Itching in cats can be caused by parasites, hypersensitivity to fleas, food or substances in the environment, and sometimes skin infections. As cats often groom when no one is watching, the owner may first notice bald patches, broken hairs, scabs or sores.
Several skin diseases can look almost the same. A dermatological work-up in cats is therefore often based on ruling out possible causes step by step, rather than making a diagnosis from how the skin looks. Information about indoor or outdoor life, parasite protection and whether other animals or people in the home have skin problems can also be relevant.
Contact a vet if the itching keeps coming back or is intense, or if your cat gets sores or loses a lot of fur. Do not use skin creams or medicines meant for people without a vet's advice, as some products can be unsuitable or poisonous for cats.