Welcome to Sphynxlair! Because Malassezia thrives in a lipid-rich environment, the accumulation of sebum on the skin surface and in the skin folds of the Sphynx creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to grow in an uncontrolled manner, disrupting the normal microbiota living on the skin. We also participate in other affiliate programs which provide us the opportunity to earn a commission at no cost to you. It's very common and more of a routine maintenance than something you should worry about. Alternatively, cover unpigmented skin with a cat shirt or a toddler shirt to protect your sphynxs skin from the sun if they enjoy lounging in sunny spots. Epidemics may occur when rainy periods are followed by drought, resulting in dust storms. We know that the sphynx is not completely hairless and that most sphynxes have a layer of peach fuzz over most parts of their body. I support both PETA and Nathan Winograd. Choose gentle cat shampoos that are soap-free and made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, like Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe dog and cat shampoo. I clean my cats paws at least once or twice a week, says Dr. Verrilli. It works well to loosen and remove debris and wax. Appropriate treating an endocrine disorder will usually result in an improvement of the secondary skin condition as well. While it's not possible to eliminate this odor, ensuring their diet is well balanced, litter training Hello there, fellow animal lover! We have tried them all and will continue to try them as they come out. Your vet will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic or topical treatment depending on your Sphynxs specific presentation and needs. Terms of UsePrivacy Policy. (The BLACK one is not labeled Dust Free at all) . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5442545/#:~:text=Treatment%20of%20Malassezia%2Drelated%20infections,third%20of%20patients%20(6). However, some sphynxes have a few thin whiskers. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'petvettips_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petvettips_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Remember that you will have to gradually transition onto a new diet over several days to prevent digestive upset due to a sudden dietary change. Endocrine conditions such as diabetes Cushings or hypothyroidism all cause a compromised skin barrier through different mechanisms. . The sebaceous glands usually sit next to the hair follicles in the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. To read all about the dangers of sun exposure in sphynx cats and UV protection tips, have a look at this article. Soda bread uses baking soda instead of yeast as a raising agent. They stain sheets and such due to the oils on their skin. Aug 2007;45(5):449-455. Skin Problems Sphynx cats need help keeping their skin healthy and free of excess oils. Beer, Malt Liquor, and Hard Ciders. Make sure to get your sphynx checked out by a vet to see whether they need a tick and flea treatment. Felines are obligate carnivores! While diet does help control a Sphynx cats overall greasiness, they will occasionally need baths to remove accumulated dirt and grime. If you dont feed them a raw diet, you will need to bathe them often. Because it peels off I am wondering if you are not rinsing the head completely? Yes, Sphynx cats can still get fleas despite their lack of fur! Use only commercially prepared tea bags, as these are always the German variety of chamomile. Common symptoms are a rash, white discharge, or itching. Just be 100% sure before deciding. Reddit user: 1fuzzysock. An underlying trigger usually results in a decline of the skins natural defense mechanisms against the overgrowth of commensal organisms on the skin. However, antibiotic use or other lifestyle factors can allow candida to grow unchecked in the vagina, in the throat, on the skin, or in the gut. Skin allergies can be due to several causes such as environmental (for example, pollen), food intolerance, flea bite allergy, or contact dermatitis (allergy to materials such as plastic food bowls, certain types of metal, or cat litter). One of my cats will sit outside closed doors and scream if she wants to be let in., While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breeds social demands. Around $27 with free shipping; including cleaning brushes and filters. The frequency of bathing needed can differ from one sphynx to the next. This article explains how to best treat and prevent fleas and mites in sphynx cats. ", National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine: "Mold and yeast flora in fresh berries, grapes, and citrus fruits.". This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Your vet will need to do blood tests if an endocrine disease is suspected. Don't have any experience with cat yeast infections. Another issue is that without hair on their paws they do track litter, thats just something you will battle. They have pretty terrible teeth, as far