Cat Skin Bumps

by Donna Dash
(Greenville, NC)

My cats skin bumps feels Like an alligator. We have 3 sister kitties (10 yrs old). We moved about 6 months ago. Up until that time, they had all been indoor/outdoor kitties, but we previously lived out in the country away from traffic, etc.

Since we moved, we do not let them out. They have pretty much adjusted to that...but one was a hunter. She used to stay out most of the day, and would bring us all sorts of animals to show off before she would devour it.

About 3 months ago, she started having cat skin issues. She was getting scaly cat skin bumps, mostly on her underside, and then on top of her head and around her shoulders.

We have taken her to the vet, and he "has never seen anything like it." They initially treated it as a bacterial infection with an antibiotic. Then they changed over to an anti-fungal treatment, and then back to antibiotic/steroids. We have been giving her prednisone for over 2 months, and it seems different, but she is covered in hard bumps...her skin feels like alligator skin.

She has always been the playful, fun loving kitty, and now she sometimes acts as though she can hardly move. Her hair comes out in lumps...initially in patches (with a big white clump of skin attached) across the top of her head, between her ears, then over her front shoulders, but now those dry patches have stopped and she just has the hard cat skin bumps everywhere, but still sheds terribly.

The initial thought from the NC State Univ. Dept of dermatology was cat flea infestation, but the fact that she has been more of an outdoor cat for the 9 1/2 years prior to the move, and now not at all, with 2 other cats that have NO issues, and we have never seen a flea on any of them or in the house. We are bathing her in Benzoyl peroxide shampoo, but nothing seems to be clearing it up...any suggestions.

Cat Skin Bumps - Cat Health Guide Editor Reply

Dear Donna,

Sorry to hear about the cat skin problem and the cat skin bumps.

Cats which remain outdoors most of the time are exposed to a number of infectious and non infectious factors, which can badly affect the cat's health status.

Since skin is the most exposed part of the body, it is more susceptible, Outdoors, a cat is also exposed to other systemic diseases not related to the skin/integumentary system, that can badly affect the cat as well.

It is impossible to definitely diagnose a condition without a detailed examination and laboratory test results. However, based on what you described, the cat skin bumps appear to be related to some kind of internal condition.

Possibly, your cat initially ingested some prey, which left your cat’s internal system with some type of toxicity, which was latter exhibited as

a skin condition. Raw or uncooked meat is probably the exact cause.

You mentioned that your other cats are well and do not exhibit any symptoms at all. This means that if your affected cat has remained in their company and did not cause any health issues to spread to them, then your cat is not suffering from any infectious disease, such as bacterial/fungal infections and parasitic infestations.

Even, if your cat had experienced these mild secondary infections, they were resolved with the anti biotic and anti fungal therapies.

The other treatmet option you mentioned, prednisone, is a glucocorticoid, which is used to inhibit an inflammatory response. Remember that it is essential in such complicated conditions, but it is possible that prolonged administration will cause alopecia (hair loss) and a hardening of the cat skin tissues. Most probably, symptoms of hardened skin and hair loss is caused by prolonged use of prednisone. If this side effect of prednisone is a problem, your veterinarian can revise the administration plan to every other day.

As you mentioned, you are currently using Benzoyl peroxide shampoo for bathing your cat. We suggest that it would be better for your cat if you reduce the frequency of its use. It can cause yours cat’s sensitive skin to swell and cause damage in the underlying soft tissues.

Unfortunately, we can not suggest any specific therapy, but would suggest that you discuss other possibilities with your veterinarian. Initially, go for some basic dermatological tests and if needed go for blood tests that detect toxicology and if needed, a biopsy (test of skin sample) as well.

This approach will certainly diagnose the exact cause of condition. If available, have a veterinary dermatologist look over the case.

For the time being, you can try some of the herbal remedies noted below, which will certainly help to reduce the skin symptoms. Unlike chemicals and drugs, herbal preparations are considered safe and effective. Remember that this approach is not a specific treatment.

Start by using a herbal shampoo such as Clean Cat Shampoo. for bathing your cat. This will not only cleanse your cat’s coat, but will also soothe and reduce the hardness and scaling of the skin.

Regarding any toxins in your cat's body, consider using a detoxifying remedy such as DeTox Plus. This will eliminate all toxicants from the body, both those related to this cat skin condition and any intoxication caused by high doses of different drugs.

Lastly, herbal skin tonics and fatty acid supplements may help. Skin tonics such as Skin and Coat will help to regulate the skin immune and health status, while fatty acids are a basic skin need. The use of fatty acids such as DermCare Fatty Acid Capsules will help to resolve the dry cat skin condition and the hardening of the skin.

Please keep us updated on the cat skin bumps problem and how it was finally cured.