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Cats/excessive grooming - sores on belly
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Question
My daughter has a cat who excessively grooms and has developed sores on his belly. He has separation anxiety. Meds have been tried, vet special foods. Vet doesn't know what to do.
Have you ever dealt with this? Would switching to Wellness or Nature's Variety foods help? Could it be a grain allergy?
Thanks.
Hi Jan,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. Allergies can cause the problem you are having. The number one type of allergy that does this is a flea allergy. Now before you say no about this, you have to know that cats are really good at getting rid of fleas on them. But that doesn't mean they don't have them. Try treating her with Frontline or Advantage for a month and see how she is. If she gets better then this is what it is.
A grain free food is an excellent choice for your cat to be fed anyway. It helps prevent a lot of problems later on. Both of those foods listed are great.Make the change over gradually to prevent any tummy upset.
You can try using Feliway Comfort Zone. This mimics a cats happy pheromones. This might help her with separation anxiety. You also could get her another cat to keep her company. Two cat households are always happier households. If all else fails write back and I'll tell you of a drug that works wonders calming cats down. But that is really a last resort. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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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