as cats go. The Sphynx is an almost hairless cat breed and the Devon Rex was used for many years to outcross Sphynx. If you want to read more click here. This article provides a few options for responsibly managing your cockerel conundrum. Head tilting. You are using an out of date browser. http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/sphynx-skin-conditions.4236/, http://sphynxlair.com/community/search/588198/?q=yeast+infection&o=date. Often these superficial scrapes heal just fine on their own; however, they may cause depigmentation in some sphynxes after healing. Pet Vet Tip: If you would like to learn more about the causes, treatment, and prevention strategies of Malassezia dermatitis in Sphynx cats, please have a look at this article. My hairless cats run to the door to greet me when I get home. Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. The skin may be prone to yeast infections and obviously the cats are susceptible to cold and to sunburn if they go outside. Beyond the issues that come with regulating temperature in cold weather, Sphynxes lack of fur means theyre very prone to sunburn. This product is safe for cats with sensitive skin, perfect for the sphynx breed. (If your cat has ear mites scratching and head-shaking will accompany the buildup.). Some people have a yeast allergy or intolerance. Pet Vet Tip: To read more about how food sensitivities can aggravate skin conditions, have a look at this article on chicken and other food allergies in sphynx cats. A substantial amount of comedones is typically a symptom of an endocrine or skin barrier disorder, and vet advice should be sought. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva the tissues at the vaginal opening. Therefore, vets commonly use medicated shampoo containing an antifungal and antiseptic to treat these infections. We always have little fleece blankets laying around for them to cuddle up in. For more information on the common skin conditions of Sphynx cats, please have a look at this article on the topic. Genovese, D., Johnson, T., Lamb, K. and Gram, W., 2014. Devon Rex cats were recently shown to carry significantly . Tamari is made with little or no wheat, meaning it can be a gluten-free and yeast-free alternative to soy sauce.. Image prepared by Mar Cusid Mas Final Degree Project Faculty of Veterinary Medicine June 2021 at Barcelona University Veterinary Dept. The Malaseb will kill the yeast currently living on your kitten, but infections may recur if there is an underlying condition that isn't addressed. The commensal organisms on the skin can be compared to the microbiota that lives in the gut of animals and humans and plays an equally important part in the normal functioning of the digestive tract. Did you know that the number of hair follicles in an area of sphynx skin is similar to the number of hair follicles in cats with furry coats? Along with Malassezia, some of the normal bacteria living on the skin, such as staphylococcus species, may also take advantage of the compromised skin barrier and cause a secondary bacterial infection. We encourage it as required and each cat/kitten is different of course just as each of our skin is different. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common disease in Sphynx cats that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick. Click this link to see it (one page PDF file). Despite their hairless status, they are a much more demanding pet than many of their furry counterparts. Ener-g, Food For Life, and Hummlinger are brands that offer yeast-free options. Many people with a yeast allergy are also allergic to other fungi like mold. Almost all that flaky skin is gone, but shaking his paws is still there. Paulina- I was wondering how you little fella is? We are a husband and wife team of veterinarians from sunny South Africa on a mission to provide free and accurate information to pet owners everywhere.We hope you enjoy what we put together here! Topical treatment can easily reach therapeutic concentrations on the outer layer of skin if used correctly. They should also pay close attention to their kitty's paws, as grime can accumulate between . I bought and used Malaseb a few times now and my Harry is sparkly clean with no flakes or bumps now. This should be done at least twice a week during the initial stage of treatment or according to your vets recommendations. Hi, I'm a 74-year-old retired solicitor (attorney in the US). In rare cases, it can also affect internal organs. Sphynx skin may be prone to yeast infections and they are susceptible to cold and to sunburn if they go outside. It is important for veterinarians to have a thorough understanding of the underlying causes of ear disease in order to effectively diagnose and treat the condition. Sphynxlair is dedicated to the Sphynx breed! Sphynx Cats And Ear Infections. [VT]. Sphynx cats are prone to skin conditions such as sunburn, urticaria pigementosa, and certain skin infections. Yeasts, as single-cell organisms, reproduce through budding, which