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Cats/Mosquito bits on cat's ears

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Expert: - 8/1/2011


Question
I have a 4yo neutered male Siamese, ASH Tabby cross. I got him from a rescue group and he came from a hoarder.

In the summer, he gets bumps and itchy scabs on his ears. I took him to the vet for his annual checkup last week and my vet acted like I was abusing my cat and wanted to know what the deal was with his ears. That in his 30 years of practice he had never seen anything like it. I didn't know what to say. He gave me antibiotics to give him, but his ears were not crusty, nor were the bumps pus filled or hot. They just looked like insect bites. Maybe he only has inside cats clients. I do know that one of my son and daughter-in-law's 4 cats has the same ear issues, so I can't imagine this is a super uncommon allergy.

I had a dog several years ago who was so allergic to fleas that one flea would cause him to scratch and chew himself raw. I'm thinking that my cat has a similar issue with mosquitos, but don't know what to do about it.

To keep him inside all the time will make him very very unhappy. My unhappy Siamese mix is not fun to be around because he is very vocal and tells you how unhappy he is in a very loud voice. I have been trying to get him inside during the dusk hours and that seems to be helping, but he doesn't always come when I call.

Is there anything I can put on his ears to help heal them or to make them less appealing to mosquitoes?

Thanks,
Alisa

Answer
Hi Alisa,

It could be a flea allergy. It could be ringworm. Hopefully your vet checked for that. Use a good flea medicine like Advantage or Frontline for cats. This will help with the flea allergy. And if you think it might be mosquitoes you can try using this stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Bite-Blocker-Pet-Products-Repellent/dp/B000VUYOD8

See how that works. There are some other products out there. And there are natural methods also. Heres a little article about some of this.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=572

Hopefully the flea stuff works. I think that is your cats problem. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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