Is Your Cat Constantly Scratching? Here's What Could Be Behind It

If your cat is constantly scratching, licking or grooming excessively, this is a clear warning sign from the skin. Cats often show itching less obviously than dogs: instead of scratching visibly, they groom more often, and the coat becomes thinner in some places. Often an imbalance of the skin or the skin microbiome is behind it, sometimes an allergy or parasites. The good news: if you know the possible causes, you can take targeted action.

Common causes: Why does my cat keep scratching?

Itching is not a disease in itself but a symptom. It is your cat's skin telling you that something is wrong. Common causes of scratching include:

• Parasites such as fleas or mites, including in the ears
• Bacterial imbalance on the skin
• Yeast (e.g. Malassezia)
• Ringworm (fungal skin infection), especially in young cats
• Feline acne, i.e. small black dots or pimples on the chin
• A weakened skin barrier and a disturbed skin microbiome

These factors can occur on their own or in combination and cause your cat to scratch or groom constantly.

The skin microbiome: What is it?

Countless microorganisms live on your cat's skin. Together they form what is known as the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome:

• protects against pathogens
• stabilises the skin barrier
• reduces skin irritation

If this balance is disturbed, the skin becomes more sensitive and often reacts with itching, redness, inflammation or excessive grooming.

At-home itch test: When does it make sense?

Not every cat is happy to be put in a carrier, and not every bout of scratching is an emergency. An at-home skin test can help you assess the situation better.

What the test gives you:

• easy to use in familiar surroundings, without a carrier or waiting room
• first indications of whether germs or parasites on the skin surface are involved
• a basis for your conversation with your vet

Important: A skin test does not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but it can help you spot changes early and provide first indications.

Would you like to know why your dog keeps scratching? Then find out more about skin tests for dogs here.

Constant scratching: When should you see a vet?

Even if it is tempting to act on your own first: persistent itching should always be checked by a vet. Please see your vet promptly if:

• the itching persists or gets worse
• bald, crusty or inflamed areas appear
• your cat licks or scratches itself sore
• it scratches its ears or shakes its head noticeably often
• round, bald or scaly patches appear

Only a veterinary diagnosis can reliably determine the exact cause.

The test shows something: What now?

If the skin test shows an abnormality, your cat's skin is often already irritated, weakened or out of its natural balance. The next step: take the result to your vet. They will decide whether your cat needs treatment, for example against parasites, bacteria or fungi. Alongside this, the skin above all needs targeted, gentle support during this phase.

Supporting your cat's skin in a targeted way: What matters?

Besides finding the cause, supportive care plays an important role. Microbiome-friendly care can be helpful here. Look for products that:

• strengthen the natural skin barrier
• support the skin microbiome
• soothe irritated skin
• support the skin's natural regeneration

Such care does not replace treatment, but it can accompany the skin on its way back to balance.

Calmer skin in two steps

1. Understand the cause: through careful observation, a skin test and, if necessary, a check-up with your vet
   e.g. with the Pezz life skin & itch test or the Pezz life ear infection test
2. Support the skin in a targeted way: with microbiome-friendly care
   e.g. with natural care from Doderm (Doderm Skin RepairGel Cat)

This turns pure symptom treatment into a structured approach.

Conclusion: Cat constantly scratching – reacting early is key

If your cat keeps scratching, there is almost always a cause behind it. It can range from parasites and ringworm to skin barrier disorders to microbiome imbalances.

The earlier you react, the sooner your cat can feel comfortable in its skin again.

A little extra:
With the code DERMA10 you get 10% off the skin & itch test or the ear infection test in the Pezz life shop.
With the code PEZZ10 you get 10% off microbiome-friendly skin care in the Doderm shop.