cat licking constantly

[sitasweeta]

We have a new kitten that we got from the neighbors because they did not want her anymore (they only had her 1 month).  We already have 3 cats and 2 dogs, but the transition seemed to go well except for 1 female cat, but the new kitten did not really seem to care much.  She is very sweet and not skittish of anything.  Shortly after getting her she started licking and scratching (she did not do this at the neighbors).  All 4 paws are declawed (neighbors did that, I would have just done the 2 front), but she still scratches around her head.  She is spayed.  I have taken her to the vet and they gave her a shot for anti-itch (did not do anything for her) and a bottle of amitriptyline to calm her (even though she does not seem nervous), but all the amitriptyline did was put her to sleep, and once that wore off she was licking again.  We tried that for 2 weeks and gave up.  Their food is a prescription from the vet to help prevent bladder or kidney problems in our male Himalayan, but they all eat it.  I use Tidy Cat litter.  The kitten has been treated for round worms 3 times, twice at the neighbors and once with us, as one day she threw up a worm here.  She has really, really bad breath, not sure if that has anything to do with the licking.  The only time she is not licking is when she is sleeping.  It is almost like if she does not have constant attention like playing she gets bored.  She has licked herself bald in some spots, mostly on her legs and sides.  Not sure if she is allergic to litter or maybe the food.

[Jade59]

While I know it's difficult to feed one cat something different when you have so many, this could be an allergy to the food.  I'd try that first.  Of course, LindaTX's question is number one.  Do you use a flea treatment?  I assume, since she doesn't have claws you keep her indoors, but are your other cats indoor/outdoor?

Our first cat licked constantly, too.  What I learned during that time is if a cat is allergic to flea saliva, all it takes is one single flea bite to cause an allergic reaction and poor kitty will lick and scratch like mad, endlessly.    

[LindaTX]

It sounds like she is fitting into your family really well ♥ I think she has some kind of kitty OCD. She certainly seems compulsive about it. I don't know if declawing can play a part in this behavior as I have never had my cats declawed.  Are you using flea protection on her?