Hard, hairless, flat growths on the skin (plaques) in cats
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for ulceration, Bleeding, rapid increase in size, severe pain, or if several new Lesions develop quickly.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition of
Hard, hairless, flat growths on the skin, also known as plaques, are superficial, thickened areas of skin in cats, often characterized by a lack of hair and a hardened texture.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Grundlagen und mögliche Ursachen
Plaques in cats can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is an allergic reaction triggered by environmental factors, food, or parasites such as fleas. The allergic reaction leads to an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in thickening and hardening of the skin.
Another common reason for the development of plaques is a fungal infection, such as dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm. This infection leads to inflamed, hairless patches on the skin that can develop into plaques. Dermatophytosis is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted between animals and even to humans.
Autoimmune diseases can also cause plaques on the skin of cats. In such diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells, leading to inflammatory conditions and thickening. Examples include pemphigus foliaceus and lupus erythematosus.
In addition, hormonal disorders such as an imbalance of thyroid hormones or diabetes mellitus can lead to skin changes. These diseases affect skin health and can cause the appearance of plaques.
Finally, tumors or benign skin growths can also be the cause of plaque formation. These can either arise primarily in the skin or occur as a secondary symptom of a systemic disease.
Typische Begleitsymptome
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Itching: Cats with plaques may often experience itching, which leads to increased scratching and licking. Scratching can further damage the skin and increase the risk of secondary infections.
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Skin redness: The affected skin areas may appear reddened, indicating an inflammatory condition. The redness can vary depending on the cause and severity of the plaques.
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Skin dryness: The skin may be dry and scaly, leading to an uneven skin texture. Dryness can also increase the risk of cracks and further skin injuries.
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Swelling: In some cases, swelling may occur around the plaques, indicating a deeper skin inflammation.
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Changes in behavior: Due to discomfort or pain, affected cats may show changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or withdrawal.
Wann zum Tierarzt?
A visit to the vet is absolutely necessary if the plaques enlarge rapidly or the cat shows signs of pain or significant discomfort. Also, if accompanying symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy occur, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
If the plaques bleed, weep, or show signs of an infection, such as pus or an unpleasant odor, a veterinary visit is urgently needed. Such symptoms may indicate an advanced infection that requires medical treatment.
Likewise, a veterinarian should be consulted if the plaques persist or worsen despite home care and treatments. This may indicate an underlying condition that requires special veterinary intervention.
Symptomerkennung für den Tierhalter und tierärztliches diagnostisches Vorgehen
For pet owners, it is important to examine their cat’s skin regularly to detect changes early. Look for unusual thickening, redness, or hairless spots. If you notice such changes, note their size, color, and whether the cat shows signs of pain or itching.
During the veterinary visit, the veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination of the cat. This usually includes a detailed medical history to identify possible triggers and accompanying circumstances. The veterinarian may order skin swabs, biopsies, or blood tests to determine the exact cause of the plaques.
In some cases, a skin test for fungal infections or allergies may be performed. The veterinarian may also order X-rays or ultrasound examinations if internal causes are suspected. The diagnostic measures depend on the suspected cause and the observed symptoms.
Was kann der Tierhalter tun und professionelle Therapieoptionen
As a first step, pet owners should keep the affected skin areas clean and dry to minimize the risk of infections. Use lukewarm water and a mild, pH-neutral shampoo to clean the skin. Avoid harsh detergents that could further irritate the skin.
To relieve itching, the pet owner can try to distract the cat from scratching and licking habits by offering toys or interactive activities. Applying an Elizabethan collar can also help prevent excessive scratching.
Ask your veterinarian about suitable topical treatments or ointments that can support the healing process. In some cases, special medical creams or lotions may be prescribed to reduce inflammatory conditions and promote skin regeneration.
A balanced diet with additional omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can support skin health and relieve the symptoms of skin diseases. Talk to your veterinarian about suitable nutritional supplements or special diets.
It is important to schedule regular follow-up visits with the veterinarian to monitor progress and adjust treatment if necessary. Stay in close contact with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat receives the best possible care.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Current research is intensely investigating why cats suffer from hard, hairless, flat growths on the skin, also known as plaques. A significant aspect of the investigation is the role of the cat’s immune system. Researchers suspect that an overreactive immune response may play a role in the development of these plaques. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery that many affected cats also show other signs of allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.
Another focus of research is on genetics. Studies suggest that certain breeds may be more susceptible to the formation of these plaques. Genetic markers associated with an increased likelihood of developing these skin changes are being identified to better assess the risk in future generations.
Research is also examining environmental factors that may contribute to the development of plaques. These include diet, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals or allergens. For example, some studies have shown that cats living in urban environments are more frequently affected by these skin changes than those in rural areas, possibly due to higher environmental exposure.
Another research focus is on improving diagnostic methods. Currently, non-invasive techniques are being developed to detect and assess plaques early on. Advances in imaging technology and biochemical analysis could enable more accurate and faster diagnoses in the future.
Regarding treatment, there are ongoing studies looking at new drug therapies. The focus is on developing drugs that specifically target the underlying mechanisms that lead to the formation of plaques. This could reduce the need for invasive procedures and improve the quality of life for affected cats.
In summary, research into the development and treatment of plaques in cats is a multidisciplinary field that is rapidly evolving. New insights from genetics, immunology, and environmental science are helping to deepen the understanding of these skin changes and develop better therapeutic approaches.