My female fix 5 year old cat, keeps licking herself, on her legs, back and tail, she did this last winter when she was staying with my mom, but they let it get so out of hand, she ended up completely bald and now her top lip is deformed, since she has been back with me she has not done this until within the past 2 weeks, what could it be, when I called the vet said it is more than likely a nervous disorder and not to worry unless it gets worse, it has not gotten any worse but I am worried anyway, if you have any ideas please let me know....thanks
2007-01-05 11:52:02 · 5 answers · asked by sinful777 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
It could be a nervous reaction from the cat to something, it could also be a kind of dermatitis that's making her skin itch, so she's trying to stop it by licking it. If she's only doing it during the winter, the cold, dry air could be making her skin bother her, especially where she's getting a little older. Try running a humidifier around the house and see if that helps. Watch her skin for any sign of rashes or bumps that could be bites.
2007-01-05 12:04:18 · answer #1 · answered by Katasha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat we adopted when he was 8 months and started this around 3 years of age. The vet said it was a nervous disorder and it would probably improve with age. After he started licking himself until he bled, the vet suggested giving him a drug (either prozac or valium) which she injected. It worked like a charm! After a year or so with the injeciton it would wear off and it had to be done again. He is turning 9 in March and he hasn't had a shot since he was 5 1/2. I suggest asking the vet about this if it is a real concern. Besides that, there really isn't a way to stop him from licking himself raw.
2007-01-05 12:12:32 · answer #2 · answered by bpbjess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since licking is the way cats bathe , I am not sure why they would go overboard , but I learned you need to give them about a tablespoon of oil in their food to prevent hairballs. Since you say winter, maybe it's skin is getting over dry . Do you use any oils in her food ?
2007-01-05 12:03:53 · answer #3 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your vet is right, it probably is a nervous disorder. And if she does it so much that she gets bald, I think you should worry! Medication is available to calm her down so she won't obsessively groom herself. Talk to your vet and if he won't listen, find another one. Cats shouldn't be grooming themselves until they are bald.
2007-01-05 12:05:45 · answer #4 · answered by writer272002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could also be food/kitty litter allergies.
2007-01-05 12:39:18 · answer #5 · answered by Karen C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