Head scratching is a common behavior in cats that can quickly become excessive and lead to wounds. When cats start scratching their heads to the point of bleeding, it’s a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
There are several potential causes for head scratching and resulting wounds in cats. Allergies, fleas, infections, stress, and skin conditions can all provoke frequent scratching. The sharp claws of cats can easily break the skin when they aggressively scratch an itchy or irritated area.
Excessive head scratching requires veterinary attention to diagnose the underlying cause. Treatments will depend on the diagnosis but may include medications, dietary changes, or environmental changes. It’s important to find the source of the irritation and treat it, as head wounds from scratching can become infected.
With proper treatment guided by a veterinarian, cats can recover from the conditions causing head scratches. Preventing future episodes is ideal to keep cats comfortable and avoid complications.
Understanding Cat Behavior
Cats scratch and groom themselves as part of their natural behavior. Scratching serves many purposes for cats – it helps them remove dead outer layers from their claws, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory. Excessive scratching, however, can be a sign of discomfort or skin irritation.
Cats scratch their heads and necks frequently as these are hard to reach areas. But constant scratching or scratching that leads to wounds, hair loss or scabs may indicate an underlying issue. It’s important to pay close attention to any changes in scratching habits or locations.
Why Do Cats Scratch Their Heads?
There are several reasons why cats scratch their heads excessively:
- Allergies – Cats can develop allergies to foods, grooming products, medications or environmental allergens like dust mites or pollen. Allergies cause itchy skin, prompting more scratching.
- Parasites – Fleas, mites and other parasites can live on a cat’s skin and cause irritation. Cats will scratch to relieve the itch.
- Infections – Bacterial or fungal skin infections like ringworm can also make cats scratch.
- Stress/Boredom – Stress, anxiety or boredom may cause cats to overgroom.
Paying Attention to Changes in Behavior
Since excessive scratching is unusual, it’s important to monitor your cat’s behavior routinely. Look for:
- Increased scratching frequency or duration
- Scratching that leads to wounds or hair loss
- Scratching at new spots on the body
- Changes in temperament like acting anxious or depressed
Noticing these changes early allows for quicker treatment. Don’t ignore excessive scratching – consult your vet if it persists.
Common Causes of Head Scratching in Cats
Allergies are one of the most common causes of excessive head scratching in cats. Cats can develop allergies to ingredients in their food, like certain proteins or grains. They can also have environmental allergies to things like pollen, dust mites, and mold. An allergic reaction leads to intense itching and cats will scratch their heads vigorously trying to relieve the irritation.
Fleas are another very common source of extreme itchiness and head scratching in cats. Fleas love to congregate around the head and neck area. As the cat feels fleas biting and moving in their fur, they scratch frantically to try and remove the pests. Flea allergies can make cats even more sensitive and prone to scratching.
Certain bacterial or fungal skin infections can also lead to itching and head scratching as they irritate the skin. Infections like ringworm are contagious and need veterinary treatment. Ear mites are a type of mite that can get into a cat’s ears and cause intense scratching around their head and ears.
Some other less common causes of head scratching in cats include:
- Stress or anxiety leading to overgrooming
- Skin conditions like dermatitis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Parasites like mites or lice
- Dry, flaky skin or dandruff
It’s important to pay close attention to when your cat starts scratching their head excessively as it is not normal behavior. Look for any changes in their environment, diet, or health around the time the scratching started. Seek veterinary help to identify the underlying cause and find the right treatment approach.
Recognizing Symptoms of Serious Conditions
Excessive head scratching in cats can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some additional symptoms beyond scratching that may signal a more serious condition:
Loss of Appetite
If your cat stops eating normally or loses interest in food, it could be a sign of illness causing the scratching. Any noticeable decrease in appetite warrants a vet visit.
Lethargy
Along with appetite changes, lethargy or lack of energy can indicate your cat is unwell. Lethargic cats may sleep more than usual and seem generally disinterested.
Hair Loss
Bald spots or thinning hair around scratched areas can develop from excessive scratching and damage to the skin.
Scabs or Sores
Repeated scratching can lead to open wounds, scabs, or sores on the skin that require medical treatment.
Swollen Skin
Allergic reactions often cause swelling and inflammation around the face, head, or neck in cats.
Sneezing/Congestion
Respiratory issues like sneezing or nasal congestion can indicate allergies or upper respiratory infections leading to itchiness.
