Cats change their fur color for a number of reasons – color change isn’t necessarily indicative of an illness. To determine whether color change is related to a health condition, you have to consult a veterinarian who will conduct various medical tests. Here’s an overview of several common conditions relating to a cat’s skin and fur.
Persian Cat’s Fur Color Change
Pigment coloration in cats is temperature-sensitive. That means, among other things, that cats who change their environments can change their fur colors too. This occurs especially in the area of palms, and tail. If the cat has a fever, he may develop so-called fever coat which causes whitening of especially long parts of his hair. It usually disappears after several days.
Persian Cat’s Fur Loss
If the loss of fur occurs locally - in the area of the cat’s head, neck, chest, and limbs - creating a kind of nodule, the cat may be suffering from a cyst or tumor. Some bald areas might be filled with liquids, others covered with bruises. In this case, you should immediately consult your vet who will make a biopsy and perform an operation on your cat, if necessary.
If your cat loses fur all over his body, it can be for two other reasons. Cats lose a lot of short, puffy fur in the spring which prepares them for the heat of the summer. And in the autumn, they lose longer portions of their fur which prepares them for the winter. Generally, excessive fur loss may be relating to poor diet and lack of essential vitamins.
Persian Cat’s Skin Bruises and Irritation
All of these are mostly connected with hormonal changes, allergies, bacterial infections, and cancerous conditions. If you notice that they don’t heal within 2-3 days, you should consult a vet who will perform multiple blood tests. In the meantime, keep your cat clean, wash all irritated areas with the help of cotton balls and warm water. Be careful while brushing your cat to not hurt him.
Alarming Symptoms in Persian Cats
Persian cats are known for falling ill rather easily. You should consult your vet as soon as you notice one or more of the following:
- Watery eyes and ears;
- Sudden weight gain/loss;
- Considerable fur loss over a short period of time;
- Mood swings including aggressive and withdrawn behaviors (see: Depression in Cats);
- Loss of appetite;
- Increased amounts of urine.
Whenever unsure about whether or not something is wrong with your cat, don’t hesitate to consult a vet. Many cat’s conditions need multiple tests and biopsies in order to advice appropriate treatment and medicine. For more detailed information, consult other articles in Persian Cat’s Health and Nutrition.
