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Cat Licking Fur
I have one cat that licked the fur off his belly and inner legs till he is bald there. I have another cat who pulls her fur out on her belly and sides -- this one had to have a prednisone shot 2 times and she is okay so far and the fur grew back. I was so happy to have 2 that did not lick their fur off. I groomed one of the ones that didn't lick his fur off and I used one grooming tool that had not been washed yet. I thought it was okay because the vet claimed it was stress related. I didn't believe it but went with it anyway. Within 2 days the non licking cat was licking the fur off his belly and inner legs. It has to be something contagious. I think it could be MITES. I had them checked and of course nothing came back from the tests, but as we all know, "Medicine is a GUESSING GAME." They do not know everything. I am so frustrated because there seems to be no remedy. I changed the litter and the food and so forth and nothing worked. Poor babies.
sorry I have to disagree big time with your Vet, a steroid shot just to see..... sure steroids will help for a week or so, but its not finding the problem and only contributing to more health issues such as diabetes...
Vets like to think steroids are the 'cure all'
you are so very right about the licking being caused by allergies. inhaled such as cleaners/candles/perfumes/room sprays etc etc.
environmental/contact allergy or the most likely of all is FOOD. the grains or preservatives they put in the food esp if she is eating dry foods.
tell me what she is eating for a diet and also what type of litter you use, if its scented throw it out and get non scented.
we'll start there..ok
Vets like to think steroids are the 'cure all'
you are so very right about the licking being caused by allergies. inhaled such as cleaners/candles/perfumes/room sprays etc etc.
environmental/contact allergy or the most likely of all is FOOD. the grains or preservatives they put in the food esp if she is eating dry foods.
tell me what she is eating for a diet and also what type of litter you use, if its scented throw it out and get non scented.
we'll start there..ok
wow...this seems to be quite common. very surprising that vets cannot identify the problem. just had my Bitsy to the vet today for shots and to look at her belly. She licks until her fur disappears on her belly and between her legs...She did this in the past but then seemed to stop but now is back at it again. That leads me to think it is an allergy. My vet didn't know and suggested a steroid shot just once to see if it helps. He did say he doesn't recommend it ongoing but to see if it gives her some relief. We'll have to see. She isn't stressed out I don't think. She has the life of Riley! :-) (unless she saw the bear that's been in our yard and of course, can't tell us!) LOL!
I also had a cat who licked the fur off of her belly and also her tail. One vet found that her thyroid was elevated to we put her on thryoid medication. The licking continued. The next vet recommend we also put her on HORMONE pills. Finally, the licking stopped. Talk to your vets about this alternative. Good luck.
hi just a few comments after reading all your posts.
I had a ragdoll that did that and over a 5 years period we tried steroids to stress meds everything helped for a short time only....than we found out she had IBS....she's since passed away.
Now have a cat that has allergies to something...still trying to find out.
allergies in cats very likely start with a bite from a mite, flea or insect.....than their system develops allergies and one allergy leads to another...ie: foods, dust, pollen etc...just like people...only instead of sneezing it causes skin problems, unusually a small crusty scab that is very itchy, but can also be just an itch without the scab.
Also if its food related chicken is the biggest culprit, try finding a food with no chicken or chicken by products....actually nothing with feathers. fish is a good substitute or venison....perferably a hypoallergenic formula avail through your Vet....of course my cat won't eat those so currently I am feeding him a cheap over the counter food with fish...it has helped alot but not totally.
If the allergy is to mites, that will be very hard to control...there is a better medication than using steroids..its called ATOPIA, its an immuno suppressant, has its side effects too but not nearly as bad as steroids.
there has also been some Vets that use antihistamines ie: benadryl...however never use without the guidance of a Vet, it takes such a small amount for a cat...and could be fatal if over dosed.
Also use an Omega3 fish oil liquid avail thr a good pet supply store, its good for skin conditions they also recommend evening of primrose oil along with it....even yogurt I've read.
You can get alot of good info by reading on the Expert forum..under 'skin problems' also more on good pet sites. such as
dermavets.com/allergies_treatments.html
or veterinarypartners
you can also google a website DOCTOR FOSTER AND SMITH. they too had some very good knowledge titled 'allergies and atopy in cats'
I've been reading all this for a year now, but my cats allergies can get to be a real raw mess with the scabs and the rubbing. hopefully you'll both find something that can help your little guys...the itch must be so aggravating for them.
good luck.
I had a ragdoll that did that and over a 5 years period we tried steroids to stress meds everything helped for a short time only....than we found out she had IBS....she's since passed away.
Now have a cat that has allergies to something...still trying to find out.
allergies in cats very likely start with a bite from a mite, flea or insect.....than their system develops allergies and one allergy leads to another...ie: foods, dust, pollen etc...just like people...only instead of sneezing it causes skin problems, unusually a small crusty scab that is very itchy, but can also be just an itch without the scab.
