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Bacterial skin infections are usually limited to the skin's outermost layers. If left untreated, however, they can spread to the deepest layers, making the condition more serious and treatment more difficult.
Signs of Bacterial Skin Snfection
Reddened skin, accompanied by pimples, pustules, and/or dry, crusty patches. Your cat's skin might be weeping, and you may notice flakiness. Your cat might have mild to severe scratching and spots of hair loss. You may also notice small pimples. These pimples may actually be small pustules that break open when scratched.
Cats are not usually struck by bacterial skin diseases unless they have some underlying health disorder that lowers their skin defenses. When this fortification goes down, the disease-causing bacteria found naturally in the environment seize the chance to play house on your cat's skin. Many of these diseases have human counterparts.
It's important to take your cat to the vet, who will prescrive oral antibiotics, immune stimulants, and nutritional supplements.
To promote healing, keep skin lesions clean and dry. Your vet may prescribe daily administration of oral antibiotics and/or antibiotic ointment and baths (1 to 2 times a week) with medicated shampoos.
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If you would like to treat a bacterial skin infection at home before going to the vet or you are unable to go to the vet right away, you can apply soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial sprays (containing tea tree oil, aloe vera and chamomile, available at health food stores) to the most inflamed areas several times a day.
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Bathing your cat 2 times a week with a sulfur-based shampoo, immediately followed by an oatmeal rinse containing moisturizers, is the best way to treat the generalized bacterial infection that affects many areas of the body.
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Add vitamins C and E as well zinc and sulfur to your cat's diet. Proteolytic plant enzyme dietary supplements strengthen the immune system and are very helpful. If an allergy is the underlying cause of the bacterial skin disease, you also should switch your cat's diet to a high-quality, chemical-free one with lamb and rice or venison and potato in place of beef.
Prevention of Bacterial Skin Infection
Carefully monitoring your cat's health and maintaining it with proper nutrition will result in a strong immune system that will resist bacterial invasions.
Topics to Explore
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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