Stop the scratching — treat your cat's itching from home

Itching, or pruritus as it's medically known, is one of the most common reasons cat owners seek veterinary care. While the occasional scratch is normal, excessive itching indicates something is irritating your cat's skin or triggering their nervous system. When cats feel itchy, they typically respond by: • Scratching with their hind feet • Licking excessively, especially on their belly, inner thighs, or base of tail • Chewing or biting at their skin or fur • Rubbing their face or body against furniture, carpet, or other objects • Head shaking (for ear itchiness) • Overgrooming, which can lead to hair loss Chronic itching doesn't just make your cat uncomfortable—it can lead to secondary problems like skin infections, hair loss, and behavioral changes. The constant irritation can make your cat anxious, irritable, or even aggressive. Itching is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. Finding the root cause is essential for providing effective relief and preventing future episodes. At Telavets, we're committed to helping you identify what's making your cat scratch and developing a tailored treatment plan to bring them comfort.

Cats can become itchy for a variety of reasons, and identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment. Here are the most common culprits behind your cat's scratching: • External Parasites: - Fleas: Even one flea bite can cause intense itching in sensitive cats. Flea allergy dermatitis is especially common and causes itching disproportionate to the number of fleas present. - Mites: Ear mites cause intense itching inside the ears, while other mites like Cheyletiella can cause dandruff and itching across the body. - Lice: Though less common in cats than fleas, lice can cause irritation and itching, especially in long-haired cats. • Allergies: - Environmental Allergies: Just like humans, cats can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other environmental allergens. These typically cause itching around the face, paws, and belly. - Food Allergies: Allergic reactions to proteins in food can cause itching, particularly around the head, neck, and ears. Common culprits include beef, dairy, fish, and chicken. - Contact Allergies: Less common in cats, these can develop from contact with certain fabrics, cleaning products, or plants. • Skin Infections: - Bacterial Infections: Often secondary to allergies or parasites, bacterial infections can cause red, bumpy rashes that are extremely itchy. - Fungal Infections: Ringworm (a fungus, not a worm) can cause circular areas of hair loss with inflammation and itching. - Yeast Infections: These can develop in skin folds or ears and cause intense itching along with a distinctive odor. • Dry Skin: Especially common in winter or in dry climates, dry skin can cause flaking and itching. Contributing factors include: - Low humidity - Poor nutrition, particularly low essential fatty acids - Excessive bathing or use of harsh shampoos - Dehydration • Stress or Anxiety: Some cats develop psychogenic alopecia, where stress leads to excessive grooming and resulting skin irritation. • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like pemphigus or lupus can cause the immune system to attack the skin, leading to itching and lesions. • Hormone Imbalances: Thyroid issues or other endocrine disorders can sometimes manifest as skin problems and itchiness. • Environmental Factors: Irritants like chemicals, detergents, or even certain types of litter can cause contact irritation. • Age-related Changes: Older cats may develop skin changes that can lead to increased sensitivity and itching. Identifying which of these factors is affecting your cat can be complex, as multiple causes may be present simultaneously. With Telavets, our experienced veterinarians can help you determine what's making your cat itch and develop an effective treatment strategy.

When your cat can't stop scratching, Telavets is here to help—no stressful car rides or waiting rooms required. Our virtual veterinary service is specially designed to address skin issues like itching efficiently and effectively. Here's how we can help your itchy kitty find relief: 1. Virtual Dermatology Consultations Our virtual consultations allow our veterinarians to visually examine your cat's skin and coat while they remain in their comfortable home environment. During the video call, we'll: • Observe your cat's behavior and scratching patterns • Examine affected areas of skin and fur • Ask detailed questions about when the itching started and any patterns you've noticed • Review your cat's history, diet, environment, and previous treatments This comprehensive assessment helps us identify patterns and potential triggers for your cat's itching. 2. Diagnostic Guidance Based on your cat's symptoms and our visual examination, we may recommend: • At-home testing kits for parasites • Guidance on how to check for fleas and flea dirt • Instructions for collecting samples for laboratory testing • Monitoring logs to track itching patterns in relation to environmental factors or diet In some cases, we may recommend an in-person visit to a local veterinarian for specific tests that cannot be performed remotely. 3. Customized Treatment Plans Once we've identified the likely cause of your cat's itching, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include: • Prescription medications to relieve itching and inflammation • Antiparasitic treatments for fleas, mites, or other external parasites • Antibiotics or antifungals for skin infections • Specialized shampoos, sprays, or wipes for topical relief • Dietary recommendations or hypoallergenic diet trials for suspected food allergies • Environmental modifications to reduce allergen exposure • Supplements to support skin health, such as omega-3 fatty acids 4. Next-Day Medication Delivery We understand that when your cat is uncomfortable, you want relief fast. That's why we offer next-day delivery for prescribed medications and treatments, so your cat can start feeling better as soon as possible. 5. Follow-Up Care and Monitoring Treating itchy skin often requires adjustments to find the most effective approach. We provide: • Scheduled follow-up consultations to monitor progress • Guidance on how to track improvement • Adjustments to treatment plans as needed • Long-term management strategies for chronic conditions 6. Preventative Strategies Once your cat's itching is under control, we'll help you develop strategies to prevent future flare-ups, which may include: • Regular parasite prevention protocols • Environmental management for dust mites or other allergens • Maintenance treatments for chronic conditions • Dietary recommendations for optimal skin health With Telavets, your cat receives comprehensive care for their itching without the stress of traditional vet visits, and you get peace of mind knowing expert help is just a video call away.

