Pyoderma in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Dubai

What is pyoderma in cats?

• All cats have natural bacteria living on their skin. Pyoderma happens when skin damage allows these bacteria to populate deeper skin layers and cause an infection.
• Skin damage may be caused by: scratching or self-trauma, problems with the immune system, or changes in the skin’s natural bacteria.
• In cats, pyoderma is hard to put into categories but is usually described as either superficial – affecting the outermost layers of skin, or deep – infection further under the skin.
• Most mild cases improve within 1–3 weeks on antibiotic treatment. Some superficial cases may clear up with topical treatments.
• Deep or more serious infections can take much longer to heal: around 8–12 weeks of antibiotics

There’s almost always an underlying reason for pyoderma in cats:

• Parasites: fleas or mange
• Poor nutrition: unhealthy or inadequate diet
• Allergies: food allergy or environmental allergies (feline atopic skin syndrome)
• Other illnesses: hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease
• Injuries: bites, scratches, burns
• Viral infections such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukaemia virus)

Symptoms of pyoderma in cats

The most common signs include:

• Itchiness: not all cats get itchy with pyoderma, but some show excessive scratching, biting, or overgrooming
• Red skin, scabs, or flaky patches
• Small bumps or raised lumps
• Foul-smelling or greasy skin
• Thinning hair or bald patches
• Deep pyoderma: open sores, moist or draining wounds, pain, and lethargy

If you notice these symptoms, book a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Prompt identification and treatment eases discomfort and improve the outlook for recovery.

Cats at a higher risk of pyoderma

Pyoderma can affect any cat, but some are at higher risk:

• Cats with skin folds or short hair
• Cats with allergies: food, flea, environmental
• Cats with weakened immune systems: especially cats with FIV or FeLV
• Cats living in hot, dusty climates like Dubai, where allergens and parasites can more easily irritate the skin

Diagnosing pyoderma

Your vet will often take a skin sample to view under a microscope. Additional testing helps identify the underlying cause:

• Skin tests: skin scrapes, swabs, and hair plucks
• Bacterial culture and sensitivity: confirming infection and selecting the best antibiotic treatment
• Skin biopsy: collecting samples for laboratory examination
• Blood and urine tests: checking general health and organ function
• Allergy testing: diet trials, skin tests, blood tests

These investigations are essential for managing the underlying conditions. They play an important role in preventing recurring infections.

Treatment for pyoderma in cats

Treatment depends on the severity and spread of the infection:

• Mild cases: may respond to topical therapy such as antibiotic sprays, mousses, or medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine antiseptic
• Most cases require oral antibiotics for several weeks.
• Severe, recurrent, or deep cases: need 8–12 weeks of targeted antibiotics, guided by bacterial culture and sensitivity tests

Additional measures, as required:

• Prescription medication to relieve allergy, itch and discomfort
• Consistent flea and parasite preventive treatments
• Changes in diet to improve skin health: prescription diets, skin supplements

Home care for a cat with pyoderma

You can support your cat’s recovery by:

• Providing clean, dry bedding and living spaces
• Giving all medication exactly as prescribed, at the correct time and dose and completing the course
• Using medicated shampoos or mousses only if recommended by your vet
• Preventing overgrooming or scratching with a buster (cone) collar or pet medical suit
• Scheduling follow-up appointments with your vet until the problem is completely cleared

Tips for preventing pyoderma in cats

• Groom your cat regularly, especially during warmer months
• Keep skin folds clean and dry: use antibacterial wipes if recommended
• Feed your cat a balanced, high-quality diet to support healthy skin and coat
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight and body condition
• Keep up-to-date with year-round parasite control and vaccinations as recommended by your vet
• Work with your vet to identify and manage allergies
• Consider omega oil supplements to strengthen the skin barrier

Can people or other animals catch pyoderma?

The bacteria involved in pyoderma are not usually a risk for healthy humans. Very rarely, certain strains may transfer, but the risk is very low. It can be reduced even further with good hygiene, such as careful handwashing after handling your cat or cleaning up after them.

When to worry about pyoderma

Book an urgent veterinary appointment if:

• Your cat is persistently scratching, grooming, or biting their skin
• Skin sores are getting worse
• Your cat is lethargic, off food, or appears unwell, alongside the skin issues

Call your vet if:

• You spot new sores, spots, or scabs
• You want advice about parasite prevention
• You need guidance on bathing or topical care

Worried your cat may have pyoderma or another skin problem? Book a check-up or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced veterinary team offers expert diagnostics, tailored treatments, and ongoing care to help your cat recover quickly and comfortably. From routine check-ups to urgent skin infections, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for compassionate, professional feline care.