Excessive itching, licking, chewing, and scratching can significantly affect a cat's quality of life, causing discomfort and often keeping pet owners up at night due to the noise. While corticosteroid hormones like hydrocortisone and prednisone offer rapid relief for itching and inflammation, prolonged use can have widespread and potentially harmful effects on the body. Therefore, it's essential to explore alternative methods for managing itch in cats, both for their comfort and to minimize reliance on corticosteroids.
Infection Control
It's common for cats to become itchier due to infections that develop as a result of their scratching and chewing. Staphylococcus bacteria and Malassezia fungi, typically residing on the skin's surface, can multiply and penetrate deeper layers of the skin when the skin environment changes due to allergies or irritation. Treating these infections with antibiotics, sometimes guided by cultures, can provide relief. Regular monitoring and treatment of infections are essential for some itchy cats.
Long-Acting Injectables: Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®)
Lokivetmab is a relatively new monoclonal antibody designed to target interleukin 31, a biochemical associated with itching. This injectable medication can offer rapid itch relief, usually starting within 8 hours and becoming apparent within a day. Over 80% of dogs receiving the injection experience relief for at least four weeks. While it doesn't work for every dog, it can significantly extend the time between skin infection flare-ups.
Oral Medications
Antihistamines: These are less reliable for dogs than for humans, with only about a 15% success rate. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which may reduce scratching.
Cyclosporine (Atopica®): Originally developed for organ transplant patients, cyclosporine is effective for many allergic cats, but it takes 4-8 weeks to see results. It is often combined with fast-acting medications to control itching initially.
Fatty Acid Supplementation
Supplements containing evening primrose oils and fish oils provide anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve joint pain, cramps, and itchy skin. While they are not effective for acute flare-ups, they can help manage long-term itching by making the skin less reactive to allergens. They can also enhance the effects of other anti-itch medications.
Ultra-Microsized Palmitoylethenolamide or "PEA" (Redonyl®)
PEA is a natural substance found in plants and animals, including humans. It plays a role in restoring skin balance and preventing the release of biochemical mediators of itching. Commercially, PEA is extracted from soybeans to create a highly concentrated product. PEA is available as a flavored chew for dogs and can also be used in cats.
Topical Therapies
Topical Steroids: These can provide excellent relief for small irritated areas (hot spots) without the systemic effects of oral or injectable steroids. However, they should not be applied to the entire body.
Shampoo Therapy: Shampooing offers various benefits, including soothing effects, removal of crusts and allergens, and delivery of medications. Options include colloidal oatmeal shampoos, phytosphingosine-containing products, lime sulfur dips, and others. Ten minutes of skin contact is typically required for medicated shampoos.
Respect for Steroids
While long-term steroid use should be minimized, steroids are valuable tools for providing relief from severe itching. They have an essential role in relieving pain and suffering in itchy pets. The goal is not to avoid steroids at all costs but to minimize their long-term use.
Flea Control
Fleas can exacerbate any itchy skin condition, and good flea control is crucial, even if fleas are not visibly seen. Lower back itchiness is a strong indicator of fleas. Diligent flea control can be a cost-effective and less labor-intensive way to manage itch symptoms in cats.
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