Step 0: Support a Normal Inflammatory Response

Goal

Help reduce the frequency and intensity of skin flare-ups over time.

How Supplements May Be Used

Maintenance use

• Given daily at the standard maintenance amount
• Intended for long-term use as part of a consistent routine
• Helps support skin resilience and normal inflammatory balance over time
  

During flare-ups or higher-risk periods

• The daily amount is temporarily increased
• Commonly increased to twice the maintenance amount, and in some situations up to four times the maintenance amount, for a limited period
• Typical higher-risk periods include seasonal changes, increased environmental exposure, routine disruption, early signs of skin irritation, or increased grooming, licking, or scratching
  

Once the skin settles and routines feel stable again, the amount is reduced back to the regular maintenance level.

BSAVA principle

Support of normal inflammatory processes

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Step 1: Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier

Goal

Protect the Skin Barrier Through Gentle Care

Helpful habits

• Avoid frequent bathing, which can dry the skin and disrupt natural oils
• Use mild, cat-specific grooming products when washing is needed
• Rinse and dry the coat well after water exposure to prevent dampness
• Apply a skin balm to areas exposed to friction, licking, or dryness
• Keep grooming sessions calm and brief to avoid stress-related skin changes
  

BSAVA principle:

Skin barrier integrity and protection.

Step 2: Keep Exposure Predictable

Goal

Reduce unnecessary skin irritation by keeping physical exposure and inputs consistent.

Avoid Frequent Changes That Disrupt the Skin

Helpful habits

• Keep bedding, blankets, and resting areas consistent and clean
• Avoid frequent changes in household cleaning products or fragrances
• Avoid changing food repeatedly unless advised, and introduce any new food gradually
• Use wipes or spot-cleaning only when needed, not routinely
• Avoid introducing multiple new skin or topical products at once
  

BSAVA principle:

Skin adaptation through routine consistency.

Step 3: Avoid Unnecessary Skin Disruption

Goal

Limit unnecessary low-grade skin irritation by reducing daily mechanical stress and disruption, without interfering with normal feline behaviour.

Habit: Allow Time for Natural Self-Grooming

Cats manage much of their own skin care. In cats with sensitive skin, repeated small disturbances can maintain irritation even when no clear trigger is present. The aim is not active intervention, but avoiding additional stress on already sensitive skin areas.

Practical habits

• Avoid frequent touching, rubbing, or checking of sensitive skin areas
• Do not clean or wipe the skin unless it is visibly dirty or sticky
• Avoid tight collars or harnesses that cause friction around the neck, armpits, or groin
• Ensure the coat can dry fully and naturally after getting wet
• Limit repeated brushing of the same area once the coat appears clean

BSAVA principle:

Reducing cumulative mechanical skin stress

Limiting repeated physical irritation and friction supports skin comfort and helps maintain skin barrier stability over time.

Step 4: Consider Stress as a Contributing Factor

Goal

Limit stress-related behaviours that can worsen skin sensitivity.

Stress does not cause allergies, but it can contribute to flare-ups through increased grooming, licking, or scratching. When stress appears to play a role, supporting emotional balance alongside skin care can help.

👉 Refer to our Calming Support protocols for cats for practical guidance.

BSAVA principle:

Interaction between stress, behaviour, and skin health.

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Step 5: Observe Ongoing Skin Signals

Goal

Notice gradual changes in the skin so support can be adjusted early.

Helpful habits

• Notice changes in grooming intensity or focus on specific areas
• Observe coat quality, hair loss, or skin redness over time
• Watch for seasonal patterns or changes linked to routine shifts
• Compare week to week rather than reacting to single days
  

Early awareness helps maintain skin comfort and supports long-term stability.

BSAVA principle:

Early recognition and proactive support.

Step 6: Know when to Move to Acute Allergy Support

Maintenance care supports long-term skin balance, but some situations need short-term, more intensive support.

Refer to the Acute Allergy Support guide if you notice:

• A sudden increase in itching, licking, or scratching
• Flare-ups that do not settle with usual maintenance care
• Redness, irritation, or discomfort that worsens over days
• Clear behavioural changes linked to skin discomfort
  

Acute support focuses on calming flare-ups before returning to maintenance.

When to Seek Veterinary Guidance

Ongoing skin care does not replace veterinary assessment.

Contact your veterinarian if:

• Itching is persistent, severe, or progressively worsening
• Open skin lesions, wounds, or signs of infection appear
• Ear problems become recurrent or painful
• Your cat seems increasingly uncomfortable or unwell
• Improvement is limited despite appropriate care
  

Veterinary guidance helps identify underlying causes and ensures appropriate treatment when needed.