“There’s something ferocious about the way my cat Kaiyo cleans his fur from time to time, and I can tell it’s bothering him. I take it as a sign that he’s in need of some coat TLC which is typically a gentle brush and taking the time to ensure his food isn’t giving him any allergies.” Jordanne, Kaiyo's Cat Loyalist
Around 10-15% of vet visits for cats are to discuss itchiness and allergies – and that’s usually because a Cat Loyalist has spotted excessive licking, hair loss or rough patches.
What’s normal and what’s not?
Grooming is a full-time hobby for cats, but there’s a difference between normal self-care and grooming that’s obsessive or destructive. This can lead to bald patches, a dull coat and scabby skin – especially around the neck, chin or base of their tails. As well as obvious physical symptoms, there are behavioral signs that suggest they’re not feeling their best:
Petting them is challenging
Maybe it’s when you’re trying to get in some essential bonding time, but your cat’s more interested in frantically grooming or scratching when you try and give them love.
Playtime isn’t fun anymore
Your cat might seem a lot less enthusiastic about playtime, no matter how many toys you tempt them with.
They just seem… off
They’re constantly biting, licking or scratching. They’re not sleeping soundly. They’re restless. They’re coughing up hairballs. They’re generally agitated. Cat Loyalists will spot the signs that all isn’t well.
Over the long term, this kind of overgrooming and discomfort can seriously affect a cat’s mental and physical wellbeing. The stress produces hormones including cortisol, which can cause immune suppression. And that itchy, sore-looking skin is a sign of inflammation in the body, which in turn exacerbates other health conditions your cat may have, such as asthma or urinary tract disease.
What’s actually going on?
There are a few reasons for itchy, allergic cats, and we’ve identified the key culprits (along with advice on how to handle them, together with your vet):
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Fleas - rule this out first
This is the most common cause – particularly if you have an outdoor cat that loves exploring the world. They might be tiny, but it only takes a single bite from a flea to create intense itching, and it can last for weeks. The best course is to speak with your vet about the right flea control for your area, and use a preventative for at least three consecutive months. If you have the joy of being a multi-pet household, they’ll need treating at the same time.
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Food allergies - try a limited ingredient diet
Your cat might think those beef and fish dinners are delicious, but those can also be common allergens. There’s a process of dietary elimination that can help you work out what’s going on – and this involves introducing a single protein source your pet hasn’t eaten before. That means no treats other than this food, and strict commitment for up to 12 weeks. Your vet can guide you through this, and it’s usually best to speak with them first.
- Environmental allergies - think about medication
This is the second most common cause of irritation – and that’s because things like pollen, mold or dust mites can all provoke an allergic reaction. Environmental allergens can be challenging to deal with, as they’re part of your cat’s everyday routine in the home. As always, it’s best to work together with your vet to rule out fleas and food allergies first, and then discuss whether medication might be able to address environmental allergies.
Supplements (and functional treats!) to the rescue
Supplements with active ingredients, and treats with nutrients, can’t replace flea control or guidance from your vet – but they can be a huge source of support for itchy cats.
If you want to give your cat a little extra help and prevention:
WellJoy™ Skin and Coat+ treats are specially formulated to support your pet’s skin and coat from the inside out. Each treat provides Vitamin E, an important antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin and supports pets during seasonal allergies. Skin & Coat+ also contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, a well-researched essential nutrient known for promoting soft, shiny coats — perfect for those joyful, silky strokes you love. For cats, these treats also help hair move comfortably through the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes may help break down ingested hair, while psyllium husk, a gentle natural fiber, helps move it along so your pet can stay comfortable and content.
All of our supplements and treats also contain GutBoost™ – our signature biotic blend that supports your pet’s gut microbiome, and ensures they can make best use of all those key ingredients. And by the way, there’s a growing body of research linking skin health to that microbiome. Read more about its body-wide influence in our mini manual to gut health.
If you don’t see changes right away, don’t give up. The glossy fur your cat’s parading today was formed weeks ago, and healthy skin cells also need time to develop and rise to the surface. Changes might happen around 6 weeks or it might take more like 12 before healthier skin and fur kick in – meaning less shedding, less itching and more cuddles.
If you’re new to supplements, we’ve written a guide on how best to add them into your cat’s routine.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.