Environmental Or Food???

[minniesunshine]

Can someone PLEASE tell me if they know or have had done a test to determine whether their cats skin issues where food or environmental? I'm going back again to the vet tmrw. And I guess I have no choice at this point but to try the Atopica (I pray it helps) but I truly believe my Cream's skin issues is environmental. Bc my other 3 have itchy skin, ears, licking groin area. Just they r older n have healthier immune systems bc it has not effected them like Cream. Btw - they don't eat the same food, they do NOT have fleas. I always wondered if it was the liter.... Or all the toys, scratchers, cat trees, all made in China. How do we know what these materials really are. I've had animals my entire life and I'm 46 and I've never heard of so many skin issues with skin like this.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I believe they can do allergy tests like they do for people, but not sure.

What all have you tried for the itching? Zyrtec, Pred? Changed the litter?

 

[minniesunshine]

She's been on steroids, I have tried changing liter 3times, to more natural ones. But they are all so used to clay. The steroid pills helped but then she started eating her liter acting aggressive, her behavior was totally different. I also tried chlorpheniramine. That was actually the first medicine the vet told me to try. I've taken her to a dermatologist specialist vet and they did nothing different than the regular vet. I'm bringing her back tomorrow (her regular vet) bc she's going to have to get put on antibiotics AGAIN and that scares me. But I don't know what else to do. They also had asked if I wanted to put her on Atopica, but I'm so afraid bc of compromising her immune system even more. Thank you for responding, no one else did

 

[mewcatmew]

If there is a particular area that or patch that seems affected, maybe they can take a sample of that area and send it to the lab? You might get more information. Are there bumps in the affected area? Is it scaly?

 

[grzina]

My cat boots started itching like crazy. My vet says allergy testing isn't that accurate. After trying the depo shot, amyltriptline and a hydrolyzed protein diet (he refused it), the only thing that has helped is atopica. When the itching first started, we discovered he has hyperthyroidism. Did that trigger it? Who knows. Now my other cat is licking and biting his inner thighs to the point of making sores. He started doing this about the same time he was diagnosed with diabetes. Still trying to control the itching with no luck and now he has an ear hematoma. What in the world? The cat I grew up with barely went to the vet and lived 18 years with hardly a health problem. Every cat I've had since has had multiple problems. Is it the food? Vaccines? So frustrating!

 

[nese]

Allergies are so frustrating. I have 2 cats, one is 1 years old, the other is 4 months old, both have allergies. Our 3rd cat who passed away in May also had the same allergy issues.
Different from your case, ours is not skin related, but they are always sneezing no mather what I try.
Only antihistamines give them some relief. Since all 3 had same issue I believe it is environmental. And I am trying to find the cause of allergy.
I changed litter several times without any success.
I moved away all the carpets in the house, and kept the floor dust free. Helped a little at first, but not much.
I washed all the cat beddings, pillows, blankets, curtains, anything that can be washed. Not helped.
We limited the use of house cleaners and tried to clean our house without using chemicals, not helped.

Now I am trying to isolate them from rooms one by one. By this way, hopefully, if the allergen is something in one room I can find in which room it is. But of course if it is something that is all over the house this method will not work, we will see. I started with balcony today since it is the place they spend most of their time, and will keep them isolated from the balcony (and houseplants in balcony) for 3 weeks.

If you think it is environmental maybe you can try isolating them from rooms one by one. I also know that aloe vera helps for skin allergies. Shell is toxic for cats, but the jelly part inside, is not.
For environmental allergies air cleaners may also be helpful. If nothing works and I cannot find the allergen I am thinking to purchase one.

 

[minniesunshine]

My cat boots started itching like crazy. My vet says allergy testing isn't that accurate. After trying the depo shot, amyltriptline and a hydrolyzed protein diet (he refused it), the only thing that has helped is atopica. When the itching first started, we discovered he has hyperthyroidism. Did that trigger it? Who knows. Now my other cat is licking and biting his inner thighs to the point of making sores. He started doing this about the same time he was diagnosed with diabetes. Still trying to control the itching with no luck and now he has an ear hematoma. What in the world? The cat I grew up with barely went to the vet and lived 18 years with hardly a health problem. Every cat I've had since has had multiple problems. Is it the food? Vaccines? So frustrating!

I AGREE 100%!! I seriously believe something has changed, I just can't figure out WHAT it is and it's driving me crazy! What's happening to our poor cats! I've cats friends with cats my whole life, never have I heard of so
Many health issues! I stated in one of my posts, I do have 3 other cats, they are itchy, but nothing to what's happened to my youngest Cream. She has on been on antibiotics so many times, I'm afraid today when I bring her, it's too many times. But it's definitely infected. It's her entire belly, under arm, under leg, feet, under her chin, neck and ears. Her last antibiotics RX was the end of June and here it is just August and it's even worse than before. So your cat is having a positive effect on Atopica??? Bc I think my last alternative, I've TRIED everything suggested. I just do t want to loose her bc of this. It just doesn't make sense n it breaks my heart to see her in such discomfort. Is do anything to make her better. I just want to find the right thing n stop tormenting her with all these vet visits. She's the most scared kitty I've ever had n bringing her is extremely difficult, I'm dreading this afternoon. Thanks for listening

 

[minniesunshine]

If there is a particular area that or patch that seems affected, maybe they can take a sample of that area and send it to the lab? You might get more information. Are there bumps in the affected area? Is it scaly?