means that it is exceptionally easy for yeast to multiply at an exponential rate. One scientist wrote about the dermatological problems of the sphynx cat for his final degree project. Can you request in your will that your companion animal must be killed on your death? Another issue that stems from Sphynx cats hairlessness is that these kitties get cold more easily than their fuzzy cousins. Many gluten-free products have yeast in them. Theyre adorable but a lot of work. These are called comedones are usually appear on the chin and belly. Malassezia pachydermatis and M nana predominate amongst the cutaneous mycobiota of Sphynx cats. To see what ringworm looks like on sphynx skin and how it is treated, look at this article. The face, feet, and belly are most commonly affected, and the surrounding and underlying skin may appear slightly red. It has antifungal and antimicrobial ingredients to fight off infections and ceramides to . Yeast and bacterial skin infections are not uncommon in both dogs and cats, but they are almost always secondary infections. This should have cleared itself by now and a head tilt can indicate inner ear problems--IMO, your vet should have pursued this more heavily. Sphynx cats need their ears cleaned at least once weekly using a damp (not wet) wipe. BTW your English is great! All rights reserved. If the cat isn't getting relief you should seek a more aggressive treatment from a vet. Sphynx cats are also prone to dental issues. Read ingredient labels to make sure a product is yeast-free before you eat it if you have an allergy. Unfortunately, fungi and yeast can be stubborn and often only clear up after months of treatment rather than weeks. Vet Dermatol. Sorry your baby is having this, After a good night sleep his skin looks a whole lot better. This is one of the many reasons why Sphynx cats should be kept as indoor-only cats. It is normal for most sphynx cats to have no whiskers or eyelashes. Its really important to have a vet familiar with these cats so that if and when you run into problems, they can be properly diagnosed, she says. Do you put shampoo on your babies head when bathing? They, therefore, also have a similar number of sebaceous glands associated with these hair follicles. Urticaria pigmentosa is caused by a build-up of defective mast cells in the skin, causing itchy red bumps (raised rash with a distinct border) on the skin. How different could it be? The answer is VERY. Dr. Verrilli says. Yeast can also add flavor to baked goods, depending on the type of yeast used. If youre going to get a Sphynx, you should absolutely have the cat screened regularly for heart issues. As with any baby, you should be very careful with the ear drum. That is, the skin is experiencing compromise in integrity due to an underlying condition, and opportunistic organisms like staph bacteria or yeast overpopulate, leading to infection and irritation. Oral medication such as liquid solutions and pills are also sometimes used along with injectable medication. (Pet Vet Tips). This is because sphynx cats hair follicles do not produce normal keratin (the protein that hair consists of), and they, therefore, have very fine or rudimentary hairs. Silkie chicks are tough to sex until they reach sexual maturity, Why Do Sugar Gliders Smell Bad, And What You Can Do About It. Sphynx cats are not entirely hairless. Some people mistakenly refer to it as "mushroom tea." Cutaneous colonization of large numbers of Malassezia species of yeast may be related to endocrine, immunosuppressive, neoplastic, or allergic skin disease in cats. Antifungal medications can be used to help decrease the numbers of Malassezia organisms on the skin and may be administered orally (as pills), topically (as an ointment or cream), or as a shampoo that your veterinarian prescribes. Glencoe Animal Hospital and Kennel. In fact, by outcompeting disease-causing (also called pathogenic) organisms, these commensals are part of several of the skins defense mechanisms against infection. If you suspect your sphynx has an allergy, speak to your vet about appropriate medication to help keep your cat comfortable and the possible changes you could make to their environment and diet that may help alleviate the allergic reaction. One of the first hairless kittens used to develop the sphynx cat breed was called Epidermis. Malassezia dermatitis will resolve with persistence and patience, provided that possible causes for a compromised skin barrier are addressed. Some yeast-free or low-yeast diets claim to help candida infections. Malt may appear on ingredients lists as "malt syrup," or "malt extract.". Due to their lack of fur and, in some cases, lack of pigmentation, Sphynx cats are prone to sunburn. Yeast infection is caused by yeast on the skin or mucous membranes. Dr. Annerien de Villiers graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Pretoria in 2018. Even though the lesions may take many months to disappear completely, most cats eventually recover from urticaria pigmentosa. The