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Expert: - 2/3/2012


Question
I have two 11 year old cats and one is losing fur on one of his legs and his stomach and the fur left is really tuff and not soft at all. the other cat we found out is diabetic and we cant afforted the insulin is there any cheaper ways to get insulin for her

Answer
Hi Erica,

I'm sorry about your cats not being well. Here is an extremely good site with all you need to know about your diabetic cat.

http://felinediabetes.com/

Talk to your vet about the cost of treating him. Your vet will work with you.

Here is a site about feeding your cat.

http://catinfo.org/?link=felinediabetes

Please read the info there. You might be able to control his diabetes without insulin following Dr. Lisa's advice.

Now onto your other cat's problem. The most common reason for hair loss on a cat like you describe is a flea allergy. You may not see them because cats are very good at getting rid of those buggers. But because of the flea bites he may have developed a dermatitis. The easiest way to treat this is to treat both your cats with a flea repellant. I recommend Revolution for cats. Besides getting rid of fleas it takes care of ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms. Try that and see what happens after a week or so. If it doesn't clear up then it could be one of another causes. Hyperthyroidism, ringworm, or just plain stress can cause hairloss. For the first two your vet would need to check him out. For the last you can give your cat this.

http://www.petnaturals.com/vitamins_supplements/calming-support-softchews-cats.p

Works great. But I would say most likely it is a flea allergy.
Hope this helped. Check out those articles. Hopefully your cat's health will improve. And remember if you switch their foods over do it gradually so they don't get sick. 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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