Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/16/2006

Question
Hello Dr. Gotthelf,

My cat has a skin irritation he is biting, and taing out his fur. It's not bloody, crusty, draining, pussy, anything. If it weren't for his biting behaviour (twice a day, bites while grooming) and some missing fur I wouldn't know anything was wrong!

My problem is I lost my job. I have $50 for the next month and he has enough food for the month- I don't! Besides, it wouldn't even pay for the initial consultation, let alone tests and/or medications. Is there anything cheap, preferably homemade, that I can administer to him, making him feel better until next month, when I will finally have a little money and (hopefully) can take him to the vet?

Answer
Some cats will respond to an antihistamine called chlorpheniramine.  It is very cheap.  The dose is 2 mg per cat twice a day.  Ask a pharmacist which over the counter products have this antiistamine.  Get it in the pure form, not mixed with other drugs.  If that doesn't help you can explain your situation and ask your vet to prescribe some prednisone tablets, which are also very cheap.