My cat of 6 years recently started scratching his neck so much that he is getting scabs all around his neck. I moved to a new town not far from where I was in June and it seems to be doing it since then. However, he is a 97% indoor cat.. Only goes out when he sneaks out. The only thing different is there are a lot of dogs barking at my nieghbors house.. I have a dog, but not a big barker and the cat and dog get along fine... I gave him a bath last night and that only seemed to make it worse!!!! I have no idea what to do.. if I should try an itch cream, or an alergy medication... or something else..
Thanks! :)
2006-08-21 12:49:57 · 27 answers · asked by moshy_monster 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
He may have an allergy or it could be a sign of high stress from the move. You might try breaking a benadryl tablet into thirds and giving him a piece of it. Bathing can make skin more irritable, especially if you use soap. You might try putting some regular antibiotic ointment on the scabs to help relieve the itch. Also get some epsom salts and put it in some water then rinse the neck area. That should also help against irritation. If none of this helps, go to the vet. Good luck!
2006-08-21 12:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by Mama23Girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 5 cats, and this year they have been infested severely with fleas. I hadn't had any problems with fleas previously.. Other cat owners have said this seems to be the year for bad infestations of fleas. Some cats become allergic to fleas and break out more than others from the bites and scratches. The type of soap used for his bath, may have irritated the already irritated sores from the bites, if that is what it is.
2006-08-21 15:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by virginia s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to take him to the vet. They can determine the cause of the itching, treat the sores and help him stop itching. Don't try anything at home without talking to the doctor...you can make it much worse or even kill your cat. Does he have a flea collar? If he does, throw it out! That can cause itching like you're describing and they don't work. If the vet can't get you in right away, they can give you some things to try to make him more comfortable until the appointment.
2006-08-21 13:28:07 · answer #3 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putt Putt's comments are clear and precise. I feel I must say that you should never put any human medication (such as in your in-house pharmacy, unless a vet tells you you can use it.
Since you've just moved and hopefully getting settled it's time to look for a local vet anyway. A six year old cat still needs an annual exam and check over.
2006-08-21 13:06:19 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi moshy,
2006-08-21 13:01:46
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answer #5
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answered by X-Woman 5
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I've had my cat for 20yrs now. This happens to my cat just before the fall and it continue's all winter long. My vet said it has to do with the weather change which causes her skin to dry out. I use just some good old polysporn
fleas, bath the kitty with dove dish soap, then apply bacatracin on the sores. It applying it for a week, or until sores are gone.
Fleas come in off of pets and humans.
2006-08-21 12:56:56 · answer #6 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be anything-allergies, fleas, stress etc. I have to agree with most of the others and suggest that you take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. If your cat does have fleas, be prepared to have him treated for worms too. They usually occur together and you might not know unless you were a lab tech who looked at his poo under a microscope.
2006-08-21 13:10:11 · answer #7 · answered by I'm alive .. still 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There might be fleas in the new houses carpets or something. Maybe the cats got fleas himself from somewhere. Go ask your doctor quick by the sounds of it your cats hurting himself
2006-08-21 12:56:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
why dont you check for fleas. if not perhaps he has a skin condition of scaly eczema . selsun blue shampoo helps that but vets would prefer it if u use their products. I would use that and then wheat germ oil found in the grocery store in the pet section to comb thru.. but something tell me he has fleas therefore u can buy that as well in the grocery store bu use the oil after as soaps is bothersome to animals -also in a cats diet it is good to give them soem tuna oil on their food to keep them from getting hairballs in their tummys and keeps hair shiny
2006-08-21 12:57:54 · answer #9 · answered by gypsygirl731 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fleas? Ticks? Some sort of cat rash? Perhaps his collar is chafing his skin? Get him to a vet and find out.
2006-08-21 12:56:24 · answer #10 · answered by robert r 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