Skin Redness
Red, irritated skin is a telltale sign of allergies or dermatitis that may underly excessive scratching.
Behavior Changes
Drastic changes in temperament like increased irritability or skittishness can signal your cat is unwell and uncomfortable from persistent scratching.
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms in addition to head scratching, schedule a veterinary appointment right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, excessive scratching can lead to open wounds, infections, and other complications.
Immediate Actions to Take When Your Cat is Scratching Its Head Until It Bleeds
If you notice your cat scratching its head excessively or see any bleeding, it’s important to take immediate action. Here are some steps to take right away:
Isolate Your Cat from Potential Allergens
If you suspect allergies may be causing your cat’s head scratching, isolate them from potential allergens. For environmental allergens, keep your cat confined to one room and use an air purifier. To isolate food allergens, switch to a hypoallergenic diet. Cats with allergies do better in environments where irritants are minimized.
Use an Elizabethan Collar
An Elizabethan collar (or cone) prevents your cat from scratching its head and wounds. This allows any topical medication to be applied without interference. The collar protects healing wounds from further scratching and infection. Just ensure your cat can still eat, drink, and use the litter box while wearing the collar.
See Your Vet Immediately
If your cat’s head is bleeding from excessive scratching, seek veterinary care right away. Head wounds can quickly become infected, leading to complications. Your vet can properly clean and dress any wounds while determining the underlying cause through testing. They may prescribe medication to relieve itching and prevent further scratching. Don’t attempt to treat bleeding head wounds at home – always see the vet.
Take quick action if your cat is scratching its head raw. Protect wounds, isolate allergens, and visit the vet promptly. Addressing the issue quickly can prevent ongoing discomfort and health risks for your beloved feline.
Long-Term Solutions for Excessive Head Scratching
There are several long-term solutions that can help manage and prevent excessive head scratching in cats. Here are some of the most common and effective approaches:
Dietary Changes
Switching to a hypoallergenic diet can help if food allergies are the culprit behind your cat’s itchy head. Work with your vet to transition your cat to a novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet which contains proteins that are less likely to cause an allergic response. It may take 6-8 weeks on the new diet to see improvement.
Medicinal Treatments
Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like steroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections causing the scratching. Flea and tick preventatives are a must if parasites are the problem.
Environmental Changes
If environmental allergies are suspected, thoroughly clean your home and remove possible triggers like dust, mold, and cigarette smoke. Switch to unscented grooming products and laundry detergent. Consider investing in an air purifier as well.
Stress Reduction
If stress is causing your cat to excessively scratch, make sure their environment is enriched with toys, cat trees, and scratching posts. Increase playtime, affection, and attention. Diffusers with synthetic pheromones can also help relax anxious cats.
Regular Vet Visits
Your vet should examine your cat regularly to monitor their skin condition and ensure any treatments are working. Routine visits allow your vet to catch any underlying problems early. Alert your vet if scratching worsens or fails to improve with treatment.
Be patient, as it may take some trial and error to figure out what is causing your cat’s scratching and how to manage it. With your vet’s guidance and an understanding of your cat’s needs, you can find an effective long-term solution.
Conclusion
Excessive head scratching in cats can be distressing for both pet and owner. As we’ve discussed, determining the underlying cause is key to finding an effective solution. While trial and error may be needed, be patient and keep observing your cat’s behavior for clues. If head scratching persists despite your best efforts, don’t delay in consulting a veterinarian.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Look for patterns around when scratching occurs, which can help identify triggers like allergies or parasites.
- Respond quickly at the first signs of excessive scratching to prevent wounds and infection.
- Work closely with your vet to diagnose the cause and find the right treatment, which may involve medication, dietary changes, or environmental adjustments.
- Prevention is ideal – maintain proper flea control and grooming, feed a healthy diet, and minimize stressors.
If your cat is still scratching its head raw, please seek professional veterinary care right away. Head wounds can deteriorate rapidly, leading to dangerous infections, so prompt treatment is critical. With the right diagnosis and care plan, your cat’s scratching and suffering can be relieved.
Understanding the complexities behind head scratching is challenging, but very worthwhile for your cat’s wellbeing. Stay observant, responsive and patient in working through this problem. With some detective work and trial and error, you can get to the bottom of what’s causing the scratching and help your cat heal.