 

[minniesunshine]

That's just her belly, it's raw from her constant licking, the top of her back paws now r raw, under her chin n neck have black bumps, under arm and leg is raw like her belly, her side has hair loss n red spot. She just keeps getting worse. I've tried to change foods numerous times, now she will only eat fancy feast, which I absolutely hate for her, you can't force a cat to eat what's good for them n bc of her not being well it scares when she doesn't want to even eat that crap fancy feast. And it's not even classic ones that r healthier. She only likes gravy ones. She does like Natures Variety raw bites, the rabbit ones, So when she will eat a few I give them to her for some nutrients. Have you ever heard that raw bites can NOT be given to cats if they are taking Atopica? Bc that's what the dermatologist vet told me. That's also what stopped me from giving her the Atopica back in May. Bc she was eating that n since then I've been trying different foods for her to eat but with still no success. Have u heard that?

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

You said the steroids helped, but she started eating her litter and became aggressive. Perhaps a different steroid might help? Or a lessor dose? Also, what happened when you tried the chlorpheniramine? Did it have any effect on the itchiness, have bad side effects, or what?

 

[minniesunshine]

Allergies are so frustrating. I have 2 cats, one is 1 years old, the other is 4 months old, both have allergies. Our 3rd cat who passed away in May also had the same allergy issues.
Different from your case, ours is not skin related, but they are always sneezing no mather what I try.
Only antihistamines give them some relief. Since all 3 had same issue I believe it is environmental. And I am trying to find the cause of allergy.
I changed litter several times without any success.
I moved away all the carpets in the house, and kept the floor dust free. Helped a little at first, but not much.
I washed all the cat beddings, pillows, blankets, curtains, anything that can be washed. Not helped.
We limited the use of house cleaners and tried to clean our house without using chemicals, not helped.

Now I am trying to isolate them from rooms one by one. By this way, hopefully, if the allergen is something in one room I can find in which room it is. But of course if it is something that is all over the house this method will not work, we will see. I started with balcony today since it is the place they spend most of their time, and will keep them isolated from the balcony (and houseplants in balcony) for 3 weeks.

If you think it is environmental maybe you can try isolating them from rooms one by one. I also know that aloe vera helps for skin allergies. Shell is toxic for cats, but the jelly part inside, is not.
For environmental allergies air cleaners may also be helpful. If nothing works and I cannot find the allergen I am thinking to purchase one.

I'm with you! I got an air purifier, I changed my laundry detergent to hypoallergenic no scents, fabric softener too, I literally am doing what you're doing! Do u live in a rural area? I live in Bergen county NJ, lots of trees n with all this rain n barely having real winters in two years, I see so
Many bugs outside, that I've never seen before. They r so tiny, maybe they get in through the screens n I don't see them? I'm sorry about your kitty that passed away, did she pass bc of he allergy?

 

[minniesunshine]

You said the steroids helped, but she started eating her litter and became aggressive. Perhaps a different steroid might help? Or a lessor dose? Also, what happened when you tried the chlorpheniramine? Did it have any effect on the itchiness, have bad side effects, or what?

They vets have said the steroids were only short term use, bc her life would be shortened bc of it.... the chlorpheniramine (please excuse my spelling, my eyes r really bad and I'm doing this from phone) made her sleepy but I honestly didn't keep up with it bc I hated all the time. I did it for a
Week and since it just made her sleep but still itch, I just stopped. Do you think I should just go back to that, instead of the Atopica?

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I'm wondering if the Vet said not to feed the Raw Bites with the Atopica because many Vets simply feed feeding raw isn't safe, period? Do you think that could be it? (even though technically Raw Bites isn't really "raw" )

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

They vets have said the steroids were only short term use, bc her life would be shortened bc of it.... the chlorpheniramine (please excuse my spelling, my eyes r really bad and I'm doing this from phone) made her sleepy but I honestly didn't keep up with it bc I hated all the time. I did it for a
Week and since it just made her sleep but still itch, I just stopped. Do you think I should just go back to that, instead of the Atopica?

Many cats are on Pred for years and years. Yes, it CAN cause diabetes, but it isn't a given. As long as you can get the dosage right and sometimes are able to get it whittled down to a very small amount and still keep them comfortable, it is even worth the risk, IMHO, to give them a good quality of life in the meantime.

With the chlorpheniramine, I wondered if it worked but made her sleepy, because there are other allergy pills out there that don't cause drowsiness. Many cat owners use Zyrtec for sneezing, and it might work for itching, but it might not, especially since the chlorpheniramine didn't seem to work.

