Cat scratching

[Vikkih99]

Hi. My old cat, Bootsie is 13 and has been scratching herself raw for the past week or so. She's an inside cat so there are no fleas. If there were I would be one big flea bite. She's been eating the same food since we got her @ 3 months old. Right now I try to get her the IAMS adult  11+. I don't have a car so I have to go to the closest supermarket. Sometimes they have it but mostly not so I get her the oldest I can find which is 6+. The problem is mostly on the right side of her neck/shoulder area and her hair is EVERYWHERE! It's mostly like 4-5 hairs with a little piece of skin attached. They're all over the house. Under her chin is all scabby, and down by her lower teats also a patch with no hair but also not bloody like her upper body. I want to take her to the vet but a) she does not like to be held, b) she very big and HATES her carrier, c) IF I can get her into the carrier I have no way to transport her. If I can walk to a vet I can't carry her because she's VERY heavy and I don't have the money to get her a rolling carrier. I have a couple of salves that I feel may work on her but I don't want to take the chance. It also has been very hot! We have more humidity than ever before so maybe it's a heat rash? I just need a little help to get her through this. Thank you, Vikki

[CML2014]

Hi Vikki,

Sounds like a real dilemma for you getting her vet attention. Opus is right , it may be nothing more than an allergy to something in her food.

First let's see if we van make a cone for her to prevent her from scratching the already effected areas. You could also call your vet to see if he can prescribe something for the itching--probably an antihistamine in tablet form.  Opus is right to not use any ointments or creams on the area, they will just lick it off and it could  be toxic to them.

I think the cone will help --you know the thing that looks like a satellite dish, LOL!  You can make this at home Look it up on the web they will give you some ideas which kind is best for Bootsie and how to fasten it to her. You may want to even use a softer bendable material so as not to be too harsh.

Next you will have to take her off her present food and try  a limited Ingredient food (Natural Balance) makes one in duck formula. If your store does not carry this ask them for the cat food with the least amount of ingredients. They are called L.I.D.'s. She must eat ONLY this food and it will take at least 4 to 6 weeks to see a difference---so no quick response here.

You also could take a skin scrapping yourself--ask the vet how--and take this to him for microscopic evaluation to make sure it is not some kind of fungal or parasitic infection.

I know this sounds like a lot, but if Bootsie doesn't like traveling this is all you can do. In the meantime try the Collar to prevent these sores from getting worse or infected, and get some meds for relief of the itching.
Be sure to let the Vet know (take a photo if possible) if you think these sores are already infected as she will need an antibiotic also---Yikes, don't you wish Bootsie could just tell you what's up with her?? Unfortunately we all must become Cat Detectives when we love one of these beautiful creatures.....but it is sooooo worth it , right??

Please keep us posted and ask as many questions as you need. One phone call to the vet should help ease your mind.

Sincerely ,
CML
  

[opus88]

Sorry for Bootsies troubles she must be in in terrible discomfort. When cats hv been eating the same food all their lives they can develop an intolerance to one or more of the ingredients, what you describe is an intolerance(allergy) your food purchases maybe limited but to help her you are going to hv to find a new diet. PREFERABLY canned food that has less preservatives than dry. Even the cheaper brands of fancy feast PATE...not grilled or marinated...NOT the gravy types.
Do not ever use creams lotions or salves on a cat. If I can help more I am here to try. Wishing you the best