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Cats/Elderly cat biting open severe wounds

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Expert: - 3/23/2011


Question
We own a cat that is now elderly. Several months ago, she bit open a wound on one of her hind legs. Every attempt to bandage the wound seems to fail as she will often rip the bandage off and bite the wound open again. Tonight she bit open a second such wound on her other hind leg which bled severely before we could stop the bleeding and bandage it as well as the other leg.

Is this intentional behavior? Could the cat be trying to harm itself like this? We've done our best to take care of these injuries but she simply refuses to let them heal and biting open a second wound seems very unusual.

Answer
Hi Todd,

You need to take her to the vet. It sounds like she has some other underlying problem going on. Excessive biting action such as that is not normal. Your vet will be able to treat the one leg wound. Your cat will most likely wear a collar to prevent her biting at the dressing. Elderly cats need a little bit more TLC. Anytime anything is out of the ordinary a trip to the vet is warranted. Here's a link to a good article.

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm  

Good luck and take care.

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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