I believe my cat is licking himelf bald but it could also be b/c he is allergic to somethingor has sensitive skin. He has always been itchy on the skin near his tail lower back and now he has begun to lick himself bald around his lower back, hind legs and lower stomach area. Help! he looks like a street cat my other cat has no problems with her fur but he does. What is the problem and how do I fix it?
2006-12-08 10:01:48 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
i cant take him to the vet that will stress him out even more if he is.. he refuses to get in his cage and i had to carry him last time and he peed on me cuz he was so scared. so the vet is out of the question.
2006-12-08 10:08:58 · update #1
It could have to do with stress, which I know sounds weird, but my cat had the same problem and when we took her in they told us that she was stressed out. Just give the cat a lot of attention and when you see them start to clean the area stop them and pet them instead.
2006-12-08 10:05:50 · answer #1 · answered by alex 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there! My cat has the same exact problem! He is constantly licking his back and is balding in those "hot spots." I took him to the vet and $200 later, still no clue as to what is causing it. She said his coat was perfect, his skin is in great condition, and there is no sign of any irritation, infection, or fleas. Needless to say, he is still licking! I purchased some sour apple flavored spray to place on the "Hot Spots" and it helps for a little while. I also purchased an "anti-itch" spray which doesn't seem to be alleviating any of his discomfort. The vet said that a cortisone shot could help, but my cat has FIV and the shot would not be good for his immune system, so I am trying my best to make him comfortable. But, if you can't see anything on his skin or coat (fleas, infection, etc.) I wouldn't bother taking him to the vet. Try the OTC lotions, sprays and washes first. If it doesn't help, then try the vet.
2006-12-11 12:20:31 · answer #2 · answered by LuckyOne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See , my cat had the same problem. My husband was deployed and my mom was visiting for a while. Even thought my mom will pet her and talk sweet she was still over grooming. She had two spots one on her belly and a couple more on her tail, big pieces of fur where gone. Like you i thought she had some skin infections , but she is a indoor cat! anyways i took her to the vet and the first thing he asked me after he revised the skin was whats different in your house? she seems stress to me and and shes just over grooming for that reason. Apparently she was missing my husband too! All he did was give her one shot and say come back in two or three weeks if continues. It stop for a month maybe then i came back and another shot was it. My husband came back and we still traveling together. Sometimes you dont know but cats are connected to their humans feelings and can affect them as much as they affect you. Good luck!
2006-12-09 09:49:06 · answer #3 · answered by Alex P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your Vet is really concerned about your cat as much as you are (which they should be) then you should ask if they can make a trip to your home. A lot of cats are that way when going anywhere outside of their comfort zone. He may have a skin disease if it's been going on for a while or allergies. I would talk to your vet and see what they can do to accommodate you. If not, then I would get lotion (usually at a pet store or Vet) to put on him for some relief! Good luck~
2006-12-08 18:34:23 · answer #4 · answered by holls 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start with a CALL to the vet. Maybe they can recommend something over the phone without having to haul your cat in. Your right--it could be an allergy...or it could be a skin disease, but only your vet will know for sure. I know you don't want to take your cat in but, it might be necessary for proper treatment. I've seen cats (and dogs) actually pull their fur out and chew (to the point of bleeding) at their skin because they're so miserable.
Please make the call to your vet!
Good luck!âº
2006-12-08 18:18:05 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ ☆ StarLiteGrl~98☼1 ☆ ♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is licking around his tail and his back legs it could be his anal glands are full. It is a gross but "easy" fix. I say "easy" because it will probably take two people who aren't afraid of getting scratched or grossed out. All dogs and cats have anal glands that some times get too full and cause them pain. Because they cant reach it they can sometimes lick bald spots on themsleves near their rear end. If you are brave you can have some one help you express them . If you want to know how email me.
2006-12-08 18:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by Ryne's proud mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brothers cat licks himself bald too. It turns out Ivan the cat has obbsessive compulsive disorder and he's on medication right now and it seems to be helping. So The best bet would be got to a vet and see what they say, after all it's their job!
2006-12-08 18:10:14 · answer #7 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You won't get out of this one without a trip to the vet. It could be parasites (though probably your other cats would catch them too) or an allergy of some sort (or less likely, it could be a mental thing).
You need to head to the vet and rule out what you can.
2006-12-08 18:04:27 · answer #8 · answered by tallcowboy0614 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like flea allergy, even if you can't see them and keep a spotless house.Many pet stores sell shampoos that help relieve your pet's allergic reactions. After bathing your cat, you can use a hydrocortisone spray. Use a "spot on" flea treatment like "Advantage" These will not make your cat happy but should help. Make sure you house is free of fleas and vacuum frequently, at least daily.
2006-12-08 18:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by alessa_sunderland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no he probably not getting the right proteins take him to the vet or go to the pet store and get some vitamins for your cat and put it in his can food
2006-12-08 18:09:56 · answer #10 · answered by Daysia D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