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Cats/my cat has stopped cleaning herself.

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Expert: - 12/27/2008


Question

lu - lu
Hi Karen, I have 3 cats but i am concerned about my lu-lu who is a long haired domestic approx 3-4 yrs old.She has stopped cleaning herself and we have cut down all her hair on bum area etc which isnt helping - she is walking round with poo on her tail and bloomers - sometimes big clumps of it so we know she can feel it is there. We got her from a cattery about 1.5 years ago and she had been very badly treat by previous people - hence she is very nervous and agressive on occasions - she does not respond well to being groomed at all ut has always done this well herself..She was infested with worms about 1 month after we got her , it was so bad she was vomiting them up and she was so thin, we got rid of them but it took some doing and now She is reguarly wormed and is fully innoculated - can you suggest the reasons behind her cleanliness change as prior to the last 2 weeks - she was always cleaning herself and never dirty.i am really concerned about her. She is eating and drinking ok and not overweight.I will await your reply.Thankyou in advance.Very best wishes.wendy and lu-lu.

Answer
Hi Wendy,

Nice picture. The first thing is to have lu-lu checked out by your vet. Cats are usually very clean. A change in her grooming behavior could signal that something is wrong physically wrong with her. Two weeks is too long for this to continue. Write back and let me know what your vet says. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commentthankyou karen - i will take her to the vets tomorrow and keep you informed - til then - take care. wendy


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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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