Cat's skin

 

Skin has an essential role in cat’s life. Nonetheless, external aggressions weaken the fragile ecosystem of cats’ skin. The skin barrier is damaged,the natural flora is disrupted and its defences are activated, causing skin disorders.

Marina G, Veterinarian

The feline skin barrier, a complex and fragile ecosystem

 

The skin has many major roles in cat’s life: protection of outside agression of course but not only. Temperature regulation, moisture retaining, elimination of sebum excess and release of pheromones involved in territorial marking, social and sexual communication are other important function of the skin. The skin barrier is essential to protect the body from allergens, bacteria, yeasts and all other offenders out there.

To be efficient, the skin barrier protection relies on 3 components which interact:

  • The mechanical skin barrier: basically cells and skin components acting like a ‘brick and mortar’ wall allowing to keep water in and offenders out.
  • The immunological skin barrier: cells and molecules that defends the body against offenders. As skin is an interface with the external environment, the immune system is very active.
  • The microbiological skin barrier: there are many microorganism that live on the skin surface (bacteria, yeasts, etc.). This balanced barrier protect from invasion of pathogen microorganisms.
3 skin barriers (scheme from pet owner brochure)

This balance is fragile and deserves your care and protection. All cats can be affected by skin disorders and you, as their families are the first one to be able to notice if there is something wrong. When weakened by agressions, the skin barrier ecosystem is damaged and you can observe signs on your dog’s coat and skin.

Should you observe signs on the skin and coat of your furry friend such as crusts, hair loss among other signs, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

At the same time, DOUXO® S3 can help you every day to take care of your cat.