Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. By the time a skin problem is obvious — patches of missing fur, persistent scratching, visible sores — the condition has usually been developing for weeks. Catching it earlier means a simpler, cheaper treatment and a faster recovery for your cat.
This guide covers the four skin conditions most commonly seen in Indian cats, how each one looks, and what to do as soon as you spot the first signs.
The 4 Skin Conditions to Watch For
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) Monitor
Ringworm is not a worm — it is a fungal infection caused by Microsporum canis, the same organism responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch in humans. It is India's most common cat skin condition and is highly contagious — between cats, from cats to dogs, and from cats to people.
What it looks like: Circular or irregularly shaped patches of hair loss, usually 1–5 cm in diameter. The skin at the centre of the patch may look grey, scaly, or slightly crusty. The border is often slightly raised and more inflamed than the centre. Lesions first appear on the head, ears, and paws — areas cats groom most frequently. Unlike mange, ringworm does not always cause intense itching.
India-specific risk: India's year-round humidity and heat are ideal for fungal growth. Multi-cat households, cats that go outdoors, and kittens under 1 year have the highest risk. Stray cat contact is a significant transmission route in Indian cities.
What to do: Isolate the affected cat from other pets and minimise contact with children. Your vet will confirm ringworm with a Wood's lamp (UV light — infected hairs fluoresce green) or fungal culture. Treatment is oral antifungal medication (itraconazole or terbinafine) plus antifungal shampoo for 4–8 weeks. Wash all bedding, vacuum carpets, and disinfect surfaces with a 1:10 bleach solution — the fungal spores survive in the environment for up to 18 months.
Mange (Notoedric Mange / Cat Scabies) Urgent
Cat mange is caused by Notoedres cati, a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin. It is significantly less common than ringworm but is considerably more severe — the infestation spreads rapidly and causes intense, constant itching that quickly leads to self-trauma. It is contagious between cats and can temporarily affect humans and dogs.
What it looks like: Intense, unrelenting scratching — much more severe than normal grooming behaviour. The affected areas develop thick, yellowish-grey, crusty skin (called "mange crust") that looks like dried scabs. Hair falls out in the affected areas, leaving raw or scabbed skin underneath. The infestation typically begins around the face, ears, and neck, then spreads across the body if untreated. Affected cats lose weight rapidly due to the energy cost of constant scratching and stress.
Mange spreads to every cat in the household within 2–3 weeks if not treated. If you see the thick crust pattern + intense scratching, treat it as urgent and see a vet the same day — do not wait to "see if it improves."
What to do: Veterinary diagnosis via skin scraping (microscopic identification of mites). Treatment is selamectin (Revolution) topical spot-on or ivermectin injection — both highly effective. All cats in the household must be treated simultaneously or reinfestation will occur. Deep-clean all bedding and surfaces. Infected cats should be kept away from humans until treatment is complete.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) Monitor
Flea Allergy Dermatitis is the most common cause of skin disease in cats worldwide, including India. The allergy is not to the flea itself but to proteins in flea saliva — a single flea bite in a sensitised cat triggers an immune response out of proportion to the irritant. A cat can have severe FAD with only 1–2 fleas present, making it frustratingly difficult to find the fleas directly.
What it looks like: Intense scratching, licking, and biting — especially around the lower back, base of tail, inner thighs, and belly. The characteristic sign of FAD is miliary dermatitis: dozens of tiny, raised, scabby lesions that feel like small grains of millet scattered under the fur. Running your fingers firmly backwards against the fur direction, you feel the tiny bumps before you see them. Hair loss at the tail base is very characteristic. Look for "flea dirt" (black specks that turn reddish-brown on wet tissue paper) at the base of the fur near the tail.
What to do: Treat the cat and all other pets in the household with a veterinary-grade flea preventive — Bravecto (fluralaner) or Nexgard Combo are effective options available in India. Do not use over-the-counter supermarket flea sprays; they are largely ineffective against modern flea populations. Treat the home environment: wash all bedding, vacuum thoroughly, and use a household flea spray containing IGR (insect growth regulator) to kill eggs and larvae. The full treatment cycle takes 3 months to break the flea lifecycle.
Fungal Skin Infection (Malassezia) Monitor
Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast organism that normally lives on the skin of cats in small numbers. In certain conditions — particularly those involving humidity, immunosuppression, or an underlying allergy — it multiplies beyond normal levels and causes a skin condition. In India, the monsoon season creates near-ideal conditions for Malassezia overgrowth.
What it looks like: Greasy, smelly, slightly yellowish or brownish skin discharge — particularly in skin folds (neck folds, armpits, groin) and around the ears. The fur in affected areas looks matted, dull, and discoloured. There may be a distinctly musty or rancid odour. Moderate itching is usually present. In chronic cases, the skin in affected areas becomes darker, thickened, and elephant-like in texture (lichenification).
Malassezia skin infection is often secondary to another underlying condition — food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or ringworm — so resolving the primary cause is essential to prevent recurrence.
What to do: Veterinary diagnosis via tape strip cytology (simple, quick in-clinic test). Treatment involves antifungal shampoo (ketoconazole or miconazole-based) twice weekly for 4–6 weeks, plus oral antifungal in severe cases. Identify and address the underlying trigger — especially dietary changes if food allergy is suspected. Cats with recurring Malassezia often benefit from regular preventive bathing during monsoon months.
How to Do a Quick Home Skin Check
Once a week, take 2 minutes to do a systematic skin check on your cat. Use a fine-toothed comb to part the fur in sections:
- Head, ears, and face — the first area affected by ringworm and mange. Look for hair thinning, scaling, or crust at the ear margins.
- Neck and chest — lift the chin and check under the neck folds, a common site for Malassezia.
- Lower back and tail base — the primary site for flea allergy. Feel for miliary dermatitis (tiny bumps) and check for flea dirt.
- Belly and inner thighs — check for redness, hair loss, or scabbing in these hidden areas cats cannot show you themselves.
- Paws — between toes and on the paw pads, look for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Take a photo whenever you notice something unusual. A series of dated photos is the single most useful thing you can bring to a vet appointment — it shows whether a lesion is stable, growing, or changing character over time.
Screen Your Cat's Skin with PawCheck
PawCheck's cat skin scanner identifies ringworm, mange, flea allergy, and fungal infections from a photo — returning a severity result in under 10 seconds. Free on Android, launching June 2026.
📱 Get Early Access