondary to another skin disease. Ear infection, otitis, can cause significant itching of the head. Affected cats will shake their heads and scratch at their ears. Scratching or biting.

Why does my cat keep scratching and chewing himself?

If your cat is scratching, licking, or chewing themselves compulsively, it is likely you regularly catch them in the act. But if you don’t, your first clue may be the disappearance of your cat’s fur, often in strips along their back or stomach.

Is it normal for cats to have ear itchiness?

Usually cats with this problem have a lot of ear wax butdo not necessarily have infections. Cats with food allergies or inhalant allergies may have itchiness withoutany apparent sign of ear infection at all. Cats with fleas or hypersensitivity to flea bites may show this as itchiness around their head or ears.

Is it too much scratching for a kitten?

Just like us, kittens and cats get itchy too. Therefore the answer is yes. However, how much scratching is too much? Personally, I would say that itching 3 times per hour is a good indicator that something is aggravating your kitty’s ear.

What causes hair to fall out of cats ears?

According to ProVet Health Care, some breeds of cats prone to hereditary hair loss include: Acquired Hair Loss. Acquired hair loss is typically a sign of other conditions in play that cause itching. Affected cats will scratch, chew, lick or rub the itchy patches until the hair is literally rubbed away.

Why does my cat keep scratching her skin?

Excessive scratching may break the skin, leading to infection. If no infection occurs, hives will usually go away on their own once exposure to the allergen is removed. Allergies can be caused by a change in season, if a cat comes in contact with an allergen or from food.

Why is my cat scratching behind its ears?

Cats with allergies, particularly food allergies, often develop itchiness that is focused around the head and ears. If your cat is scratching in this area and no obvious cause can be identified, an allergic reaction may be to blame.

What should I do if my cat scratches his ear too often?

Things To Remember When Your Cat Scratches Its Ear and Shakes Its Head Too Often. With any amount of scratching, abrasions, irritation, and breaks in the skin may occur. It is wise to give your cat an antibiotic (as assigned by a vet), and to apply topical antibacterial ointments and creams to avoid further infection and discomfort.

Why does my cat have fleas in his ear?

You may see the actual flea or just dried blood, that appear as black, crumbly crusts. Ear Mites: ear mite infections are one of the most common health problems seen in cats. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live on the surface of the skin of the ear canal. They feed by piercing the skin.

These mites create irritation and itchiness, which cause the cat to scratch its ears. This scratching can then cause problems such as skin infections or a swollen ear flap, which may need veterinary attention. Catching and treating ear mites quickly can avoid later problems and ensure a healthy, happy cat.

How can you tell if a cat has ear mites?

A cat that has suffered from ear mites for a long time can develop inflammatory polyps (i.e. lumps or growths) in their ear canals, and blood blisters on their ear flaps due to constant rubbing and scratching.

What can I give my Cat for ear mites?

Ear mites are removed using a topical remedy. A treatment that protects cats against fleas and ticks will work. So, Parasitology Research recommends using a treatment comprised of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin. Popular brands, such as Advocate or Advantage, will also meet these criteria.

Ear infections can be very uncomfortable and painful for cats as they have very sensitive ears. Ear mites are one of the more common causes of ear infections in cats. If you’ve been able to rule out ear mites, here are six of the other most common causes of ear infections in cats. Outer ear infections look similar to mite infections.

Why does my cat have mites on his ears?

Your cat may scratch at his itchy ears or start shaking his head a lot. While the mites are microscopic, they can be quite pesky. Feline ear mites on the insides of the ears will look dirty, usually with a dark brown or reddish-brown debris. Sometimes a black crust forms, as well. Feline ear mites are highly contagious.

These mites create irritation and itchiness, which cause the cat to scratch its ears. This scratching can then cause problems such as skin infections or a swollen ear flap, which may need veterinary attention. Catching and treating ear mites quickly can avoid later problems and ensure a healthy, happy cat.

What happens if you leave an ear mite infection untreated?

Ear mite infections can be serious if left untreated, resulting in damage to the ear canals and eardrums. Ear mites are very contagious and can be passed on from cat to cat or cat to dog and vice versa so it is important to treat all of your pets at the same time.

What kind of scabs do cats get on their heads?

There are several different types of scabs that cats can be afflicted with, but let’s have a look at 5 common types: 1 Scabs around the neck and back 2 Scabs around the head and ears 3 Chin scabs 4 Non-seasonal scabs 5 Scabs as a result of stress

When to put a cone on a cat’s ears?

In many cases, you will need to put a cone on your cat to prevent it from itching its ears and further injuring itself. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics in addition to medicated drops if your cat’s infection is especially bad or it has traveled beyond the cat’s ears. Part 2 Identifying the Signs of Ear Disease Download Article

Why does my cat keep getting scrapes and scratches?

See more cat pictures . Although they’re more common in outdoor cats, even your indoor cat may suffer the occasional scrape or scratch — especially if he or she plays rough, has a “spat” or gets into an out-and-out fight with another member of your furry family.

