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- Jun 24, 2018
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Hello,
My 1-year old cat Scout (female) started licking her belly a lot back when we first got her in November. When we first got her she was fine, full belly of fur, and no other issues. We noticed after a few months her belly was balding a little, but I didn't think much of it. At this point, we've noticed she licks her belly a lot and to the point of redness. Lately I decided to try switching her food, since I read online that food allergies can be a common trigger of such a condition. So I switched from Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Cat food to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Duck & Green Pea. (On a side note, I find it funny that at first she LOVED this stuff, but now she acts like she doesn't like it as much). In terms of soft food I switched from Fancy Feast to Tiki Cat, which is grain free and doesn't include stuff like potato and other veggies that I've read can cause food allergies in cats.
We actually haven't noticed any difference since switching the food. In fact her belly has gotten worse. It is now even more red, and she's licked to the point of scabs. I have been trying so hard to think of what might have caused it. I use an all natural laundry detergent and I am now stopping using the scented dryer sheets to see if that makes a difference.
She is completely find and totally herself in every other regard. One thing I will mention is she has a history of Pica, where she has always eaten little holes in socks and other knit things she has found around. But it has really mellowed out, and plus we have gotten 200% better at not leaving knit things like socks lying around, so she stops thinking about it, I think...
Anyway, we're trying to avoid a vet visit if we can just find the cause and eliminate it. Suggestions would really be helpful.
One more sidenote: I seriously doubt it is fleas, since she rarely scratches herself. It's just the belly licking that occurs frequently.
Thank you!!
My 1-year old cat Scout (female) started licking her belly a lot back when we first got her in November. When we first got her she was fine, full belly of fur, and no other issues. We noticed after a few months her belly was balding a little, but I didn't think much of it. At this point, we've noticed she licks her belly a lot and to the point of redness. Lately I decided to try switching her food, since I read online that food allergies can be a common trigger of such a condition. So I switched from Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Cat food to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Duck & Green Pea. (On a side note, I find it funny that at first she LOVED this stuff, but now she acts like she doesn't like it as much). In terms of soft food I switched from Fancy Feast to Tiki Cat, which is grain free and doesn't include stuff like potato and other veggies that I've read can cause food allergies in cats.
We actually haven't noticed any difference since switching the food. In fact her belly has gotten worse. It is now even more red, and she's licked to the point of scabs. I have been trying so hard to think of what might have caused it. I use an all natural laundry detergent and I am now stopping using the scented dryer sheets to see if that makes a difference.
She is completely find and totally herself in every other regard. One thing I will mention is she has a history of Pica, where she has always eaten little holes in socks and other knit things she has found around. But it has really mellowed out, and plus we have gotten 200% better at not leaving knit things like socks lying around, so she stops thinking about it, I think...
Anyway, we're trying to avoid a vet visit if we can just find the cause and eliminate it. Suggestions would really be helpful.
One more sidenote: I seriously doubt it is fleas, since she rarely scratches herself. It's just the belly licking that occurs frequently.
Thank you!!