Our beloved kitty suffered a broken jaw so the vet has wired it nearly-shut for six weeks so that it can. Our kitty has been living with his new (temporary) look for one week. He's now getting antsy and has started to groom himself excessively through the small opening in his mouth. He's managed to remove a lot of the fur from his "bib," chest and front leg areas. The fur that's left is almost always very wet and messy. Since these areas are so wet, kitty gets very cold. We've tried many things to stop his excessive grooming and are about to ask the vet for some meds to calm him down. Before we do that, we were wondering if anyone has had any success in diminishing or even eliminating excessive grooming by using some form of sweater, jacket or shirt designed for a cat. Any related information would (also) be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Ken
2007-01-12 06:24:09 · 7 answers · asked by Ken B 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have tried to put a sweater on a number of cats, and the bar none result is that the cat will just fall over on their side and lay there until you take it off, or they will struggle with it until they get it off.
Overall, I dont believe that cats on a whole do very well with any animal clothing, hence why you dont see too much cat designed clothing around.
Id say that a cone would probably be the best method for a cat. Make sure that its a plastic one. Those new age cloth ones are lame and practically useless. Your cat will be wearing it like a dress in no time.
2007-01-12 06:39:06 · answer #1 · answered by M O 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you would be pleased if you will try some flower essences on him. He is having trouble emotionally dealing with pain, shock and trauma from breaking his jaw and now with his recovery.
Rescue Remedy is something you can get at a health food store - people use it. It is utterly benign and cannot harm him in any way or interfere with any medication he has from the vet. It will help to bring him into emotional balance and aid in his recovery for the long period in which his jaw must be wired.
The RR costs around $16. You just shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on the fur between his ears. Do this in the AM, twice during the day if you can, and before retiring for the night. One bottle will last over two weeks with this application. You will be amazed at how much this will help to relieve his anxiety and should stop the need for the obsessive licking.
2007-01-12 15:43:40 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not with a cat but with a dog that licked a hole all the way to the bone in his paw after surgery. Would chew off the cast while we were at work and lick the surgical wound. Tried everything with two vets and the third vet said anxiety and gave the poor dog an antidepressant and it stopped immediately. Take this action now as every time since then the poor dog gets stressed, he goes right back to licking that paw. VET today if possible and emergency vet if needed.
2007-01-12 14:34:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly, keeping in touch with what your veternarian recommends is important in your situation.....ask him about a collar that prevents the cat from licking him or herself until the jaw heals....its a cone shaped hard plastic that fits over the head and I'm sure would be much better than a sweater....cats are natural groomers so you cannot supress this.....try the collar.....your vet should have one for you....good luck....
2007-01-12 14:32:30 · answer #4 · answered by Sissie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure but a sweater might help. Sorry to hear that your kitty's broken his jaw. I say it won't hurt to try that idea.
2007-01-12 14:28:28 · answer #5 · answered by Irish Girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
poor thing, I would put one of those cone thongs around his head (don't remember the name). I would try the sweater fluffy may chew it
2007-01-12 14:28:58 · answer #6 · answered by Monet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you get high and blow the weed smoke in your cat's face.
2007-01-12 15:51:48 · answer #7 · answered by bluto blutarsky2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