What to do if your cat scratching its ear and shaking its head?

What to Do If Your Cat Scratches Its Ear and Shakes Its Head Excessively. With any amount of scratching, abrasions, irritation, and breaks in the skin may occur. It is wise to give your cat an antibiotic (as assigned by a vet), and to apply topical antibacterial ointments and creams to avoid further infection and discomfort.

Why does my cat have scabs on his neck?

Scabs Around The Neck and Back These type of scabs can be indicative of a hypersensitivity to flea bites, particularly if they are located close to the tail. This is the most common type of scab. Fleas are wingless parasites that live on your cat’s skin and feed on his blood. Read my guide on flea control to see treatment options

What does it mean when a cat has scabs on its ear?

Ear edge dermatitis is a common condition in which the cat develops crusting along the ear margins.

What are the symptoms of ear dermatitis in cats?

Symptoms of Ear Dermatitis in Cats. 1 Scratching of the ears. 2 Dry, scaly ears. 3 Bleeding ears. 4 Swelling. 5 Malodorous ears. 6 Hair loss. 7 Pain. 8 Head shaking. 9 Blistering of the ears.

How to treat chronic ear infections in cats?

Chronic Ear Infections (Chronic Otitis) in Cats 1 Overview. Chronic otitis is a disease of the ear canal of cats. 2 Symptoms and Identification. Affected cats typically experience recurrent bouts… 3 Affected Breeds. All cat breeds are susceptible to otitis externa. 4 Treatment. Treatment of chronic otitis is a multistep process.

What does a mite look like on a cat’s ear?

Gently take out a chunk and put it on a dark background. Live mites look like white, moving specks about the size of a pin head (use a magnifying glass if you have one). A veterinarian will confirm your diagnosis by looking at a sample of debris under a microscope.

What does it mean when a cat’s ears turn white?

Feline solar dermatitis, also called radiation or ultraviolet dermatitis, is seen most commonly in white cats or cats with white ears that have had longterm exposure to the sun. The first signs are a reddening of the skin and scaling on the sparsely-haired tips of the ears.

What should I do if my cat’s ears are itching?

Don’t clean your cat’s ears before taking it to the vet. The vet may need to get a sample of the discharge to determine the cause of the itching. In some cases, cleaning the cat’s ears will remove the dirt and debris that was causing irritations, and thus will be all that is needed to treat the itching.

Why does my cat keep scratching the same spot?

Dry winter air or nutritional inadequacies can contribute to dry, flaky skin that gets your cat started licking or scratching in search of relief. Pain. If you notice your cat licking or biting at the same spot over and over again, it could be that they are experiencing pain or discomfort in that area. Boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder.

Why does my cat have bald spots around her ears?

As the fungus populates in the hair shafts, the shafts break off at skin level and leave bald spots. Sometimes crusty patches develop around the ears and other affected areas. Ringworm is very contagious, and it can be diagnosed by culturing the hair for the fungus. There are a number of possible treatments to eliminate the infection.

A cat scratching itself is a normal and healthy behavior. If we had the dexterity of most cats, we’d be scratching just as much. However, as with any behavior, when it becomes excessive it signals a problem. If your cat won’t stop scratching, the first thing we might think of is a skin problem.

What should I do about my cat scratching his head?

With any amount of scratching, abrasions, irritation, and breaks in the skin may occur. It is wise to give your cat an antibiotic (as assigned by a vet), and to apply topical antibacterial ointments and creams to avoid further infection and discomfort.

Why is my cat scratching at his scabs?

The more intently a cat scratches, licks and bites at himself, and the longer the condition progresses, the more those telltale scabs will form. When it comes to scabs on cats, scratching at the scabs clears a path for further, secondary infections by usually harmless bacteria that live on cats.

What causes redness and itchiness in cats ears?

Allergies can cause redness and itchiness of the ears. Ear infections are also common. Other areas of the body (such as the face, armpits, groin, and feet) may also be affected. Diagnosis is based on your cat’s history, signs, and the elimination of other skin diseases that cause itchiness.

What should I do if my cat has scabs on his ears?

Solutions to help clean the ears and remove discharge as well as an insecticide to kill the mites. Ivermectin, milbemycin (MilbeMite), selamectin (Revolution), imidacloprid (Advocate). Your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your cat.

Just like us, kittens and cats get itchy too. Therefore the answer is yes. However, how much scratching is too much? Personally, I would say that itching 3 times per hour is a good indicator that something is aggravating your kitty’s ear.

Why does my cat keep scratching his ears?

Outer ear infections look similar to mite infections. The symptoms are similar too, your cat will keep shaking their head and scratch at their ears with their back feet. If you inspect their ears closely however, the main differences you will see are inflammation and reddish swelling. There might even be some discharge.

Why does my cat have black stuff in his ears?

If you spot black debris in your cat’s ears, he probably has ear mites. You might think this means your cat’s ears have something to do with his balance, but that’s not the case. As in all mammals, balance is controlled by part of the brain.

