cat chewing licking his bum and chewing his tail

[Lilmiss1]

I adopted my 9 year old boy cat 10 days ago.He's a big boy 20lbs give or take a few,solid not fat.He has had normal bowel movements,and doesn't strain to pass it.A few days ago he started licking his bum and chewing the hair off his tail ,close to his bum.It has become very red and sore looking. I've applied an natural anti itch lotion a few times a day.He doesn't chew or lick for awhile ,and then starts again.His ears have been quite warm off & on as well. He hasn't eaten very much today.I'm beginning to worry and don't have a lot of money for a vet...please help...

[slaytheday]

Hello.

  I agree with Zodiac & Chell. I want to stress the importance of quiet.  He's got new sounds to get used to and he needs to hear them & get a feel for his new digs.

  Being a senior citizen kitty his senses may be a bit more dull than when he was younger.  

  Also something I've seen is he may or may not be used to a person of your gender and he may have gotten close with someone from where he was adopted and that's so hard.

  Do you have any other pets?

  If you make up this room for him make sure to put a soft snuggly bed and some toys in with him.  He may appreciate a nice hiding place as well.

  I'm just a little concerned with the med. you're putting on his tail because it doesn't seem to be working.  I know you don't have much vet money but if at all possible start putting some more back.  And don't hesitate to call a vet or vets in your area to explain his situation & yours.  You just might be pleasantly surprised.

  Blessings to you for taking him in and blessings to him for being.

    Melinda

[CHELLET1980]

hi sweetie i fully agree with what zodiacqueen has said i have temp looked after cats i have found injured alongside looking after many other animaks ive found injured or lost. this poor old guy needs somewhere small where he can adjust to his new surroundings it may take as long as a month for an older cat to adjust fully to new surroundings and smells depending on breed of cat aswell as noise levels inside and outside the home. was he an outside cat before you adopted him or indoors and what do you keep him as. all these ccan have an inpact on how he will behave now and how long it will take for him to adjust. hopee he settles soon and realises this is his forever home and he is loved.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi. Where was this boy adopted from? I'm thinking this is stress related, since it's only been 9 days since you adopted him.

He's got new scents to deal with, new people, new surroundings.  

I would find ways to decrease his stress. Try putting him in a room with his litter box and food. A smaller space will help him feel more secure and allow him to adapt slowly. I would let him stay there for at least a month, if not longer.

This is the best thing for him. He's a senior and his stress level needs to come down before it affects his immune system and makes him sick.