Occurrence of Dermatological Disorders in Cats: A Six-month Study from Central India

Abstract

Background: Dermatological disorders are among the most frequently encountered clinical conditions in domestic cats and significantly affect animal welfare. Region-specific epidemiological data from central India remain limited. Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatological disorders in domestic cats. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in cats presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex and private clinics in and around Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 307 cats were screened, and dermatological disorders were diagnosed using clinical examination, deep skin scraping, flea comb test, Wood’s lamp examination, and tape impression smear. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Out of 307 cats examined, 67 were affected, resulting in an overall occurrence of 21.82%. The occurrence was significantly higher in cats below 12 months of age (P < 0.05) and in Persian cats compared to domestic short-haired cats (P < 0.05). Gender-wise differences were not statistically significant. Alopecia (71.64%) and otitis externa (49.25%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Ectoparasitic infestations constituted the predominant dermatological disorder (52.23%), followed by fungal (20.89%) and bacterial infections (16.41%). Conclusion: Dermatological disorders are common in domestic cats, with age and breed acting as significant risk factors. Early diagnosis and effective parasite control strategies are essential for improving feline dermatological health.