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Expert: - 1/7/2008


Question
Hi,

My cat is 14 years old and very active and in great health.  Over the past couple of days, though, she has developed a strange twitch whenever we scratch her lower back, towards her tail (her favorite place to be scratched).  We think the exact spot is where her back meets the top of her back right leg.  When we scratch there, her head turns off to the right and she involuntarily licks her right upper lip.  She is acting otherwise normal and not sick in any way.  Do you have any idea what could be causing this? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Cara,

This sounds something like when you scratch a dog and he thumps his leg. She may be reacting now to the scratching because of a change in her sensitivity to the scratching. If you feel it may be a sign of something else, take her to your vet for a complete checkup. If she seems fine I wouldn't worry to much about it. If she develops any other changes then get her checked out. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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