Cat Excessive Scratching And Grooming, Causing Hair Loss And Scabbing

[Mae DeChaine]

My poor kitty has been doing this off and on for the last few years, where she will scratch excessively usually until it bleeds. She is also constantly cleaning herself, especially in these troubled areas. Every so often it would fade and she would regrow her hair, so we thought not too much of it, but when it started happening more often we took her to a vet. Whenever we took her to a vet they would claim it was mites or fleas, but when we gave her the proper medication or fed her the food the vets provided nothing changed. We were also told that it could be a rash or a skin fungus, in which we were told to apply Hydrocodone, but that also did nothing. It recently has gotten worse, to the point that her hair isn't growing back, she is scabbing a lot more, and the patches have grown.

She doesn't seem unhappy, and she is very energetic so I really don't know what it could be.

 

[cheeser]

Oh, my goodness! When you say the vet gave you proper medication for fleas/mites, what did that include?

 

[Mae DeChaine]

Oh, my goodness! When you say the vet gave you proper medication for fleas/mites, what did that include?

I can't remember them all, but we tried multiple brands and even prescription ones that they only sold at the vet office. Sorry I couldn't give more information.

 

[cheeser]

You mean like flea prevention meds? I was just wondering if a flea allergy (or other kind of allergy) has been considered.

 

[cat princesses]

Oh no, you're poor baby is allergic to something. Please talk with your vet about using atopica or taking your kitty to an animal dermatologist for testing - something is causing this excessive itching - you just need to find out WHAT. Sometimes it's food, it could be the cat litter you use, or environmental. Also ask your vet about using claritin ( Regular, NEVER D, that is toxic ). My cat was extremely itchy and she would lick areas on her legs raw - we tested her for allergies and she was severely allergic to dust mites and storage mites ( found in flour, cereal etc ). We have had her on atopica for 6 months and it's made a complete difference - she's comfortable, no itching, no boo boo's. Please help to get your kitty some much needed relief - imagine having mosquito bites on yourself that itch like crazy and nothing you do gives relief - that's how your kitty feels right now. Best of luck!!!!

 

[Mae DeChaine]

You mean like flea prevention meds? I was just wondering if a flea allergy (or other kind of allergy) has been considered.

Oh! Yes, we had flea prevention medication. And we thought it was an allergy as well, but when we took her to a vet for that they didn't come up with anything either.

 

[cat princesses]

What specifically did the vet do to check for allergies?

 

[cat princesses]

I would seriously find a specialist in your area and get another opinion, your poor baby is miserable - that looks pretty severe all over like that. I'm not a huge fan of a depo medrol injection, it's a pretty powerful longer acting steroid injection ( lasts maybe 3 weeks ) but they're not recommended to use often - it can cause sudden diabetes ( my cat is diabetic, you DON"T want a diabetic kitty ) but that might help to see if that provides relief. Atopica might really help your kitty!

 

[Mae DeChaine]

I would seriously find a specialist in your area and get another opinion, your poor baby is miserable - that looks pretty severe all over like that. I'm not a huge fan of a depo medrol injection, it's a pretty powerful longer acting steroid injection ( lasts maybe 3 weeks ) but they're not recommended to use often - it can cause sudden diabetes ( my cat is diabetic, you DON"T want a diabetic kitty ) but that might help to see if that provides relief. Atopica might really help your kitty!

As soon as I can afford it, I'll try taking her to another vet. For now, I'll try Atopica. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[cat princesses]

With atopica, you want to do regular blood testing to check kidney/liver functions. some cats are super absorbers and it can affect those organs. Also, keep in mind the atopica can take up to 30 days do kick in - ask your vet for 5 mg prednisolone ( yes, the one with he lone at the end, there is prednisone and prednisolone ) to use in addition to the atopica for 30 days, then they will give you a taper down program for going off the steroid pills. The manufacturer of atopica also offers a rebate, when you buy 2 boxes, depending on the strength but for me, I'm using 25 mg capsules for dogs, they offer a $30 rebate - so take advantage of that as well! You need to scan and send as an attachment to your claim the invoice from the vets office that shows you purchased the 2 boxes to qualify.

 

[Confoundedbycats]

Hello, I am new here searching for answers. Should I start a new thread or ask my question here? My cat Dotty began scratching a LOT starting a month or two after we got her from the shelter. (NOTHING amiss at the beginning.) We did the steroids and Atopica, and found through food elimination diets that she is allergic to fowl at the very least, so we have her on a limited ingredient canned venison diet. I became concerned about keeping her on Atopica longterm, especially after she was diagnosed with mammary cancer, so gradually weaned her totally off it. She is 5 now and the cancer has not progressed, but beginning this spring she is miserable with scratching, to the point of injuring herself. There are all these tiny bumps on her, mostly in her ruff and neck and on her muzzle and above her eyes. No fleas. No mites. No ringworm. I tried switching her to other proteins in case she has gotten allergic to the venison--no change. I've tried Claritin. I've tried Laktoferrin. I've tried green-lipped mussel. I've tried Standard Process VF Antronex for Pets. I've tried homeopathy (the holistic vet gave her thuja). I am afraid to put her back on Atopica and steroids, or even to subject her to the stress of intradermal testing due to her compromised immune system, but everyone says the saliva and blood tests are unreliable. Should I try confining her to the bathroom where there is no carpeting and see if THAT is what is doing it? The carpet was brand-new the year before she came to our home. I'm sure being cooped up in the bathroom would stress her, too, but I'm getting desperate.