If your cat keeps scratching their necks and under chin, they’re probably experiencing some type of allergy or fleas.
In most cats, the reason is probably parasites and allergies so don’t fret and take your kitten to the vet as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that occasional scratching (a few times a day) isn’t abnormal, however, if it’s happening every few minutes, it’s likely a cause that should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Now, let’s dive into the topic a little deeper.
How to Know if My Cat is Itchy?
If your kitten has uncomfortable skin, you will notice almost right away signs.
Common signs include excessive scratching, chewing as well as nibbling at the coat which can develop into overgrooming, more hairballs than usual, and dry, flaky, or red sore skin.
Moreover, itching can either happen all over the body or on specific areas only, thus check your cat’s body regularly so you can address skin issues, if any, as quickly as possible.
Itching isn’t pleasant for cats as you can already suppose. On the contrary, it’s stressful.
Also, if you don’t address the itching, your feline will likely start licking and/or scratching their skin which will result in skin inflammation and wounds.
Why Is My Cat Scratching But Has No Fleas?
Itchy skin in cats can be a result of parasitic infestations, fungal infections, allergies, etc. Flea infestation is one of the most common reasons for itching in cats.
If you can’t see any fleas, it’s likely not a flea infestation as they’re easy to notice. If you do see fleas, ask your vet for advice on treatments.
Now, let’s take a close look at the possible reasons why your cat is scratching their neck and under chin if they have no fleas.
1. Lice or Ear Mites Infestation
Lice infestation, also known as pediculosis, results in itching and hair loss in felines. (*)
It’s rare in cats, but it’s been reported in felines with potentially immunosuppressive disorders, especially feline immunodeficiency virus infection.
Infestation with mites of the genus Demodex, also known as demodicosis, can also result in itching and hair loss in felines. However, it’s also very rare in cats. (*)
Just to be sure, have your vet test your cat for any of these infestations including flea bites, ear mites, and so on, even if you can’t see anything with a naked eye.
2. Ringworm
Ringworm or skin fungus could be the issue as it’s fairly common in healthy cats with a strong immune system. In fact, it’s the most common infectious skin disease in felines. (*)
Cats of any age, sex, and bread can experience this skin disease, however, it’s very common in younger cats, senior cats, and long-haired cats.
The worst part? It’s typically a non-itchy condition, but your vet can easily diagnose it by performing a fungal culture, so don’t worry sick.
See more: How to clean house after cat has worms
3. Allergic Reactions and Food Allergies
Another common cause of itching in cats is food allergies.
Your cat can either experience food allergies or atopy which is an allergy to airborne substances.
They’re two of the most common reasons for allergy in felines. You can notice a food allergy by symptoms such as itching around the neck, chin, head, ears, and face.
Your vet can diagnose if this is the reason by assigning a hypoallergenic diet to your cat (a cat’s diet that doesn’t include a protein source that your feline has never eaten before such as rabbit, duck, or venison for about 8-12 weeks).
Atopy (allergy to airborne substances including dust, pollen, etc.) can also be easily noticed by itching, but you can truly diagnose atopy by consulting your vet. (*)
They will make a skin test by injecting allergens in small amounts into the skin and observing the skin reaction for any allergic skin disease. If your cat is diagnosed with atopy, your vet will provide a vaccine to help control it.
How About Steroids?
Felines with atopy often respond well to steroids, but if you have already given your cat steroids and they haven’t helped, atopy isn’t the problem. (*)
I suggest consulting a veterinary dermatologist before giving your cat anything.
4. Anxiety Can Also Cause Compulsive Cat Scratching
Shockingly, some felines overgroom themselves without any “medical” cause.
Some cats see grooming as a self-soothing mechanism. However, overdoing it can result in sore patches as well as bad patches of skin, usually on the belly.
If you have already crossed over all of the possible causes of itching above with the help of your vet, consider this reason.
Most cats can display this type of self-soothing behavior after they’ve been exposed to big changes such as a new home, new pets, building work, etc.
Consult your vet if you believe emotional factors can be responsible for your feline’s skin issues for possible anxiety treatments.
5. Cat Scratches Neck Wounds?
Remember that time when you had a closed wound and unintentionally re-opened it by scratching? Your feline might be doing the same if they have a healing wound on any part of the body including their neck.
Healing wounds become itchy at times, so don’t blame your cat for not knowing any better and scratching it excessively.