 

[minniesunshine]

I'm wondering if the Vet said not to feed the Raw Bites with the Atopica because many Vets simply feed feeding raw isn't safe, period? Do you think that could be it? (even though technically Raw Bites isn't really "raw" )

Do I think the raw bites caused her skin allergies? No, I started giving her them after her condition started. Only bc I wanted her to eat different healthier food. I tried to explain to the specialists vet that it's raw bites but she said anything raw can kill her with Atopica? The vet I'm going back to today, I'm hoping has more knowledge on this, she's young but she's been treating Cream for over a year n a half so I'm really praying she helps with all
My questions. But vets r just people they can only do so much... but at least I do feel they care at this office...

 

[minniesunshine]

Many cats are on Pred for years and years. Yes, it CAN cause diabetes, but it isn't a given. As long as you can get the dosage right and sometimes are able to get it whittled down to a very small amount and still keep them comfortable, it is even worth the risk, IMHO, to give them a good quality of life in the meantime.

With the chlorpheniramine, I wondered if it worked but made her sleepy, because there are other allergy pills out there that don't cause drowsiness. Many cat owners use Zyrtec for sneezing, and it might work for itching, but it might not, especially since the chlorpheniramine didn't seem to work.

in your opinion would you go with the steroids pills or the Atopica? Idk if you saw the pic I tried to post of Cream, but that's not even as bad as she looks today. Also do you think giving her antibiotics so many times will lower her immunity? She's been on antibiotics atleast 5times in less than 2years. She has to take pills bc when they gave her a shot of it, it didn't work n made her ill. No Shots for my baby Cream! Btw I wasn't able to have children so she is my baby and so are the other ones. Thank you again for advising me, I really truly appreciate it

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I DID see the picture, poor baby . I think taking Atopica and/or steroids will lower her immunity, but that can't be helped. She can develop a resistance to antibiotics, certainly, but hopefully that won't happen, especially since there are many different ones out there.

I would discuss with your Vet which one is best...Pred or Atopica. I think either one is probably going to be forever, and I also think they each have their own set of possible side effects. I'm pretty sure Atopica is the more expensive of the two, especially if you get it compounded where it isn't really bitter tasting. But I've heard it works really well, which in the end is the result you want, right? After all, she's your baby

 

[minniesunshine]

I DID see the picture, poor baby . I think taking Atopica and/or steroids will lower her immunity, but that can't be helped. She can develop a resistance to antibiotics, certainly, but hopefully that won't happen, especially since there are many different ones out there.

I would discuss with your Vet which one is best...Pred or Atopica. I think either one is probably going to be forever, and I also think they each have their own set of possible side effects. I'm pretty sure Atopica is the more expensive of the two, especially if you get it compounded where it isn't really bitter tasting. But I've heard it works really well, which in the end is the result you want, right? After all, she's your baby

Absolutely!! I don't care how much I have to spend, Ill just do without things I need . As I have been doing. just to make sure my babies get what they need. We definitely don't have a lot of money, so if I have to eat cereal for dinner, (i have been for months now) so they get the best possible! They always come first and always will!!! Thank you so much for ALL your advise. It means a lot to me. I love this website, its the only social media I use. People who love animals are the best!

 

[nese]

I'm with you! I got an air purifier, I changed my laundry detergent to hypoallergenic no scents, fabric softener too, I literally am doing what you're doing! Do u live in a rural area? I live in Bergen county NJ, lots of trees n with all this rain n barely having real winters in two years, I see so
Many bugs outside, that I've never seen before. They r so tiny, maybe they get in through the screens n I don't see them? I'm sorry about your kitty that passed away, did she pass bc of he allergy?

Thank you, he didn't passed away because of allergy issues. He lived a very healthy life except allegry problems. One day suddenly he collapsed to the ground 1 hour after eating, and started to breath with labor, immediately gums became blueish. I took him to vet immediately. They did everthing to save him, but didn't work unfortunately. They took an x-ray. It showed that the reason is GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) which is extremely rare in cats Poor baby, he was only 1,5 years old and we always paid attention to his diet, we always fed him same amount at the same times...

 

[nese]

I'm with you! I got an air purifier, I changed my laundry detergent to hypoallergenic no scents, fabric softener too, I literally am doing what you're doing! Do u live in a rural area? I live in Bergen county NJ, lots of trees n with all this rain n barely having real winters in two years, I see so
Many bugs outside, that I've never seen before. They r so tiny, maybe they get in through the screens n I don't see them? I'm sorry about your kitty that passed away, did she pass bc of he allergy?

We live in city, there is not much trees here, humidity is low, as you said it barely rains. I suspected house dust or environmental dust first, but we have neighbours who also have cats and they do not have any allergy issues. So I am thinking it is something in our house. But what??? I could not find what has changed in last 5-6 months (since the symptoms started). I am always thinking what may have changed and caused allergy, without any success, and this drives me crazy!