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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Unusual Behavior
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Question
Hi, my tabby just started acting out of the ordinary. She is about 10 years old. She keeps walking around the house and when she sees someone she meows like something is bothering her. She acts like something is bothering her on her back or the right side. She tries to lick it or scratch at it. She keeps coming back to me like she wants me to fix the problem. I called the vet and suggested it might be fleas, but they said the fleas would be all over and she seems to be upset about one specific spot. Also, the vet said fleas were very unlikely in Utah where we live. Any suggestions?
Hi LeeAnn,
I don't possible have enough information to help you with this. Utah is cold and fleas go dormant in the cold weather. But take a flea comb and see if you see evidence of flea dirt.
Is there dander?
Does she have bumps? If she is itchy it could be a food allergy. Dry food leads to skin issues. Poor quality food such as commercial problems lead to skin problems. The worst brands are friskies, purina and whiskas and anything in that caliber.
Could there be an abscess you aren't seeing yet that she is trying to lick?
What else is going on? Losing weight? More of an appetite?
She is an older cat and I would get a complete blood profile with a T4 to make sure all is well. Hopefully, she won't be stressed and your vet and staff is gentle as I find is often NOT the case with animals.
I don't know if her crying out to people is related to her itchiness.
One symptom of hyperthryoidism which occurs in older kitties is amore vocal cat, that is eating a lot and not putting on weight. Sometimes they become a bit more irritable.
Best of luck,
Shanti
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| Comment | Thank you so much for answering Shanti! I realized I probably didn't give enough information, but I appreciate your input and suggestions. I really appreciate how quickly you responded! Thanks! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Shanti Zinzi
Expertise
I can answer questions related to cat behavior, such as how to keep your feline happy and healthy with minimal expense but maximum commitment. I offer tips on how to touch and massage your feline to foster a good bond and direct people in how to spot and avoid overstimulation. Accurately interpreting a cat's body language, signals and cues is often not understood by many beloved feline guardians. I offer advice on alternatives to expensive veterinary bills, tell you when is it necessary to visit your vet, and how to maintain proper diet for your individualized feline's needs to avoid those astronomical vet bills down the line. I also give holistic medical and dietary advice, and hospice care tips for the aging kitty. I offer advice on how to deal with shy or undersocialized cats or feral kittens. www.thenatureofthebeast.org If you need a consultation during my vacation hours, I will unfortunately need to charge my normal fee. http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
Experience
I have worked with felines for 20 years both personally and professionally. Called the "queen of behavior cats" by SF SPCA's former feline behavior dept, I work with off-limit felines at the city shelter for nine years. I have onsite tech training from holistic vets and allopathic veterinarians. I have helped out rescues with behavior animals and help assist clients in problems with behavior and/or medical issues. Along with graduate studies in holistic medicines I have participated in a holistic hospice internship.
Public radio show on feline behavior and holistic health.
Organizations
I currently operate my own business which site can be accessed from internet explorer, www.thenatureofthebeast.org
http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
I am a custody feline volunteer at SF Animal Care and Control
I also am part of a feral kitten/undersocialized adult feline volunteer handler program at Animal Care and Control
I am a member of Allcreatureshealingnetwork.org
Education/Credentials
Masters in Somatic Psychology,
on site veterinary tech training at holistic and allopathic vet offices,
graduate studies in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbs, eastern principles,
certification in Acupressure,
animal hospice internship at Bright Haven
Past/Present Clients
My clients include private clients and bay area rescues, NY Yankees, and actors from NYC and LA
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