My cat is 12 years old. He is beginning to lose weight and he is overgrooming himself. He has been bald on his belly and upper chest area (by his front legs) but now is licking himself raw on his front leg (By the joint) and his back heel (on the joint). He also is starting to get little sores on his belly. He doesn't seem to be more lethargic or eating less. But he ALWAYS seems to be licking! please help me
2007-06-26 10:26:02 · 11 answers · asked by gabbin_gabos 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your cat needs to be seen by a vet. Even without these problems, he's 12 years old - regular vet checks are even more important for older animals so these sort of problems can be picked up on early.
These are symptoms of fairly common things in older animals that need treatment. The weight loss could be hyperthyroidism, the overgrooming and baldness are classic signs of another hormone deficiency.
Go to the vet, these sorts of problems are quite manageable, but perhaps not if you leave it too long. Cats don't really display pain or discomfort, but I can guarantee all the licking means your cat is not happy.
Chalice
2007-06-26 10:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry to hear about this problem your cat is having. I've seen this happen to my neighbour's cat who is strictly and indoor cat. With her it was an allergy to the food that she was being fed and her other cat had similar signs and symptoms but it was due to the flee collar .... a different allergy. If your cat has open sores it would be BEST to see a vet before he gets some kind of infection. Perhaps he has a blood disorder that is causing the hair loss and sores.
I wish him and you the very best of luck getting some help which will probably (hopefully) be simple and quick!
2007-06-26 17:38:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cat needs to see a vet! My cat also licked constantly and had sores mainly on his ears, chin, tail, and along his spine. The vet said it was an allergy to flea bits and gave him a shot of anti-inflamtoiry (i think?) and a shot of something to clam him down so he wouldn't worry about itching. Either way your cat needs to see a vet!! The vet gave our cat a flea killing liquid that he put between his shoulder blades (can't remeber name but the vet should know what it is as it is very popular). It has to be reapplied every month for about 3 months but it only cost like $9 for 1 months treatment.
Good luck!
~kitty
2007-06-26 17:38:44 · answer #3 · answered by kittykibble 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He needs a check up with the vet. This could be several things but the two most common causes of these symptoms are flea allergy and general anxiety. A comprehensive flea treatment programme would help with the former and plug-in pheramone diffusers would help with the latter. You vet can prescribe for both.
2007-06-26 17:32:37 · answer #4 · answered by fordicus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boy cat used to lick little pockets of hair away from his belly. Sometimes he would do this compulsively to the point where the fur was gone and he had a little sore where he kept licking.
I haven't seen him do it for a while now. However, during these times when he was licking, we associated it with the heat. It was warm or muggy days or stretches of days when he seemed to do it most.
2007-06-26 17:41:12 · answer #5 · answered by The Owl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should check with your vet. He might just be getting old though.
2007-06-26 17:35:06 · answer #6 · answered by Rachel M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your vet
2007-06-26 17:30:51 · answer #7 · answered by BRIDGE 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried taking him to the vet?
2007-06-26 19:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by Kayty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your cat to the vet NOW!!!
2007-06-26 17:46:36 · answer #9 · answered by Auntie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give soft food.
2007-06-30 17:21:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