Different causes of itching require different treatment approaches. Here's how we address various types of itchy skin conditions in cats: For Parasite-Related Itching: • Prescription flea and tick medications that are safe and effective for cats • Treatments for ear mites, including ear drops or systemic medications • Lime sulfur dips or specialized treatments for mange mites • Environmental treatment recommendations to eliminate parasites from your home • Preventative protocols to avoid reinfestation For Allergic Itching: • Antihistamines to reduce allergic responses • Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications for severe cases • Immunotherapy options for environmental allergies • Hypoallergenic diet trials for food allergies • Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce inflammation • Topical therapies like medicated shampoos or sprays • Newer generation medications that target specific pathways in allergic inflammation For Dry Skin: • Dietary supplements rich in essential fatty acids • Humidifier recommendations to increase environmental moisture • Specialized moisturizing sprays or wipes safe for cats • Gentle cleansing products that won't strip natural oils • Guidance on appropriate bathing frequency For Skin Infections: • Antibiotics for bacterial infections • Antifungal medications for ringworm or yeast infections • Medicated shampoos or wipes to treat the skin directly • Probiotics to support immune function during treatment • Environmental decontamination protocols for contagious conditions For Stress-Related Overgrooming: • Environmental enrichment strategies to reduce anxiety • Pheromone products like Feliway to create a calming environment • Behavior modification techniques • Anti-anxiety medications in severe cases • Physical barriers like soft cones or bodysuits for severe cases For Autoimmune or Hormonal Skin Conditions: • Immunosuppressive medications to control autoimmune responses • Hormone replacement or regulation therapy • Specialized care protocols for long-term management • Regular monitoring to adjust treatment as needed For Multi-Factorial Itching: • Combination therapy approaches that address all contributing factors • Step-wise treatment plans that prioritize the most likely causes • Regular reassessment to adjust treatment as response is observed At Telavets, we recognize that every cat is unique, and we tailor our treatment approaches to your cat's specific needs. Our goal is not just to temporarily relieve the itching, but to address the underlying cause and restore your cat's comfort and quality of life.

When your cat is uncomfortable with itchy skin, getting the right care quickly is important. Here's why Telavets is the perfect solution for addressing your cat's itching: • Stress-Free Consultations: Traditional vet visits can be stressful for cats, potentially worsening skin conditions that are triggered or exacerbated by stress. With Telavets, your cat stays in their comfortable home environment while receiving expert care. • Quick Access to Care: Itching can rapidly worsen as your cat scratches, potentially leading to skin damage and infections. Our virtual consultations allow you to connect with a veterinarian promptly, often within 24 hours. • Specialized Feline Knowledge: Our veterinarians have extensive experience with cat-specific skin issues, allowing for more targeted diagnosis and treatment. • Comprehensive Visual Examinations: Through high-quality video consultations, our vets can see the patterns of skin lesions, the distribution of redness or rashes, and your cat's behavior, all of which provide important diagnostic clues. • Next-Day Medication Delivery: Once a treatment plan is established, you'll receive any prescribed medications at your door the next day, allowing for prompt initiation of treatment. • Ongoing Support: Skin issues often require adjustments to treatment and long-term management. We provide follow-up consultations to monitor progress, adjust treatments as needed, and support you through the entire recovery process. • Education and Prevention: Beyond treating the current issue, we'll help you understand how to maintain your cat's skin health and prevent future problems. • Cost-Effective Care: Our telemedicine model allows us to provide expert veterinary care at a lower cost than traditional in-clinic visits. • No Transport Challenges: For cats that become extremely stressed in carriers or cars, our service eliminates this significant barrier to receiving care. • Documentation and Tracking: We help you track your cat's response to treatment with photos and follow-up consultations, making it easier to monitor progress over time. Don't let your cat suffer with uncomfortable itching. With Telavets, professional help is just a video call away. We'll help get to the root of your cat's itching and create a plan to restore their comfort and quality of life.