Bald Spot - Licking whilst playing

[lilnic87]

My Serengeti cat keeps deciding to groom herself in the same spot on her leg whilst she is playing with my Ocicat. The area has become bald, although looks healthy still. They get on really well and are just playing, but I am worried if she keeps licking her leg whilst playing her skin will get infected and sore. Is there anyway I can stop this? She has only just recently started doing it. I dont know whether it is related to her becoming excited whilst playing,  but I want to put a stop to it before it becomes a long term habit which is going to cause health problems.

I see Orinental cats seem to pull fur out when they are stressed, although she isnt stressed. A Serengeti is a Bengal crossed with an Oriental shorthair, so I am wondering if it is a trait from an Oriental.

Any ideas? Please help.

Nic x

[lilnic87]

Yeah, I think I do! lol! :-) x

[PrettyKitty1]

Then again you may have a kitty who gets very stimulated/anxious during playtime.  :-)

[lilnic87]

Thanks, I will do that.

I have her on two different types. I had her on Frontline, although I was recommended by the vet to try Advocate so I have been gradually using the Frontline up. She has never reacted to either before, although it could be the medication. Its just strange that she only does it whilst playing, otherwise she pays her leg no attention. I will quiz the vet when I take her though, just to make sure. :-)

Nic x

[PrettyKitty1]

I would do the same thing. Just keep a close watch on that spot and if it becomes sore, red or itchy then I'd say take her in immediately.

Hmm...some flea medications cause this type of situation. See, my cats are on Revolution. Every flea medication must be given by weight. My younger cat had an allergic reaction to it, very similar to what you describe in your cat. The skin looked healthy, but he lost hair around his neck. I stopped the medication for about three months, then put him back on the same medication. He is fine and hasn't had any more episodes of allergies to flea medication. I would consider this as a possibility if I were you, and I would definitely try to stop the medication for now and see if she improves. What medication do you have them on?

[lilnic87]

Thanks for your help.

She is grooming it, rather than licking, like when she cleans inbetween her toes.

Yes I have got her on flea medication once every month. I have always kept her and my other cat on it and seems to cause them no harm.

I havent taken her to the vet yet as I dont want to stress her out. She has her annual check up in July, so was going to mention it then. Obviously I will have to get an eye on the area and if it starts to get bad I will take her. Do you think that is OK?

Nic x

[PrettyKitty1]

It could be just a trait and I wouldn't worry if the skin looks healthy.  If there is no stress involved, the food hasn't changed, the skin looks healthy, and she doesn't seem bothered by it then I'd just keep an eye on her for now and wouldn't stress too much over it.  Is she scratching it or just licking it? Is she on flea medication?

Has the vet said anything about this?