Also if its food related chicken is the biggest culprit, try finding a food with no chicken or chicken by products....actually nothing with feathers. fish is a good substitute or venison....perferably a hypoallergenic formula avail through your Vet....of course my cat won't eat those so currently I am feeding him a cheap over the counter food with fish...it has helped alot but not totally.
If the allergy is to mites, that will be very hard to control...there is a better medication than using steroids..its called ATOPIA, its an immuno suppressant, has its side effects too but not nearly as bad as steroids.
there has also been some Vets that use antihistamines ie: benadryl...however never use without the guidance of a Vet, it takes such a small amount for a cat...and could be fatal if over dosed.
Also use an Omega3 fish oil liquid avail thr a good pet supply store, its good for skin conditions they also recommend evening of primrose oil along with it....even yogurt I've read.
You can get alot of good info by reading on the Expert forum..under 'skin problems' also more on good pet sites. such as
dermavets.com/allergies_treatments.html
or veterinarypartners
you can also google a website DOCTOR FOSTER AND SMITH. they too had some very good knowledge titled 'allergies and atopy in cats'
I've been reading all this for a year now, but my cats allergies can get to be a real raw mess with the scabs and the rubbing. hopefully you'll both find something that can help your little guys...the itch must be so aggravating for them.
good luck.
Oh! Timmy never appeared to be stressed, it seemed more like a bad habit like biting your nails. We never put him on any meds, he was healthy until he unfortunately developed a tumor (several years after the habit started) and we sadly lost him.
Here's another off the wall question, though, on a lighter note. Our youngest (a male
about 2 yrs old) suddenly discovered his back toe nails and seems to enjoy biting them! Anyone else seen this attractive behavior?
Here's another off the wall question, though, on a lighter note. Our youngest (a male
about 2 yrs old) suddenly discovered his back toe nails and seems to enjoy biting them! Anyone else seen this attractive behavior?
The pulling out in clumps is what my elderly cat was doing. If it is nearly infected but not infected yet then the steroid 'may' be the only option altho it is a great risk. The tranquilizer is not going to help itchy skin and cats often react badly to tranqulizers. My old cat had the steroid shot and it lasted 2 or 3 months then she started pulling again and I had to get another one but BOTH vets didn't want to do it because of the danger. I took a risk and so far the 2nd shot lasted for about 6 months. It's called a depo medrol shot. It stays in the body a LONG time so if there is a reaction it's bad because they can't get it out of the system. However, if the cat pulls so much fur that there is risk of severe infection then there's not much else to do. I know it wasn't stress because if it was the shots would not have helped her. There is something going on...mites, allergies. It may well be the cat litter. The all natural without perfume is best, but with all natural you have to change it often and keep it scooped because it will grow bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections and kidney infections....all litter will do this.
I do house calls for my cats and it is so much easier.
I heard a butcher tell me years ago that he fed his cats cooked chicken and rice. I don't know if that is balanced or not. I know they need grass or greens too. Some say it's the chicken in the processed food that causes it. Some say they buy food made from duck and peas. I know the corn in the food is not good. A friend told me about a moist food called 'ONE' I think it is. It's got no by-products and no additives. I've been researching this for a long time, but have not tried everything yet.
I do house calls for my cats and it is so much easier.
I heard a butcher tell me years ago that he fed his cats cooked chicken and rice. I don't know if that is balanced or not. I know they need grass or greens too. Some say it's the chicken in the processed food that causes it. Some say they buy food made from duck and peas. I know the corn in the food is not good. A friend told me about a moist food called 'ONE' I think it is. It's got no by-products and no additives. I've been researching this for a long time, but have not tried everything yet.
I'm sure it is NOT stress. I guess I didn't make that clear in my comment. The vet's say that when they don't know what it is. Just like human doctors do. NEVER put them on tranquilizers or any other mind altering drugs. That would be worse than the licking. Those drugs have terrible side effects and can shorten the animals life...humans too for that matter. Very bad for the liver. Cats are very sensitive to drugs and their livers can't take it. It is either mites or allergies, but I'm leaning towards the mites because it seems to be contageous. One of my cats started the licking right after I used a grooming brush that I had used on the 1st one that licked. 2 vets said do NOT give steroids because it can push a cat into diabetes. Steriods can cause severe side effects. I nearly had a stroke my blood pressure when so high within 20 minutes of taking the 1st dose of steroid for a bad tooth. I had to call my primary and get a blood pressure med immediately. I was very scared. A cat can't tell you all of that. I did it as a last resort for my 14 year old cat because she had pulled nearly all her hair out and was very irritated. The other cats who just lick and no infection I leave them alone and they are okay. I see them resting happily and then suddenly jump and bite and lick a spot and so I KNOW it's itching. It is NOT stress. They are itchy. The collar that prevents them from licking and biting and itch would be cruel. Glad we all care about our kitties. Poor babies.
Hi. Can you tell me if your Suki or Ted are outside cats? Do vets usually put them on steroids? What gave you the idea of putting them on a fresh meat diet?
