Why Is My Cat Itching So Much? How to Treat Itchiness in Pets

Allergies in people often cause sneezing and congestion, but our cats experience allergies differently. If your cat is constantly itchy, licking, scratching, and/or losing hair—these can be signs of allergic reactions or skin disease. Sometimes mild changes can signal a growing problem; your veterinarian can help find the cause and curb the symptoms before they worsen. 

Cats can be allergic to many things, including food, parasites, and elements in their environment. Working step by step with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause of the allergy is key for long-term control. For a quick overview of the signs and symptoms of dermatological issues, check out our dermatology information page.  

Fleas, ticks, and mites can all be easily picked up by dogs, even if they are a pup that only spends time in your yard. These bugs can be troublesome to any dog with their ability to transmit disease and cause very itchy dogs. Dogs with a flea allergy have even more sensitive skin to these parasites; flea bites can lead to an allergic reaction. There are many great options for parasite prevention, and your veterinarian can discuss an ideal option for your dog and their lifestyle to relieve them from constantly itching. Intestinal parasites can also cause allergies in dogs. Which is another reason your vet may want to test their stool. 

Many dogs do great with a good quality food, but some dogs can develop a sensitivity to ingredients in the foods. Food allergies to food sources can develop at any point in a dog’s life, occurring suddenly or progressing slowly over time. One of the most common culprits is the protein source in the food (allergies to grains are less common in dogs).  

While working through your dog’s allergies, please be sure to tell your veterinary team about any treats, people food, or extra snacks your dog may receive so nothing is missing. This includes proteins in preventatives.  If a new food is recommended, be sure to only feed the food as planned and do not change the type of food unless advised by your veterinary team. 

When your dog is constantly itchy, keeping close track of their food and ingredients can help in discovering if there is a food allergy present and lead to canine itch relief. 

Pollen, grass, mold, and even human dander can trigger allergies in dogs. Instead of being stuffy, most dogs get super itchy. Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, your doctor may recommend topical treatment options such as bathing with a special shampoo to soothe and treat dog skin allergies. Your doctor may also recommend canine skin allergies testing or environmental allergies testing to help identify the most important allergens for which to avoid. We also have many medications to help your dog become more comfortable, including oral and injectable therapies. 

If your dog has changes in hair color, thinning or patchy hair loss, or is licking and/or scratching, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian near you. 

One of the first steps is identifying and treating any underlying infection. To do this, your veterinarian may recommend a skin scrape to check for mites, a cytology to look for bacteria and yeast in dog’s skin, or even a culture to identify fungal infections like ringworm. It is essential that we eliminate skin infections completely, or the infection may continue to persist, bringing the itch with it. 

Please call your veterinary team if you notice your dog’s skin changes, the symptoms of itching or allergies worsen, or before giving any new foods or medications. With some investigating, persistence, and tailored treatment, we can help your dog live more comfortably and finally beat the allergy itch. 

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Beyond identifying and treating the specific cause of your cat’s itchiness, there are several general tips and strategies that can help manage and reduce your cat’s discomfort: 

Keeping your cat’s coat clean and well-groomed can help reduce the presence of allergens and parasites. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and dirt, and bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe irritated skin. 

Ensure your cat is on a balanced, high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Sometimes, adding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Talk to your veterinarian about specific supplement recommendations or a diet trial.. 

Minimize your cat’s exposure to known environmental allergens. This might include keeping your home clean and free of dust, using air purifiers, and washing your cat’s bedding regularly. 

Make sure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat. 

Provide a comfortable and clean-living environment for your cat. Soft bedding and a stress-free atmosphere can help reduce the urge to scratch and lick. 

egular veterinary visits are crucial for monitoring your dog’s health and catching any issues early. Your vet can provide ongoing advice and adjust treatments as needed. There are many medications that veterinarians can offer to help control allergies including Apoquel® and Apoquel® Chewable.1 It’s the #1 prescribed oral medicine for fast, effective relief of allergic itch and inflammation due to atopic and allergic dermatitis.2

Never give your cat over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian. Some human medications can be toxic to cats and may worsen their condition. 

Sometimes, dogs scratch or lick out of boredom or anxiety. Providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation through toys, exercise, and training can help reduce these behaviors.  

By following these tips and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your dog find itch relief for dogs and improve their overall quality of life. Remember, every dog is unique, and what works may differ depending on your dog’s case. Patience and persistence are key in managing your dog’s allergies and skin conditions. 

1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines.  

See full Prescribing Information for Apoquel and full Prescribing Information for Apoquel Chewable.  

2. Kynetec - PetTrak, US Pruritus Factored National. Dec. 2023 MAT Canine Pruritus, Total Unique Patients on Apoquel. Zoetis Inc.