Does anyone know about feline skin diseases?

Question

My cat has an area on her back just in front of her tail that she has been biting and trying to scratch so much that the skin in that area is scabbing and she's losing the hair there. I'm going to take her to the vet but I won't be able to go until next week. Does anyone know what could be causing this? It is localized specifically to that area and the area on the underside of her tail just above her rear end.

Answer 1

That's the first place that flea bite allergies turn up. Get Advantage or Frontline and apply as directed even if you don't see fleas or flea dirt. Fleas don't spend much time on the cat.
Take her to the vet, by all means, but if you can do the above first, it will help get the situation under control quicker.

Answer 2

Most likely some kind of flea allergy. Easy to fix.

Sterilise skin by using Surgical Spirit, anti-bacterial wipe or some disinfectant solution. Gently rub, massage or apply either liquid paraffin aka Vaseline or Aloe Vera Gel. If none of those ingredients are at hand, the least a thick moisturiser, preferably non-scented. Only with the moisturiser will you need to use one of those busker collars, so she doesn't eat the cream.

It need not be fleas, it could be mites or it could be some kind of allergy to pollen. Piriton is a natural medication that you can give if she suffers from an allergy.

I would try this first, before committing yourself to expensive and often completely unnecessary veterinary exploratory investigations which are most invasive and highly traumatic to the cat, plus require a large purse with plenty of paper notes. Unless you have insurance. Then again, why abuse the insurance if you can solve the problem and take advantage of your insurance when really needed.

My motto is, use your common sense, be responsible and only go to the vet when you are dealing with surgical matters. Vets know very little about allergies and even less about psychology.

If the rash does not clear up in 24 hours or show visible signs of improvement, check the diet and your mental attitude towards your cat. IOW are you paying enough attention to her? Is this the reaction of a nervous twitch (highly unlikely, but all the same, had to ask).

I really do not think you have anything serious at hand. Of course she is your cat and you know for yourself if veterinary intervention is required. Personally, I think you save yourself a lot of trouble by applying this simple technique, but I am second guessing, based on what you say. I do not know of any other circumstantial evidence that suggests she has a serious problem.

Answer 3

Ok cats can get many many skin irritations... if you cat is an inside cat the most likely its either mites or dermatitis... if she goes out side and hunts it could be a lot of other different causes.... localised allergies are not unheard of.... strange place for it... usually they occur on the belly of bottom of the legs, its possible your cat once had some sort of skin infection there and since has developed a type of OCD from it and cant help her self and keeps scratching and biting at it... vet is the best place to go... GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

The likelihood is that it is fleas - are you treating her with anything?

Contrary to what Mercia Holistic Whisperer says, this should not require any form of 'invasive and traumatic' investigation. Rubbing surgical spirit and any old moisturiser onto the cat on the other hand - fairly unpleasant, and likely to make the problem worse.

Chalice

Answer 5

This is frequently a sign of fleas. ANY chance that she can have some???? I would treat for fleas first....with something good of course...and go from there.