Can a cat bite you in the ear?

Cats who go outside or live in a multi-cat household are also at higher than average risk for trauma to their ears. Bites and scratches are often directed towards this area and can result in lacerations, punctures and other types of wounds that can subsequently become infected.

Why does my cat keep scratching its skin?

The most widespread are fleas. They are blood sucking insects which bite to feed on the blood. This agitates the skin which makes the cat scratch. With a severe flea infestation, the cat will keep scratching the skin until it is raw.

Can cat scratches cause staph infections?

There is also the chance that a cat may create a MRSA infection from a nip or a scratch. The bacteria on our own skin, which includes MRSA and other staph bacteria, can spread into the wound the cat made and create an infection.

Why does my cat have an itchy head?

Ear mites are well known as the major cause of otitis externa (ear inflammation) in young cats and in breeding colonies – see common ear problems in cats. However, it is also possible for the mites to wander onto the skin around the head and neck and cause pruritic skin disease at these sites.

Why does my cat keep biting my tail?

What stresses cats varies between individual animals. For some, it might be changing the drapes, while other cats can maintain their emotional health through almost anything. Redirected aggression is one-way cats relieve excess stress, and it is possible that Monkey redirects aggression at her own tail in an effort to relieve the angst.

Why does my cat scratch on her back?

Frequent scratching and biting of the fur, especially on the back and the base of their tail. Raised bumps (papules) or scabs on the skin and thinning fur in the affected area. Eliminate fleas from the cat and environment.

Why does my cat keep scratching his ear?

The cat scratching their ear a lot may be the first thing which draws our attention to the problem. If the skin becomes raw, it is very advanced. The cause of ear problems in cats is often from ear mites. In the minority of cases, it is possible the underlying problem is a more serious condition.

Why does my cat itch on the back of her neck?

If a visual inspection or a flea combing does not reveal the problem, the telltale sign of flea “dirt” (digested blood that the flea deposits in the fur) is usually seen along the lower back, tail base, or around the neck.

What should I do if my cat is scratching on my neck?

There are several effective products to kill fleas which include spot-on products that are applied to the skin on the back of the cat’s neck, shampoos, tablets and flea collars. In addition to treating the cat, it is also important to treat the environment as well as wash all blankets and bedding the cat sleeps on.

What causes a cat to have folded ears?

In most of the cases, the folded ears are caused by skeletal problems. That means that trying to straighten the ears would do a lot of permanent damage to the cat. Don’t even try doing it if you love your kitty. Are folded ears a health problem?

What are the most common ear problems in cats?

1 Ear Mites These tiny parasites like to live in your pet’s ears. They easily make way into your cat’s ear through other animals. 2 Mange Mange mites, prefer to live on the skin around the head and ears of cats. 3 Ear Infections Ear infection, caused by yeast or bacterias is the most common issue of all the ear problems.

Ear infections often cause a cat’s ears to become more red and swollen than do mite infestations, and the discharge from an infected ear tends to have a distinctly foul odor.

How often should I check my cat’s ear?

Personally, I would say that itching 3 times per hour is a good indicator that something is aggravating your kitty’s ear. It never hurts to occasionally check your cat’s ear for signs of irritation, dirt, or infection every few days when paying them attention. It is quick and easy to do.

How can you tell if your cat has ear problems?

Your cat may demonstrate the following signs if he is in pain: He will shake his head frequently and paw at his ears; You may notice hair loss or scabs on or around his ears, on his neck or on his face as a result of him scratching; You may notice an unpleasant odor coming from your cat; or

Cats scratch at their ears and shake their head to alleviate the symptoms. Ear mites can be intensely itchy and cats will often spend long periods rubbing and scratching their ears. Ear mites can cause inflammation in the ear which may then, if untreated also lead to a bacterial infection.

What do ear mites do to a cat?

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) – another well-known condition. These are nasty parasites and one of the most common cat health problems. They cause intense itching leading to scratching which in turn causes scabs and loss of hair around the ears. Sometimes cats are also allergic to ear mites compounding the problem.

Why does my cat have scabs on her face?

The scabs occur because the cat scratches due to intense itching. Crusts are grey to yellow. Vets do a skin biopsy or skin scrapping. Chiggers aka harvest mites or red bugs – this parasite is picked up in grassland. Likely to be in between toes and around ears and mouth. A magnifying glass reveals red/yellow/orange specks.

How to tell if your cat has skin allergies?

There are a range of symptoms that can indicate a problem with your cat’s skin. Cats incessantly itch, scratch and bite their fur to alleviate signs of pet allergies and also lick their fur to soothe infections. Contact your vet straight away if your cat is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

What are the causes of cats being itchy?

Story at-a-glance – Both cats and dogs get itchy skin, but often the underlying cause is different Dogs typically itch due to allergies; however, the cause of your cat’s itching is just as likely to be something else Skin conditions that commonly cause itching in cats include parasites, ringworm and feline acne