Itchy Cat

William_Chin

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Hi all! My 12 year old domestic shorthair you you has been licking and biting the fur off near her stomach to the point that it’s starting to bald. I would see a vet however with my home state (New York) being hit hardest with COVID-19 that is not really practical at the moment. Is there any medicine, shampoo or home remedy that could help her out for the time being? Thank you 🙂
 

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Furballsmom

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Hi! Welcome!!
Try Mamanyt1953 Mamanyt1953 's chamomile tea advice. It's antibacterial, antifungal and will ease the irritation and itch.

Brew some store-bought with no additives (garden grown is a variety of chamomile that's unsafe for cats), chill it and dab it on the area with a clean cotton swab or similar. It's also safe if he ingests it :)
 
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William_Chin

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Ooh, I might try using that with a spray bottle, my old lady doesn't like being touched 🤣
 

LTS3

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It might be a possible allergy to food or to something in the environment. You can try some things at home such as feeding your cat a limited ingredient novel protein diet for a couple of weeks, using a less dusty litter, keeping your home as dust and allergen free as possible. Food allergies / sensitivities are quite common and can develop even if a cat has been eating the same food for years.
 
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William_Chin

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Oh, is there anyway to tell if it's actually an allergy and what the allergen is? If it is an allergy will the chamomile tea method work on that as well?
 

LTS3

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Tea won't cure or resolve an allergy. It will only temporarily alleviate the itchiness of the skin.

It's kind of trial and and error to determine what is causing the itchy skin. At least give the vet a call and ask for advice. There are allergy tests a vet can d but they may not be too accurate. It's easiest to start with things you can do at home like using a less dusty litter, etc.

Trying to figure out a possible food allergy can be a process. A novel protein only diet for 13 weeks so is usually what most people do. Lots of things in cat food can cause a reaction so keeping a log of every food and the ingredients can be helpful to determine a possible culprit.
 
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William_Chin

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Tea won't cure or resolve an allergy. It will only temporarily alleviate the itchiness of the skin.

It's kind of trial and and error to determine what is causing the itchy skin. At least give the vet a call and ask for advice. There are allergy tests a vet can d but they may not be too accurate. It's easiest to start with things you can do at home like using a less dusty litter, etc.

Trying to figure out a possible food allergy can be a process. A novel protein only diet for 13 weeks so is usually what most people do. Lots of things in cat food can cause a reaction so keeping a log of every food and the ingredients can be helpful to determine a possible culprit.
Thing is, I can't really get her to a vet at the moment due to the current COVID-19 situation in my state, however I have been in contact with a vet in my who is in my area and according to him, it might be an allergy as well. I might end up buying a hypo allergenic litter or food just to see though!
 
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William_Chin

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Also, is there any other symptom or telltale symptoms of it being an allergy?
 

BlackCatOp

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Do you/your kitty have a active relationship with your vet? If so they might be willing to help you out over the phone. Also, is she on flea prevention?

Hope you and your family stay safe!
 
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William_Chin

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Do you/your kitty have a active relationship with your vet? If so they might be willing to help you out over the phone. Also, is she on flea prevention?

Hope you and your family stay safe!
I've been in contact with a vet in my area via text message (she doesn't have a normal vet) and he said it might be an allergy problem like how LTS3 said. I'm pretty sure I can rule out fleas as she never really goes outside (except to sunbathe on the deck) and fleas aren't typically a problem this time of year.
 
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William_Chin

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Interestingly, she started scratching right when pollen season/lockdown started, she started scratching, is it possible if any of those things might have anything to do with it.
 

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If this is the first time she has experienced itchiness, then I disagree with allergic causes as most allergies typically develop in younger to middle aged animals. IMHO, being 12 years old makes allergies less likely. However, it is impossible to diagnose her via the internet so follow up with your vet and see what he suggests. Also, keep in mind that diagnosing allergies can be frustrating since it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Ruling out parasitic, fungal, bacterial and self mutilation causes of itching/defurring is a must.

Hope your kitty feels better soon!
 
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William_Chin

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If this is the first time she has experienced itchiness, then I disagree with allergic causes as most allergies typically develop in younger to middle aged animals. IMHO, being 12 years old makes allergies less likely. However, it is impossible to diagnose her via the internet so follow up with your vet and see what he suggests. Also, keep in mind that diagnosing allergies can be frustrating since it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Ruling out parasitic, fungal, bacterial and self mutilation causes of itching/defurring is a must.

Hope your kitty feels better soon!
Yeah, this is her first time itching so when she started up I got a little worried! I might try out the tea to help her if it is a bacteria/fungal issue.
 

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My cat has severe allergies as well. I had to take her to an animal dermatologist. Your cat needs help! It's horrible to be itchy and causing sores and stuff. Please talk to your vet about allergy testing as well as atopica for cats. I use the dog version for my cat because that comes in a capsule and it easier to administer. You need to figure out if the allergy is food or environmental.
 
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William_Chin

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My cat has severe allergies as well. I had to take her to an animal dermatologist. Your cat needs help! It's horrible to be itchy and causing sores and stuff. Please talk to your vet about allergy testing as well as atopica for cats. I use the dog version for my cat because that comes in a capsule and it easier to administer. You need to figure out if the allergy is food or environmental.
I know and feel very bad for her :( , I'd be taking her to a vet but the coronavirus situation in my state is preventing me from doing so
 
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William_Chin

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I've been feeding her the Kirkland Maintence cat food, attached below are a list of the ingredients
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William_Chin

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She's also mostly an indoor cat who only goes on our deck to sunbathe for a few hours at most
 

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I've been feeding her the Kirkland Maintence cat food, attached below are a list of the ingredients View attachment 336204

Chicken and grains are common causes of food allergies / sensitivities. Even if you've fed this food for years, it's possible for the cat to develop a sensitivity to it.

Is your vet not seeing clients for regular appointments? Some vets are while others are only seeing emergencies during this pandemic. If you're not sure, call the vet and ask.
 
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William_Chin

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Chicken and grains are common causes of food allergies / sensitivities. Even if you've fed this food for years, it's possible for the cat to develop a sensitivity to it.

Is your vet not seeing clients for regular appointments? Some vets are while others are only seeing emergencies during this pandemic. If you're not sure, call the vet and ask.
Trying to schedule a video meeting with a vet who's in my area
 
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