Cat problem!!?

Question

Hi, i have a 2yr old male long haired cat. He used to be a indoor cat but we moved to a new area and he now goes outdoors. After he went outdoors he started biting and scratching alot. We got him a flea collar and gave him baths w/ flea and tick shampoo but he still continues to bite and scratch himself. he now has baldspots between his leegs and scabs behind his ear where he scratches... i was wondering if ne1 could plzz give me some advice to help him??

Answer 1

I have a cat with flea problems who tears all his hair out also. When I took him to the vet, they told me to use the stronger flea meds like Advantage or Frontline. The cat is slowly regrowing his hair. I was also advised not to use a flea collar as that is putting a constant toxin up close to the cats face. The meds get a bit expensive - $40ish dollars for four monthly treatments - but my kitty is doing way better now.

Answer 2

I agree that it's probably an allergy but I think it's important that you said he used to be an indoor cat before. Indoor cats are not exposed to much so they're not as likely to need this but outdoor cats should be getting yearly shots to protect them against disease. I'd keep the cat inside for a few days, and take him to the vet. If it's fleas you'll need something stronger than a flea collar, ask the vet, or they'll tell you obviously when you take your cat in. Ask about shots/vaccinations if the vet doesn't suggest it. Good luck!

Answer 3

My guess is that your cat is allergic to flea. My friends cat would go absolutely nuts, licking herself bald in places where a flea had bitten. She ended up keeping a flea collar on all the time, even during winter.

I would take the cat to the vet to make sure there isn't a serious problem going on. He might prescribe some sort of ointment, and a one of those big collars to get the cat from licking himself, and allowing his sores to hear. Instead of flea collars, use frontline, or advantage.

Also, flea collars can be very bad for cats, and so can some of the flea baths, and shampoos. Cats can die from these things being misused.

Answer 4

First, have handsome checked by a vet for allergies; he may be having a reaction to the flea bites or the collar/shampoo. Second, make sure there is no traffic where he wanders outside(I used to work for an animal shelter :-) ). Take care & good luck!

Answer 5

Flea collars are pointless. They only kill a few fleas around the cats neck. Get Frontline or Advantage from a veterinarian or a feed store. Buy name brand. The cheap "biospot" brand causes cat fur to fall out. I know from experience.

Answer 6

Take him to your veterinarian. He probably has flea allergies, but it could be several things. Only your vet will know what it is and how to treat it. And FYI: flea collars and shampoos don't work, and can be harmful to your pet. Only things you get from your veterinarian work and are safe. Don't buy flea prevention/control products from anywhere but a vet's office.

Answer 7

It's probably an allergic reaction to something he's getting in when he's outside. The vet will need to check him out. Please DON'T have a flea collar or any collar on him when he is outside unless it is a safety collar that will stretch if he gets it hung on something. Too many cats (and dogs) have died because they get stuck or hung on something and can't get loose.

Answer 8

The cats biggest problem is being outdoors. Parasites, fleas, ticks, traffic, poison, predators, pet theft .............the list goes on. You will find you have to spend more on vets too. Like now, he needs to be seen by a vet.

Answer 9

I'm tempted to say allergies too, since you've pretty well made sure he doesn't have fleas. But you would be better off asking a vet. The cat does sound AWFULLY uncomfortable!

Answer 10

Make an appointment with a good vet. Yesterday I brought my cat into emergency, I debated the cost but then thought nothing was better then piece of mind and the health and well being of my cat.