Blue and darker cats/kittens show everything but it all fades. ", Gluten-Free Watchdog: "Did you know that in the US 'malt' means 'barley malt' in an ingredients list? Med Mycol. I'll try to get a good picture of his yeastyness tomorrow. live in the top layer of the skin, medicated shampoos containing. If you would like to read more on yeast infections in sphynx cats, have a look at this article on the topic. Dec 2009;11(12):970-976. Malassezia dermatitis Since Malassezia live in the top layer of the skin, medicated shampoos containing antiseptic ingredients such as chlorhexidine and an antifungal ingredient such as miconazole are the most common treatment modality. However, ear mites are rarely seen and may appear similar to an ear infection with severely itchy and painful ears with a possible dark discharge. Yeasts are single-cell organisms from the same genus as fungi. Kranz notes that a good diet can help cut a Sphynx's greasiness, but that regular warm baths should also be part of your routine. Another we have used and works okay are a few of the Tidy Cats instant actions in the large plastic tubs. Sphynx cats may develop benign dark spots on their skin as they age or spend more time sunbathing. Cockerels can sometimes be quite a handful! This is due to healthy skin naturally resisting overgrowth and infection by these microbes (also called commensal microbes) through mechanisms such as pH, sebum production, and the cells from the immune system that reside within the skin. Food intolerance is the most common allergy in the sphynx population. I cant sit down without having at least one of them on my lap At night, they want to be under the covers. She adds, If youre looking for a cat thats going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, dont get a Sphynx., Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. Poor baby. We are a husband and wife team of veterinarians from sunny South Africa on a mission to provide free and accurate information to pet owners everywhere.We hope you enjoy what we put together here! Gandolfi, B., Outerbridge, C., Beresford, L., Myers, J., Pimentel, M., Alhaddad, H., Grahn, J., Grahn, R. and Lyons, L., 2010. Someone dropped her off at the vet clinic where I was working and said she was too much for him to handle, Dr. Verrilli notes. Do not apply human sunblock to your sphynx, as some ingredients in the sunblock may be toxic. Malassezia Yeasts in Veterinary Dermatology: An Updated Overview. This condition is not often seen in cats, but can occur in cats that are immunodeficient. And never underestimate the value of a snuggly blanket! There is animal-safe sunblock available such as this non-toxic pet sun skin protector. All of our cats/kittens have pet fountains and because we fill them frequently we know they drink lots more with the fountain than a standard water bowl so we highly recommend you invest in one. Eating less yeast may also be part of a temporary elimination diet to diagnose food allergies or sensitivities. You might want to look into them. This is probably the most common type of skin infection in Sphynx cats because they have a much larger population of normal or commensal Malassezia living on the skin than longer-haired cats. Some make the mistake of thinking that gluten-free also means yeast-free, but this is not necessarily true. Making your own candies at home is another way to ensure theyre yeast-free. Another idea is to use unleavened crispbreads, like matzah, Ryvita crackers, or rice cakes. But I'm hoping it'll clear up soon. It's always a challenge finding a vet that's truly familiar with Sphynx. Avoiding possible skin irritants, including shampoo with potential skin-irritating ingredients such as fragrance and excessive sun exposure, is best to prevent pigmentation. Baby shampoo will work fine, we prefer the Aveeno brand. For some with a yeast allergy, this small amount is enough to cause an allergic reaction. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Whose Companion Cat Are You Dissecting At School Today? Pet Vet Tip: Is your sphynx cat pink or albino? Based on the location and number of yeast isolates, in Sphynx and Devon Rex, the axilla, groin, and claw fold might be more representative sites for yeast recovery and clinical significance than sampling from the ears. However, owners of cats suffering from this condition must be aware that it may recur at a later stage in life, so they may need repeat treatment. Malassezia spp. The hairlessness of the Sphynx causes many problems another of which is that the sebaceous oils deposited on the skin and not the hair attracts grime and can cause stains. Windows help prevent sunburn by blocking most of the shorter wavelength sunlight (UVB-rays) that cause sunburn, but most windows are ineffective in blocking the more harmful UVA rays that cause the type of skin damage that predisposes to skin cancer. And for a guide on what food is best for sphynx cats, check out this article. Therefore, sphynx cats need regular bathing and a good