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Cats/irratated rash on pet cat

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Expert: - 3/31/2009


Question
Hello, my cat Mingus has developed a nasty rash and sores on her skin, mainly on her head. She scratches at them and makes them worse, they really do look sore. I bathe them in salt water regularly and recently began to clear, but they have started to worsen. When I was cleaning them the other  day I also checked her gums and they are very pale. I am worried now, as I am only 15 and my dad doesn't see that she needs to see a vet, please give me some kind of diagnosis to make him see sense, thanks, Rachel.

Answer
Rachel,

I can`t really offer any diagnosis, I`m not a veterinarian. It sounds like your cat may have some sort of skin condition that`s probably quite itchy. I am most concerned about the pale gums you`ve described, pale gums are a serious indication that something`s very wrong. Anemia is a likely cause of pale gums and the cause of the anemia needs to be found immediately or the cat will likely die. If you are concerned about the cost of the vet care I would recommend that you do some research on the Blue Cross animal hospitals located throughout the UK.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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