Cat Licking Belly&BackLeg fur off

[Nadia88]

I have a 10 year-old, orange, shorthair, indoor (though we could have tracked anything indoors on our shoes), female cat.

Approximately 2 months ago she started licking her back legs a lot. Over a few weeks she licked her inner back legs and lower belly completely bare. About 2 weeks ago I noticed very faint pink dots on the bare skin. They were not raised bumps. They were not there before. One week ago she has licked the pink spots so much they are much more noticable now, though still not raised even as much as acne bumps to make a comparison. This week she has licked a spot or two to rawness. She is also licking small bald areas to her front legs.

She has NO FLEAS. I do not think it is ALLERGIES as her diet/environment has not changed. I've seen her go hours and hours without licking her belly but then I'd come into my bedroom some afternoon and she's licking her belly and legs again. None of my other cats as of yet have begun to lick their fur off.

[CML2014]

Let me know what you come up with. It will also help others looking for a food without chicken, chicken flavor, chicken by products ,etc. Seems like chicken is the go to for cat food companies.

[CML2014]

Hi Linda,

Chicken is what my cat was allergic to also.  My vet put me on to the Duck or Venison from Natural Balance. Meezy loved the duck and pea, and it worked for her.

My Vet seems to think allergies to food are more specific than  "general poultry"==Chicken and turkey was what  Meezy had been eating and all of a sudden developed an allergy. The point is to find a food your cat has not ever eaten before.

Anyway Duck worked for the Meez, so I would try it if your cat has never eaten duck--or avoid it and just try the venison. I have tried various Lamb recipes but --Lamb was a no go , Yuck!

Good Luck

[lindapalm]

Thanks, my vet doesn't have any suggestions about what to try, I'm on my own.  I will check out the Natural Balance at our pet store. Just when you think you've found one without chicken, about 10 ingredients down on the list it will say chicken liver, chicken fillers, etc.

[opus88]

Just my 2cents, but my Vet said same thing....nothing with 'feathers' so no duck, try venison or beef and some brands of fish do not have chicken, I know it's so limited....just about everything has chicken base :( if you go to good pet stores they have more choices...maybe CML can offer more tips, so frustrating but kudos to you for all the efforts

[CML2014]

Sometimes it is stress induced. Has anything happened that would make your baby feel more anxious?? If not try starting it on a Limited Ingredient Diet, like Natural Balance Duck w/green pea or their venison.

It will take a while (3 mo) to know if it is food related. Stress induced is a lot faster.

Keep us posted
CML

[lindapalm]

CML014, do you know if duck is okay to give  if a cat is allergic to chicken?  My vet said its still poultry and not to try it if I want to get away from chicken, which I do.  I;ve tried unscented litter, and two shots, one being Convenia by accident.  Neither helped. I;ve got him on Benedryl and am going to switch foods next, but its very hard to find one without chicken,, even the fish ones have chicken.  

[OHIOkittymom]

My 11 yr old male cat is acting the exact same way. I have tried all kinds of remedies and so far, nothing is working.  He is almost clingy the last few days :(  

[CML2014]

Hi Guys ,

I am just chiming in to let you know my cat has food allergies. I was told to put her on Natural Balance Duck or Venison soft food as well as their hard food for treats.

You cannot allow your cat to have anything other than these 2 things--no treats, table scrapes, tuna juice etc.
This will take at least a month to 3 months before you know if it is an allergy. You need to give it time. My cat has now developed IBD and Pancreatitis so she is on the Prescription Hills Diet Z/D. Yuck! The wet food  is like pudding, but she eats it and really likes the dry food.
I gave her some antihistamines (Zyrtec) 1/4 tab to cut down on the itching. You should not try any antihistamine until you speak to your vet for advice as to which one might work for your specific cat.
It is not easy watching these little guys scrath themselves raw--so try one of those satellite dish collars--they have soft ones now, just until the meds kick in.
I agree with ZQ in not giving steroids , that is a road you do not want to start if you can help it. Just not good for their bodies.
Good Luck and keep us posted
CML