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Feline miliary dermatitis, often termed cat dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects cats of all ages and breeds. Cats that have this condition have small, raised, and crusty lesions that are usually found on the head, neck, and back. These bumps on the neck and back can be extremely itchy, causing scratching and biting at the affected areas, leading to further irritation and secondary skin infections. Military dermatitis in cats can be caused by various factors, but the two most common are flea-bite hypersensitivity and allergies.
Feline miliary dermatitis is a condition causing cat eczema-like symptoms, where cats develop itchy, raised sores on their neck and back that resemble millet seeds. The term “miliary” refers to the appearance of these lesions, which typically appear as small scabs or papules (red bumps) along the cat’s back and neck. In some cases, they may spread out to other parts of the body, including the head and ears.
The lesions tend to be itchy and can cause cats to scratch or bite at them, leading to self-excoriated lesions and potential skin infection. Miliary dermatitis in cats may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
There are many possible causes of miliary dermatitis, but the most common cause is allergies. Flea allergy is the most common, followed by environmental allergies and food allergies as the third most common cause of miliary dermatitis.
When I see a cat with miliary dermatitis, it is flea allergies until proven otherwise. FAD results from an allergic reaction to saliva in the flea bite. Treatment starts with proper flea control on the cat and in the environment. Treating any secondary skin infections is also important.
Environmental allergens like pollen, mould, and dust mites can also be the reason for dermatitis in cats. These allergic dermatitis triggers in cats are usually more common during seasonal changes.
In some cases, a cat may have both flea allergies and environmental allergies. If they're allergic to one thing, they're often allergic to others.
Please bear in mind that indoor cats are not immune to outdoor, seasonal allergies. I routinely see indoor cats with seasonal allergies, which then makes them susceptible to miliary dermatitis. Commonly, these outdoor allergens are brought into the home on our clothing or through open windows, for example.
Food allergies in cats can also cause miliary dermatitis, often presenting with sores on the neck and frequent hairballs or vomiting.
Food allergies are typically triggered by proteins found in specific foods, such as chicken, beef, or fish. If your cat has food allergies, the lesions may appear anywhere on their body and may even spread to other areas. Typically, a cat with food allergies will be very itchy around the head and neck areas.
Although less frequent, folliculitis can manifest as miliary dermatitis in cats. Folliculitis is an infection in the hair follicles of the skin.
If your veterinarian suspects folliculitis as the cause of miliary dermatitis in your cat, they should rule out the most common causes: Bacterial infection, demodex mites, and ringworm (dermatophytosis).
One of the most telling symptoms of miliary dermatitis is an intensely itchy rash that causes your cat to lick, bite, and scratch the affected areas. Even a gentle touch can cause a noticeable reaction, making your cat scratch, lick, or twitch in discomfort.
The condition often escalates quickly, leading to small lesions covered with scabs. These lesions can be a result of either self-inflicted trauma from scratching or the allergic reaction itself.
The most commonly affected areas to watch out for include the lower spine, around the base of the tail, face, ears, neck, and abdomen. You may also notice that your cat's hair coat becomes thin in these areas.
In more severe cases, the rash can become infected, resulting in pustules or pimple-like lesions. Cats with the advanced stage of the condition tend to overgroom and scratch, which can further exacerbate the issue.
As the most common cause of feline miliary dermatitis is an allergy to flea bites, I always perform a thorough exam of the cat to rule out fleas as the culprit. As cat dermatitis can occur from just a few flea bites, there may not be evidence of a massive flea infestation. Therefore, even though no adult fleas are noticed, this does not rule out fleas as the cause.
Tests your veterinarian may perform can include skin scrapings, cytology, trial medications, dietary elimination trials, and allergy testing if warranted.
Treating feline miliary dermatitis often involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause, such as fleas, allergies, or infections. Your veterinarian may prescribe topical creams or ointments, oral medications, or recommend a hypoallergenic diet to help manage symptoms.
To help your cat with miliary dermatitis, there are different treatment options available.
Here's what you can do:
In closing, miliary dermatitis is a common skin condition in cats that can be caused by flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergens, food allergies, and folliculitis. It is a fairly common symptom in cats, and always requires investigation. Your vet can help determine the cause and formulate a treatment plan.
