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Post by catmama on Jun 4, 2019 16:12:07 GMT -5
Hello Kitty Cat Lovers,
My cat Jack was a stray, he found me in 2005, not exactly sure of his age at that time but today he is at least 15 yrs old.
Along the way it was discovered that he has feline FIV.
He has been the picture of health up until a few years ago. Now he scratches himself raw, has little wounds all over his body from excessive scratching. His skin appears red in color. There is a little weight loss but not too bad. He has a great appetite.
I am thinking that the FIV is weakening his immune system.
I have tried putting topical flea treatment on him but her vomits excessively every time I try - just real sensitive to it. Because of his bad skin condition I do not see any fleas on him, I don't think that they like him. He has an odor and I think it keeps them away.
Now, on top of all of this I am broke. I have 6 cats total and feed a few feral neighborhood cats and I am going broke doing it. Between the food, flea treatments and Vet bills I can hardly afford to cover my own needs.
That being said I need advice for Jacks skin issues. He is miserable. I bathe him once or twice a month with a hypoallergenic coconut based gentle shampoo for his body odor and to make him feel better, it seems to help a little.
I purchased Dr Kings Natural Pharmaceuticals "Skin & Itch Relief" (given in food) and am using that daily, it seems to help a little but they just recalled a bunch of it so its no longer available. I give him Dinovite daily. I give him coconut oil daily. Salmon oil a few times a week.
I'd like to try Carnavora but can't afford it.
Aside from taking him to the Vet and running up a huge bill does anyone have any advice?
Any help would be appreciated.
Karen
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Post by Angel Macy on Jun 5, 2019 20:33:34 GMT -5
I did a bit of searching for you and I did find this information that might help: The Itchy and Scratchy Show The causes for itching are many, including fleas, dandruff, or even allergies. But regardless of the cause, itchy cats make for rude unfriendly pets. Help Ms. Scratchy Cat out with a soothing, homemeade dip of rosemary, peppermint, or pennyroyal (these are especially helpful for itching associated with flea). Just be careful when using essential oils, as cats often don’t respond well to ingesting them. You could also try a tea bath with catnip or aloe to soothe your cat's skin. This site also has some great information and home remedies also: canna-pet.com/cat-skin-conditions-natural-remedies/Sorry I can't be of more help, but perhaps a few more will step in and offer some suggestions.
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Post by Twinkle (My Sweet Angel) on Jun 6, 2019 8:13:18 GMT -5
I think he needs to be allergy tested & have a skin scrape done. Is it possible for you or for someone you know to set up an online fund such as GoFundMe to help?
Why Do Cats Compulsively Scratch, Lick, or Chew?
Parasites. Fleas are often the culprits behind compulsive cat scratching or cat licking behaviors. Because cats are excellent groomers, they may actually remove all traces of fleas. If you notice your cat licking his lower back obsessively, with or without scabs on the neck, it is a sign that fleas might be causing the problem. Other parasites, including ticks, mites, and ringworm, can also prompt scratching, licking, or chewing.
Allergies. Just as some people develop skin irritations in response to certain foods or environmental triggers, cats may have itchy, irritated skin if they are allergic to something in their environment.
Dry skin. Dry winter air or nutritional inadequacies can contribute to dry, flaky skin that gets your cat started licking or scratching in search of relief.
Pain. If you notice your cat licking or biting at the same spot over and over again, it could be that he is experiencing pain or discomfort in that area.
Boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder. Compulsive cat chewing, scratching, or licking behaviors often develop in cats who are bored, stressed, or anxious. These mental disorders are more likely to occur in indoor cats, which may be due to the fact that they receive less exercise and excitement than outdoor cats. Compulsive disorders often begin when there are changes in a cat’s environment, including a new animal or baby in the house or a move to a new location. Also, behaviors that started in response to a medical problem sometimes persist as compulsions after the condition is resolved.
Treatment for Your Cat’s Scratching, Licking, and Chewing
Eliminating parasites. Because it can be difficult to diagnose flea infestation in cats, some veterinarians recommend trying reliable flea control products purchased from a veterinary office for six to eight weeks to see if it reduces the incidence of licking, scratching, or chewing. Similarly, treating mites or other parasites, if present, can eliminate your cat’s discomfort and the problem behaviors.
Changing foods. Putting cats that are scratching or chewing on a 6-week exclusion diet is a good way to find out whether food allergies are the problem. You may have to try several diets before you find one that works. Veterinarians may also prescribe the addition of certain fatty acids or other nutritional supplements if dry skin is to blame for your cat’s incessant scratching and licking. No other foods or treats should be offered during an exclusion diet trial.
Using medication. Depending on the extent of skin damage your cat has caused by licking, chewing, or scratching, your veterinarian may prescribe the use of steroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Additionally, some compulsive cat behaviors caused by psychological factors can be addressed with clomipramine, an anti-anxiety medication, or amitriptyline, which helps fight anxiety and also functions as an antihistamine.
Addressing anxiety or boredom. If you and your vet determine that there is no physical cause for your pet's behaviors, there are things you can do to improve your cat’s state of mind. Making sure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable in your home is important, as is providing adequate stimulation and exercise. You may find that desensitizing your cat by slowly and carefully exposing her to things she fears can be beneficial. Be careful to take baby steps if you try this so as not to overwhelm your cat and make the compulsive licking, scratching or biting worse. Counter-conditioning, by training your cat to associate something pleasurable, like a treat, with something he fears may also help reduce stress and anxiety. Many times, boredom licking (also known as psychogenic alopecia) is improved by adding another cat or pet. But, there is always the risk that the second cat could be a new stress in your pet's environment that could make the hair loss worse.
What can cause cats to itch other than fleas?
•Food intolerance/allergy •Atopy (housedust and pollen allergy) •Insect bites •Ear mites and other mites •Bacterial infections
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Post by catmama on Jun 6, 2019 9:25:49 GMT -5
Thank you for the replies. I wanted to let you all know that I chose to go ahead and order the Carnavora and give it a try. If you read on their website it is safe for pets - they have done studies on cats with it with great success. I really can't afford it but want to make Jack feel better, I've got my fingers crossed.
Thank you again for your thoughts, Karen
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Laura and Dixon
Kewl Cat
Laura is a tortie born appx 6/2001. Dixon is an orange tabby mix, born 6/2002. I love my kitties.
Posts: 202
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Post by Laura and Dixon on Jul 12, 2019 12:39:26 GMT -5
How is Jack doing?
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