quality, species-appropriate diet to minimize their risk of developing certain skin conditions. After using it we are completely convinced that its the best for them. Another species of yeast, candida, naturally exists in the body but is known for causing imbalances that lead to a yeast infection. haha! I love nature, cats and all animals. My suggestion is to maybe rub a bit of coconut oil ( safe for cats)instead of the lotion (not sure if it's toxic or not). We advise you to acquire from a responsible breeder or shelter and to seek advice from your veterinarian as needed. Ears: Weekly ear cleaning is very good for your kitten/cat. Find out more about caring for Sphynx cats. Malassezia, along with other species of fungi and bacteria, live on the outer layer (epidermis) of healthy skin of animals (and humans!) VERY IMPORTANT Avoid Ketamine, a COMMONLY USED anesthetic that has been shown to be harmful to exotic breeds. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CatCrap/ Its a closed group if you want to join just message us or another member. This should be done at least twice a week during the initial stage of treatment, modest amount of cat-safe skin cream such as this one by. Also, yeast infections or spots are common and easily treated with normal yeast infection creme from the drug store that women would use for yeast infections. The Sphynx cat is a unique cat breed that can make an excellent pet. Remember to wear gloves when washing skin lesions with medicated shampoo! You can speak to your vet about the options for your Sphynx. It also discourages and limits the bonding of microorganisms (anti-adhesive) to the skin's surface. All seborrheic cats had M. pachydermatitis isolated from their skin, at multiple sites. Its so important to us we created its own page, read more about RAW Diet here. Many skin infections in Sphynx cats are secondary to an underlying food allergy. The skin continually produces oils called sebum. Some patients with Malassezia hypersensitivity can experience significant pruritus and erythema from a relatively small number of yeasts. I just don't know if this is the way the Malaseb should work. Infections are limited to dry, desert-like regions of the southwestern United States and similar geographic areas of Mexico and Central and South America. In addition, you will need to feed the new diet exclusively (as in no treats or snacks) for at least four weeks to give your Sphynx time to respond to the adjustments to see whether the new diet improves their skin condition. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'petvettips_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petvettips_com-leader-3-0');The ears are an extension of the skin, and the same microorganisms that live on the skin live in the ears. Not cleaning your sphynxs ears regularly will lead to a build-up of wax, sebum, and dead skin cells that will cause skin irritation and eventually lead to compromise of the skin barrier, as mentioned in the discussion of dermatitis. In addition, you will need to feed the new diet exclusively (as in no treats or snacks) for at least four weeks to give you sphynx time to respond to the adjustments to see whether the new diet improves her skin condition. Yeast and bacterial skin infections are not uncommon in both dogs and cats, but they are almost always secondary infections. Its also worth noting that Sphynx cats shouldnt be let outside. Starting with the presumption that the scratch and bite are of about equal severity, to answer the question the title British citizens and citizens of other countries may have recognised the latest developments in the woke movement. When youre done bathing a Sphynx, its important to dry them off quickly with a soft, warm towel to prevent their skin from getting chapped. Yeast is also found in soy sauce, a fermented soy and wheat product. Kranz adds that because of these issues, Sphynx owners should seek out veterinarians with a strong background in cats, and purebred cats in particular. There are high levels of Malassezia colonization in Sphynx cats which can cause a yeast infection called Malassezia dermatitis. There is no such thing as a fat cat any more. This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Signs that your Sphynx may have a yeast infection of the ear are constant scratching of the ear and tilting of the ear and head. When your Sphynx has problems with fungal infections or dehydrated skin, you can try MiconaHex +Triz Shampoo for a soothing, medicated bath. gentle as possible to prevent treatment aversion by your cat before the treatment is complete. Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms but rather with many different types of fungi that cause similar lesions. If youre thinking about bringing a Sphynx into your life, heres what you need to know. These upper respiratory infections are very contagious since cats can be infected with both viruses and bacteria at the same time. Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960sthe result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers Associationcat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties. With time these lesions may become raised or increase in size with larger, open, non-healing sores. Sphynx cats also tend to have greasy skin. What is worse, a cat bite or a cat scratch? Yeast is still present in the finished product, meaning anyone with a yeast allergy needs to avoid them. Most Common Sphynx Cat Problems: Skin problems Body temperature regulation Ear infections Periodontal disease Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Hereditary myopathy What are Common Sphynx Cat Health Problems? Just change as needed. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive drinking and urination, weight gain or weight loss, slow healing wounds, and, in advanced stages, cataracts. On the contrary, a lot goes into keeping these cats well-groomed and their skin healthy. Honestly, the importance of a good fresh source of water for your Sphynx cat cannot be stressed enough. In most cases of urticaria pigmentosa, the itchy skin lesions are the only symptom; however, diarrhea and lethargy may also be seen in some cases. https://www.vin.com/apputil/Project/DefaultAdv1.aspx?pId=99&catId=14649&id=6133879, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1098612X10002214. He also recommends applying otic cleaner once a week, wash the cat frequently i.e. I know cats hate being covered in sticky shampoo, but this is, unfortunately, the most effective way of treating these infections and has the least side effects. It is important for veterinarians to use a combination of medication and other treatments to effectively manage ear disease and prevent recurrence. She has since worked full-time in clinical practice tending to all kinds of companion animals in general practice. Many people adopt these cats because they think they are hypoallergenic, which is not the casethe lack of fur does not make them hypoallergenic. Keep in mind that fungal and yeast infections often need multiple weeks of treatment (sometimes up to 16 weeks) before the condition resolves, so the introduction to treatment should be as gentle as possible to prevent treatment aversion by your cat before the treatment is complete. If they want something, theyll let you know, says Dr. Verrilli. Yeast is not only added to foods, but it also grows in the wild. To prevent these problems, it's important to keep your Sphynx's eyes clean and free of debris. My guy has it all over his belly and paws and it has been a struggle for 10 months now. In addition, the bulbs of the hairs (where the hair attaches to the follicle and grows from) are often abnormally shaped, and hairs can, therefore, easily be pulled from the follicles. That does look like a yeast infection. The infection should clear up with treatment in . Weekly baths are recommended using tear-free baby shampoo seems to work for us. M. pachydermatis was the most common species isolated from the Sphynx cats and was found in high numbers on the cats axillae (armpits), groins, and claw folds. While it's not possible to eliminate this odor, ensuring their diet is well balanced, litter training Hello there, fellow animal lover! Normally I don't put shampoo on the head, but the vet said that this Malaseb medicational shampoo needs to be put everywhere, the head also. Yellow discharge. Room Temperature: Hairless cats obviously can get chilled easily. Infographic on 5 thoughts on excess weight in cats. When possible, Pet Vet Tips uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you) to earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Leong, C., Buttafuoco, A., Glatz, M. and Bosshard, P., 2017. The symptoms of a yeast infection depend on where it happens on your body. Treatment for yeast infections depends on the severity and frequency of your infections. It causes patches of brown spots on the head, feet, and belly; the lesions are usually mildly itchy. We rinse/clean them often ( about weekly) and fill them daily because, of course, we have a house full of beautiful Sphynx. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ear disease is a common problem in veterinary medicine. Typically other microorganisms like naturally-occurring bacteria keep it in check. I know this post is old, but I'm wondering if any of you have had any luck with curing the yeast infections since? Volk, A., Belyavin, C., Varjonen, K., Cadiergues, M., Stevens, K. and Bond, R., 2010. Because of this the cat's heart over time begins to fail. Hope more members can provide you with some answers on possible treatment and what causes the year infection. You can use a normal ear cleaner from the Vet and Q-Tips. Antibiotics and ectoparasiticides may be added if there is a secondary bacterial infection or if ectoparasites are suspected or seen. Skin Care: We used to bathe our cats/kittens weekly starting when they were very young because of the oily buildup on their skin, but since we have switched to the RAW DIET we just bathe as needed, and its not often at all.