Red dots/ skin irritation

[D_H]

Hi all!

In the last week we noticed that Tortie, our beautiful 3 years old Tortoiseshell, started scratching her head and neck intensively.
we looked for flees or ticks but didn't find any.
We did see skin irritation, which we're not sure if it is the cause or the result of her scratches

All in all she's doing good, doesn't seems to bother her much. Oh, and she's an indoor cat.

Any idea what could be the cause?

I've attached some pictures of scabs we found at the back of her head/ neck (and another one of her modeling )

Thanks!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi, what is she being fed?

 

[D_H]

We feed her dry food (Pro Choice), and once a week she's getting wet food.
Nothing has changed here for the past years

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Even though her food hasn't changed recently, cats can become food sensitive to their normal food, and what you are describing does sound like a food sensitivity, especially since you can't find any evidence of fleas. Usually food sensitivities show up with itching around the head and neck. You can try calling your Vet and asking them what they advise...either a change in food, or possibly an allergy pill or something else.

Also of note, you may not have changed her food, however, most manufacturers have ended up changing their formulas lately due to supply chain issues. That could also be the problem. One ingredients could have been added that she has a problem with.

 

[D_H]

Thanks!
We're just about to buy more food, we'll look for something else.

 

[D_H]

Currently we feed them Pro Choices' Adult Cat Salmon and Rice - which is Hypoallergenic - do you think we should try one of theirs non-hypoallergenic flavors or go straight to a different brand?

 

[Furballsmom]

I read someone else found that the hypoallergenic food didn't work. Maybe try a different brand with a slow-ish transition

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Even though you are feeding salmon and rice, the very first ingredient in it is chicken. Many cats have problems with chicken, and I see that all of ProChoice's foods have chicken as the main ingredient, so I would definitely try to find another brand. You will need to look at the ingredient list. You might see if you can find something that says "limited ingredients" that has ONE protein in it to try to figure out if it is meat issue, although it could also be peas, or maize or something else entirely.