Expert: Tomay - 2/11/2005

Question
Hi,
Our 9 year old female calico is biting the hair
off her rump and forlegs. She had a bout with
fleas which we fixed with flea baths and Advantage. But she keeps biting herself even though she hasn't had the flea problem for over
6 weeks. There's no skin irritation that we can
see, just this patchy hairlessness on her stomach
rump and forelegs. Any ideas?
Thanks

Answer
Hello,
Sounds like your kitty may have developed a bad habit. It's also possible that she has an allergy of somesort.  There are products on the market (available at your local pet shop) such as bitter apple spray, that, when sprayed on the affected area, can deter licking and biting.  Be sure and get one that is safe for cats.  The other option is an elizabethan collar (looks like a big bowl around their neck) to help break the habit.  And allergies can sometimes play a role in this kind of behaviour.  I would try to break the habit first, and then if that isn't successful, then perhaps a trip to your vet would be in order.
Hope this has been helpful.  Also check with any vets on this site.  Perhaps they can offer some advice as well.
Thank you for your inquiry, and good luck.
Tomay