Overview
If your cat’s scratching more than usual, it could be a sign of feline dermatitis, often referred to as cat eczema. This common skin condition causes itching, redness and irritation. Skin issues like dermatitis are very common in cats (one in eight suffer from atopic dermatitis), and are often caused by allergies. The good news is that your cat can get relief with the right treatment.
What is eczema in cats?
Symptoms of cat eczema
How to help your cat
When to call the vet
Common questions about feline dermatitis
What the research says
Keeping your cat's skin healthy
Bajwa, J. (2018) ‘Atopic dermatitis in cats’, The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 59(3), pp. 311–313.
Banfield Pet Hospital (2018) State of Pet Health Report. Available at: https://www.banfield.com/state-of-pet-health (Accessed: 10 April 2025).
Carrasco, I., Lemarie, S., Armando, F. and Ferrer, L. (2022) ‘Oclacitinib for control of feline allergic dermatitis: a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study’, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 24(8), pp. 775–782.
VCA Animal Hospitals (no date) ‘Miliary dermatitis in cats’. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/miliary-dermatitis-in-cats (Accessed: 10 April 2025).
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Published on 28/08/2018 • Reviewed on 29/04/2025