I have a 3 year old female cat that will not stop licking herself. She has pulled a lot of her hair out that she can reach. What can I do for her.
Thank You
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I have a 3 year old female cat that will not stop licking herself. She has pulled a lot of her hair out that she can reach. What can I do for her.
Thank You
This may be a flea allergy.
My cat has been going through this for 2 months now, started in the lower belly, moved up to the chest and sides finally ending with the back and front legs. When I took him to the vet today I expected the vet to put him on an anti-anxiety medication and give him a steroid shot (we had ruled out food and environmental allergies).
One thing the vet did find was that my cat had an impacted anal gland (not infected yet, thank goodness). This, it seems can cause localized pain for a cat in their hind quarters and tummy areas. They lick incessantly because they don’t know what else to do as they can’t reach the “source” of the pain.
I am hoping the combination of these two things cures him.
I would definitely take yours to the vet to rule out something going on internally.
Good luck.
This can be very frustrating. Make sure to use good flea control such as Frontline or Revolution, especially if anyone in the house is going outdoors. you may want to do 2 months worth regardless, as Revolution would have some coverage against scabies mites, which can be difficult to find on an exam/skin scrape but make them terribly itchy.
there are Chinese herbs and acupuncture can be helpful. To find a practitioner in your area, go to http://www.tcvm.com and check in the Left column.
sometimes a limited ingredient food, especially one without wheat, corn, soy, gluten…can be helpful. Trials need to last at least 2-3 months.
Plug in deoderizers, carpets, carpet cleaners, and all the stinky stuff in our homes can really aggravate a tiny body that is sensitive. Think about any chemicals this constant groomer may be being exposed to. This includes second hand smoke of course.
Sometimes it is a behavioral issue and mood-altering medications are warranted. There are holistic alternatives if this is not the preferred treatment.
Dr. Rewers, DVM
Ancient Arts Holistic Pet Care
Seattle, WA
My cat is going through EXACTLY the same thing! I am desperate for help!! I’ve taken him to 2 different vets who both told me that it was “in his head”. I’ve purchased “feliway” pheromone plug-ins which haven’t helped. He has now progressed to licking/chewing off the fur on the back of his front legs.
Which vet discovered the impacted gland?? I would like to take him to see someone ASAP. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Same here with 6 yr old cat – she has almost no fur on her belly at all at this point. Rec’d cortisone injections as it’s been going on for a few years but she gains ++ weight on this….