Miliary dermatitis in cats

Miliary dermatitis in cats is a type of skin reaction, usually caused by flea allergies. It’s characterised by areas of small, raised crusts on the skin. It’s usually seen along the back, tail and tummy. It’s also sometimes seen on the face and neck.

Miliary dermatitis can affect cats of all ages. It’s not a life-threatening illness but can lead to severe discomfort and secondary skin infections if not treated appropriately. Once diagnosed and treated, the long-term outlook is usually good, as long as the underlying cause is controlled.

Overview

What is miliary dermatitis in cats?

Miliary dermatitis is a type of skin reaction usually related to allergies, most commonly to fleas.

Allergies are common in cats; they can develop allergies to food or to things in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites or smoke.
Flea bite allergies are very common in cats, and a severe reaction can occur after just one bite.
Miliary dermatitis can also occur with other skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, immune-mediated disease or nutritional problems.
In most cases, the symptoms are easier to feel than to see. Cats are good at hiding skin problems.
Often, this is a reaction to an underlying allergy; if this is not treated, the reaction will come back again and again.
Overall, the long-term outlook is good, once the underlying cause is under control. Cats can live happy, normal lives.

If not treated appropriately, miliary dermatitis can lead to severe secondary skin infections that may take weeks of antibiotics to clear. Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your cat has itchy or irritated skin. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day and help cats with skin problems on a daily basis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of miliary dermatitis in cats

Miliary dermatitis appears as small, raised, crusty bumps on the skin surface. It’s most commonly seen along the back, tail and tummy. Occasionally on the face and neck too.

Other symptoms that may be noticed include:

Moderate to severe itching: biting, excessive grooming or scratching
Hair loss or hair thinning
Self-trauma can lead to a secondary skin infection: areas of bright red, raw, inflamed or weepy skin.

miliary dermatitis in cats — Patches of miliary dermatitis

Risk

Are some cats more at risk of miliary dermatitis than others?

Miliary dermatitis can affect cats of any breed, age or sex.

It’s known to be a reaction to an allergic stimulus so it’s more common in cats that are prone to allergies.

Diagnosis

How is miliary dermatitis diagnosed in cats?

The diagnosis of miliary dermatitis is based on the appearance of the skin. Your vet may also check for fleas or flea dirt on your cat’s coat. An improvement in symptoms after using appropriate flea control can confirm the diagnosis.

If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, the following tests may be recommended:

Skin scrapings, skin swab, hair plucks or skin biopsy
A diet trial
Allergy tests (blood or intradermal skin tests)
Blood and urine tests may be indicated for some cats

Vet treatment

What’s the treatment for miliary dermatitis in cats?

The treatment for miliary dermatitis usually involves:

Vet-recommended flea control. This needs to be applied regularly and according to manufacturer recommendations.
Other parasite treatments for mites or lice if needed.
Anti-itch medication
Antibiotics or antifungals
A special diet to improve skin health

Home treatment

How to look after a cat with miliary dermatitis at home

95% of fleas live in the environment. Treat the house with a vet-recommended spray. This can also be used regularly and long-term to prevent recurrence.
Wash all bedding, blankets, and clothes that your cat has been in contact with at over 60 degrees Celsius.
Treat all other pets with vet-recommended flea control regularly, even if they show no signs, as they can be a source of infection.
Skin supplements containing omega oils can help improve itching and protect the skin barrier.
Antibacterial and calming sprays or mousses can be helpful for irritated skin.
Use a buster collar or pet medical suit to prevent self-trauma.

Check with a vet before using any home remedies, as some can cause more harm than good. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day.

Prevention

Tips on how to prevent miliary dermatitis in cats

It’s not always possible to completely prevent miliary dermatitis from occurring, but its frequency can be reduced:

Strict flea control is necessary. Use a vet-recommended flea-preventative product all year, even if your cat is indoors only. These are usually applied monthly, but some products may last longer.
Treat all other pets with vet-recommended flea control regularly, even if they show no signs, as they can be a source of flea infestation.
Groom and brush your cat regularly to check for anything abnormal in their fur or on the skin.
Vacuum and clean your pet’s bedding on a regular basis.
Limit contact with stray or unknown animals who may not be on regular flea control.
Feed your cat a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and lifestyle.

Is my family at risk of catching miliary dermatitis from our cat?

Miliary dermatitis is an individual reaction that is not contagious. However, if caused by fleas or certain other parasites, these may also cause reactions in other pets or humans in the house.

When to worry

When to worry about miliary dermatitis in cats

Your cat will need a physical exam if:

They are constantly itchy, and it’s disrupting normal routine
They develop severe or widespread skin infections
They are very young or elderly

Call us and speak to one of our Joii vets if:

You have any questions about flea control in cats
You have any questions about skin products to help reduce mild skin problems in cats
You need help checking your cat for fleas