Suggestions for my cats skin problems?
Allyson asked:
I’ve had my cat for 3 and 1/2 years now (her whole life, she’s 3 and 1/2) and she’s never had any skin problems until recently. She licks her front arms until there is hardly any fur anymore. She also does this to her hind legs and a small part on her stomach, but minimally. Also, she’ll scratch the backs of her ears until there is no more fur, and occasionally small sores. I know it’s not mites or fleas, and I’m pretty positive it’s not a food allergy because she eats nothing but California Natural and EVO. (She’s a very spoiled little girl.) I’ve tried putting bitter apple on the spots to stop the licking, but to no avail.
I’ve had my cat for 3 and 1/2 years now (her whole life, she’s 3 and 1/2) and she’s never had any skin problems until recently. She licks her front arms until there is hardly any fur anymore. She also does this to her hind legs and a small part on her stomach, but minimally. Also, she’ll scratch the backs of her ears until there is no more fur, and occasionally small sores. I know it’s not mites or fleas, and I’m pretty positive it’s not a food allergy because she eats nothing but California Natural and EVO. (She’s a very spoiled little girl.) I’ve tried putting bitter apple on the spots to stop the licking, but to no avail.
I went to the pet store today and got the Avoderm Oatmeal shampoo for cats and dogs to see if it would improve anything. Also, a spray that is specially designed for allergic dermatitis in cats and dogs. If these things don’t work in two weeks or so, I’m going to take her to the vet, but I wanted to exercise all of my options before that.
I’m wondering if anyone else has had a problem similar to this and if so, what did you do so your cat (or dog even) would stop licking the fur away?
I would have her checked for earmites. Alot of cats that have earmites will scratch at the back of their ears until they are bloody and scabby. The overgrooming could be caused by stress. Did you change anything in her environment? Or, if she did contract earmites, that could be causing the stress. I can’t imagine what having a bunch of microscopic bugs in my ear would feel like–I’m sure not fun! You can usually tell if a cat has earmites just from taking a swab with a q-tip, but you need a microscope to confirm. Usually the inner ears will look like someone crushed up an oreo and put it in the cat’s ear. Or, the ears will have a thick, yellow, flakey discharge. Either of these signs usually point to earmites. Hopefully you figure out the problem soon! =) Jackie