Obviously, your cat’s sharp claws will re-open the wound eventually, but you as an owner must step in and take charge of the situation.
Otherwise, the wound will never get a chance to heal completely.
Inspect Your Cat’s Neck Carefully
Pull back your kitten’s hair and inspect the skin for scabs or wounds. Make sure to examine the whole area surrounding the spot where your feline keeps scratching.
Possible Solutions
If you can’t see any open or healed wounds, visit your vet for further examination. If you do see a wound, clean it up and pat it dry to encourage healing and prevent any infections.
You can cleanse the wound with some boiled cooled water and then apply a leucillin antiseptic. Moreover, you can stop your kitten from scratching wounds back open by adding soft nail caps on their paws.
Once the wound has completely healed, take off the nail caps.
However, if the wound seems infected, you will have to consult the vet immediately so they can prescribe antibiotics for your feline.
How Can I Soothe My Cat’s Itchy Skin?
Vets usually recommend giving cats with skin problems a soothing oatmeal bath. You can also provide a rinse of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. Mix vinegar and water in a 2:1 ratio and spray their coat with it a few times.
If your cat scratches any part of their body, brushing can also help by transferring the natural oils in their skin as well as removing dead skin cells.
How Do I Stop My Cat From Scratching His Back Raw?
If your feline has a stitched-up wound that’s in the process of healing, they might be tempted to scratch the shaved area as it becomes itchy as hair grows back.
Cats usually scratch their neck wound as a natural defense response to reduce skin irritation. However, scratching can also remove sutures and cause infection.
With that being said, felines should wear an e-collar to prevent them from displaying any cat licking behaviors and of course, scratching.
Moreover, you can make a loud noise to temporarily distract your feline’s attempts at scratching their back.
If they scratch their neck too aggressively, this will probably re-open the wound. And if this ends up being the case, look out for any symptoms of bacterial skin infections like swelling, redness, and oozing.
Now, let’s take a look at some effective ways you can stop your cat from scratching themselves.
E-Collar for a Raw Neck Wound
The popular e-collar, also known as the Elizabeth collar resembles a cone. Owners apply the e-collars to their felines as it surrounds their heads, preventing them from licking or scratching their wounds.
With the e-collar on, your kitten won’t be able to even rub against pieces of furniture to scratch their wound.
Keep in mind this type of collar will temporarily affect the peripheral vision as well as hearing of your feline, so you should keep your cat indoors at all times until you take the collar off.
Moreover, your cat will likely hate the new accessory and try to take it off by rubbing it against the walls, floors, furniture, scratching posts, and your legs. They can even stop eating if they feel too stressed.
However, you shouldn’t take it off just because your cat doesn’t like it. Instead, use Feliway to calm your cat down. You can also attach a regular soft and flexible collar to your cat’s neck before giving the e-collar a try.
That way, your cat will have a harder time trying to remove the e-collar.
Neck Bandaging to Prevent a Skin Infection
This method can also stop your cat from scratching neck wounds.
Just bandage their neck with a stretch gauze and self-sticking gauze, but make sure it’s not tied too tightly.
With a loose bandage, your two fingers should be able to slip under the bandage, so use your fingers as a guide. If they can’t pass through, it’s probably too tight.
Alternatively, you can use a sock as a bandage for your kitten’s neck wound.
Just cut the ankle off, making a hole the size of their neck. Then, slide the sock over their head and stretch it out even more if necessary.
Whether you’re using a clean sock or bandage, keep the material dry and clean and change it daily.
Baby Onesies or Dog Sweater As a Last Resort
Another thing you can try is baby onesies (3-6 months or 6-8 months sizes will work best for felines, depending on their size).
If you don’t have a baby onesie lying around the home but you can find a small dog sweater, you can use that as well. Usually, sweaters made for small dogs work best for cats.
If the sweater or onesie seems too tight, stretch it out before dressing your cat and keep it dry and clean at all times.
Final Tips
One last important thing that I would like to mention is that most cats often develop hyperthyroidism in their older years.
Therefore, if your cat has this medical condition, it’s possible that the medicine used in the treatment (methimazole) can initiate very intense itching in the face, neck and under chin area.
Although it’s not a very common occurrence, it’s still worth mentioning in case yours has this condition.
*image by Wirestock/depositphotos