Disorder - Primary seborrhoea-oleosa

Organ Systems Involved
Integument

Alternative Names
Sticky cats

Presenting Signs

The severity of this disease varies. Cats may be mildly affected; they are noticed at about six or seven weeks with a matted hair coat due to mildly greasy skin and fur. Their owners may mistakenly think they have not been grooming themselves properly; they may also develop blackheads and greasy deposits on the coat.

Severely affected cats may be recognised earlier, at two to three days, appearing as dirty kittens with a curly coat. This progresses to a scaly and greasy coat with a rancid odour and may include hair loss and skin infections. Owners may also notice an oily film left on their skin after handling affected cats, and dark greasy stains left on furniture and walls.

Cats at Risk

No known coat colour or sex predilection. Increased incidence in inbred cats.

Breeds Affected
Persian


Treatment

There is variable response to therapy depending upon severity of disease. Mildly affected cats have been known to respond well to periodic clipping and monthly bathing using specific animal shampoos to target greasy coats. An alternative to this may be applying a hand cleaner with lanolin to the coat and washing it off with dishwashing detergent, as this may help to loosen up and remove the greasy debris that collects in the coat. Severely affected cats usually do not respond well to this therapy, and it may leave them more irritated; euthanasia is recommended for these cases.

Contributor
Adele Spicer