You dont give enough information to know exactly what kind of problem you might be dealing with. You don't say if the skin problem is in only one area of the cat, several areas, if its itchy, when it started, etc. Flea allergy, for example is probably the most common cause of skin problems in cats. I've had a multitude of cats over time and never have seen a single case of mange in any of the many rescue cats I've handled, not to say cats couldn't have mange, but it must be uncommon. If the cat had ringworm, which is caused by a fungus related to the athletes foot fungus, you'd probably know it by now, because ringworm is contagious to humans too. Digestive problems or imbalanced diets can cause the kind of skin problem you describe. You might try adding some butter to the cat's food. If the cat isn't grooming itself, its skin can develop what looks like dandruff, or if you have just recently cut mats from a longhaired cat's coat, it might appear the way you describe.
Theres just so many possible causes that could fit the symptoms you describe, its impossible without more information, to narrow it down. However, you don't want to go experimenting with any product not specifically sold for CATS. Cats are much more sensitive to chemicals than other animals, and products sold for dogs may kill a cat.
I don't know why you are so opposed to having a vet see the cat. Vets usually are willing to work with sincere people, arrange payment plans, etc.
You can try to get the book Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook by Carlson and Giffin, from your local library or if your library doesn't have it, it probably can get it for you from another library.
That book is excellent, it presents medical conditions and treatments in a clear easy to understand way, but at the same time gives enough information to be solidly useful.
Below are some links with good information on feline skin problems, diagnosis, and treatment.
http://www.vetinfo.com/catskin.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/keys_to_a_healthy_cat/cats_common_health_problems.html
Good general feline health information, including diseases
http://cats.about.com/od/healthconcerns/
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/howto4.html
2006-10-30 12:09:50
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answer #1
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answered by TheSnakeWhisperer 3
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Perhaps it it the cat's diet, that can cause skin irritation. Try putting it on a dry food diet, and a dry food that is natural-make sure the ingredients aren't fillers, the first ingredient shouldn't be cornmeal. Dry food is great for the teeth, and a healthy diet can have a dramatic change on their health and coat. It could be losing hair due to a poor diet.
2006-10-30 19:33:53
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answer #2
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answered by diyta 4
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The best thing you can do for this cat, since she isn't yours and you don't want to seek the correct skin diagnosis from a vet, is to take her to a shelter where she will get correct medical care and someone who will adopt her and give her a home.
There is only one way to cure mange, oil and all those home remedies don't work. You have to get the shampoo made specifically for that.
If it's not mange, you are just hurting her for treating her for it. If this were your child, would you not seek medical attention for her?
2006-10-30 12:15:42
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answer #3
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answered by ihave5katz 5
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if your cat has dandruff, hard hair, and loss of hair.
you should give you cat human food like:
Canned Tuna and oil from the can.
Shrimp (grilled only, little seasoning); at least three of them
any kind of fish you can find really, just grilled little seasoning.
give it to your cat at least once a week. (mostly the tuna and the oil)
all of these are great for the cats coat.
2006-10-30 14:20:58
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answer #4
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answered by B@mM3rS 2
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Ah, yes. Toasted cat. Good choice. Personally, I like mine pan-fried in a light coating of olive oil, but, "Whatever tickles your pickle", I always say.
2006-10-30 13:39:19
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answer #5
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answered by Brandon 2
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Here is a link I think you will find very informative.
Good luck
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/universe/AmberFoundation/Mange/MainMange.html
2006-10-30 12:05:49
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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If you won't take her to the vet, take her to the shelter. They will care for her, and you won't have to bother yourself with it. They may have to put her to sleep, but since no one wants to take her to the vet, it may be a mercy.
Shelters also have low-cost veterinarians, just fyi.
2006-10-30 11:59:32
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answer #7
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answered by Esma 6
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well i think that you should bath him every day with antibacterial soap and leave him to dry in the sun and try to not give him fish
2006-10-30 12:25:21
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answer #8
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answered by Hindu_ Latina 3
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