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My cat is being investigated for grain allergies. And has had episodes of itchy inflamed skin and hair loss. Advised to switch to feeding fish and rice (kitty will not eat rice), and in the areas that were sore, the skin has become hyperpigmented. He is a black tuxedo cat, but these previously inflamed patches are ever darker/blacker than his fur, which is starting to grow back. They don't appear to be tender. What could be causing this? Is there reason to be concerned?

My cat is being investigated for grain allergies. And has had episodes of itchy inflamed skin and hair loss. Advised to switch to feeding fish and rice (kitty will not eat rice), and in the areas that were sore, the skin has become hyperpigmented. He is a black tuxedo cat, but these previously inflamed patches are ever darker/blacker than his fur, which is starting to grow back. They don't appear to be tender. What could be causing this? Is there reason to be concerned?

Updated On January 27th, 2018

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 11 months old | 13 lbs

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Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

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Hello and thank you for using PetCoach. Hyperpigmentation is very common when there is chronic irritation in the skin, which happens with allergies. The hair can also change color as it grows back. I wouldn't be too concerned as long as the irritation is gone and that it is just pigment and not a raised growth. Monitor it closely and if you see it start to raise up rather than just be a flat, black spot on the skin, I would have it evaluated by your veterinarian.

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