Step 0: Temporarily Increase Skin Supplements

Goal

During a flare-up, the skin may benefit from more support than during everyday maintenance.

How supplements may be used

Baseline reference

• Continue the same supplements used in the Maintenance routine
  

During an acute flare-up

• Temporarily increase the daily amount
• Commonly increased to twice the maintenance amount, and in some cases up to four times the maintenance amount, for a limited period
  

Once skin comfort improves, the amount is reduced back to the regular maintenance level.

BSAVA principle: Adaptive support during periods of increased physiological demand.

Step 1: Reduce Skin Stress Immediately

Goal

During a flare-up, actively minimise anything that adds extra stress or friction to the skin, even if those triggers can’t be fully removed.

Helpful habits

• Avoid bathing, wipes, or frequent cleaning unless advised
• Keep your cat indoors and away from known irritants where possible
• Avoid new foods, treats, supplements, or litter changes
• Maintain a calm, low-stimulation environment
  

BSAVA principle: Reducing cumulative skin stress is a key part of managing flare-ups.

Step 2: Soothe and Protect Sensitive Skin

Goal

Help calm irritated skin and support the skin barrier during the flare-up period.

Helpful habits

• Avoid touching or inspecting irritated areas too frequently
• Use soft bedding and keep resting areas clean and dry
• Avoid topical products unless already part of an agreed routine
• Allow the skin time to settle without over-handling
  

BSAVA principle: During flare-ups, the skin barrier is more vulnerable.

Step 3: Limit Self-Trauma and Ongoing Irritation

Goal

Reduce repeated damage to the skin so irritated areas can settle during the flare-up.

Helpful habits

• Keep nails trimmed to reduce skin damage
• Redirect grooming with calm play or food enrichment
• Provide comfortable, low-irritation resting areas
  

BSAVA principle: Repeated self-trauma perpetuates skin inflammation and delays recovery.

Step 4: Monitor Response Day by Day

Goal

Understand whether the flare-up is settling and whether current support is helping.

Habit

Observe your cat once daily, at the same time each day, focusing on overall comfort rather than individual moments.

Helpful habits

• Note changes in grooming intensity or frequency
• Watch for calmer behaviour or longer rest periods
• Avoid over-checking irritated areas
• Keep brief daily notes for a few days
  

BSAVA principle: Skin and behavioural responses fluctuate during flare-ups.

Step 5: Restore Calm and Predictable Routines

Goal

Reduce stress-related contributions to the flare-up and support the skin as it begins to settle.

Helpful habits

• Feed, play, and interact at consistent times
• Maintain familiar resting and hiding spaces
• Avoid introducing new pets, visitors, or changes
• Refer to calming protocols if stress appears to contribute
  

BSAVA principle: Stress can amplify skin responses and overgrooming behaviours.

Step 6: Return Gradually to Maintenance Support

Goal

Support a smooth transition out of the flare-up phase and back to long-term skin maintenance once comfort improves.

Helpful habits

• Reduce temporary increases in support step by step
• Continue baseline skin and calm support consistently
• Maintain stable routines during the transition
• Expect mild, temporary fluctuations as the skin settles
  

BSAVA principle: Gradual transitions help prevent rebound irritation and support ongoing skin stability,

tep 7: Know When to Seek Veterinary Guidance

Goal

Ensure your cat receives timely professional support if the flare-up does not settle or begins to worsen.

Helpful habits

• Seek guidance if skin lesions, pain, or marked hair loss appear
• Monitor appetite, energy levels, and litter tray habits
• Inform your vet about recent flare-ups and supportive measures used
• Follow the plan advised by your veterinary team
  

BSAVA principle: While many flare-ups are temporary, persistent or worsening skin signs may require veterinary input.