It's odd..Sadie has also become very playful (when the others are not around), her fur is very soft but thin. She is a longhair, all of mine are. I used to have a dog who had itchy spots on her back and used to scratch all the time. Her skin was very dry. I started giving her an oil (orally) and her hair grew back beautifully. Since my babies have dandruff I was thinking of doing the same thing but they are very finicky with food that I must buy the very expensive stuff. I recently tried the new fresh, refridgerated food. I'm glad they didn't like it as the cost is unbelievable for four!
I haven't brought Sadie to the vet yet as I'm afraid they will put her on some kind of tranquilizer. My male cat with the itching skin and pulling his hair out in clumps also has not been to the vet yet but we are going to make an appointment on Monday. He MUST be tranquilized. My vet also does house calls which I'm thinking of. It is easier than trying to bring all 4 at one time.
Would you let me know how it works out for you by giving Suki and Ted fresh meat? Do you add some green veggies with that? Thanks so much for your input. At least I know I'm not alone in this.
It's odd..Sadie has also become very playful (when the others are not around), her fur is very soft but thin. She is a longhair, all of mine are. I used to have a dog who had itchy spots on her back and used to scratch all the time. Her skin was very dry. I started giving her an oil (orally) and her hair grew back beautifully. Since my babies have dandruff I was thinking of doing the same thing but they are very finicky with food that I must buy the very expensive stuff. I recently tried the new fresh, refridgerated food. I'm glad they didn't like it as the cost is unbelievable for four!
I haven't brought Sadie to the vet yet as I'm afraid they will put her on some kind of tranquilizer. My male cat with the itching skin and pulling his hair out in clumps also has not been to the vet yet but we are going to make an appointment on Monday. He MUST be tranquilized. My vet also does house calls which I'm thinking of. It is easier than trying to bring all 4 at one time.
Would you let me know how it works out for you by giving Suki and Ted fresh meat? Do you add some green veggies with that? Thanks so much for your input. At least I know I'm not alone in this.
Suki my female cat also has this problem and never seems to stop licking. She has bald spots on the backs of her legs and also on her back towards the base of her tail. We adopted her brother Ted (or should say he adopted us) about a year ago and I wonder if she is stressed. I haven't taken her to the vets as I don't really want her put on steroids, but I have changed her diet to fresh meat in the hope that this might work. If nothing else she seems to be more playful and the rest of her fur is so soft.
When I read your post I had to answer. I've got (one of four) a cat that is 8 years old. We had her as an only child for about 2 years when we adopted another. After awhile there seemed to be no problem with the order of this pack of two. A year later we adopted 2 more, brother and sister. She (Sadie) kept her number one spot with no problem up until about 8 months ago. Now they are Sadie 8yrs, Coda 6yrs, Jitters and Pigeddy both 2/3 years. Pigeddy was named after the character in David Copperfield, not Kermit's girlfriend!
Fore some unknown reason Sadie lost her first place position in the pack. I assume this has stressed her out because she is doing exactly what your cat is doing. She constantly licks and has fuzz on her inside legs and underbelly. It looks terrible. She hasn't been to the vet yet because I'm afraid that she will tell me that the only treatment is to put her on a tranquillizer and I don't want to see Sadie 'out of it' all of the time. Even though she would be less stressed how do I know how SHE would feel about being tranquillized all of the time? The only other treatment I can see the vet trying is putting one of those collars (the kind that goes around her neck) on to prevent her from reaching the spots she licks.
I wish there were a simple solution to this. And I thought Sadie was the only weird, stressed out cat!
Fore some unknown reason Sadie lost her first place position in the pack. I assume this has stressed her out because she is doing exactly what your cat is doing. She constantly licks and has fuzz on her inside legs and underbelly. It looks terrible. She hasn't been to the vet yet because I'm afraid that she will tell me that the only treatment is to put her on a tranquillizer and I don't want to see Sadie 'out of it' all of the time. Even though she would be less stressed how do I know how SHE would feel about being tranquillized all of the time? The only other treatment I can see the vet trying is putting one of those collars (the kind that goes around her neck) on to prevent her from reaching the spots she licks.
I wish there were a simple solution to this. And I thought Sadie was the only weird, stressed out cat!
I had a male cat that used to do the same thing! We'd call it "manscaping" since
it was on his belly and inner back legs too. Now that you mention the stress I think he started it after we moved, our other cats the we had/have while he was alive (we still miss you, Timmy!!) never did that and we never figured it out. He never acted like he itched and it was never irritated looking or anything. It is frustrating. Our new problem is we now have one that is an intermittent vomiter instead for no apparent reason, also completely healthy regardless of food, litter, whatever. It's always something but I love them!!
it was on his belly and inner back legs too. Now that you mention the stress I think he started it after we moved, our other cats the we had/have while he was alive (we still miss you, Timmy!!) never did that and we never figured it out. He never acted like he itched and it was never irritated looking or anything. It is frustrating. Our new problem is we now have one that is an intermittent vomiter instead for no apparent reason, also completely healthy regardless of food, litter, whatever. It's always something but I love them!!
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