How do I treat a cat with a skin condition that doesn’t respond to oral antibiotics and isn’t mange or scabies? Crusty sores on ears and head clear up temporarily with application of topical meds like neosporin.
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Helping pet owners get health help For their pets
It sounds like your cat might have allergies. Unfortunately since I can’t see where your cat is licking the most, I’m going to give you a general idea of allergies by body part. If she spends most of her time scratching at her head and neck she may have a food allergy. The best way to find out is to stop her current diet and give her one that has a different protein base (venison, duck, lamb or rabbit based diets are common options available through your vet, who would be the best person to help guide you to the correct choice and explain the restrictions necessary). If she concentrates on her back and hips, she may have a flea allergy. Looking for fleas can be hard on the pet with the allergies, so checking others in the house is a better idea. The treatment is controlling the fleas- topical treatments work best.
If she goes after her legs-front and back, her abdomen, her neck and face, or develops rashes or sores on her abdomen or lips, she likely has inhaled allergies (atopy). The best treatment is prednisolone (not predisone- it doesn’t work in cats). This is a medication that can have side effects, so needs to be used under the supervision of your veterinarian.
I hope this helps with your itchy kitty!
Dr. Lori
Lori L Coughlin, DVM
The Cat Practice
Oak Park, IL