Expert: Becky - 8/8/2006

Question
Im concerned about my cats skin condition ,if you pet or rub his back he will obsessively lick and chew at himself until you are done petting him his back side is scabby and flaking skin. i feed him iams indoor cat food but i think its gotten worse since the food change and i give him a treat crunchy aquari-yums. My other cat is not affected at all.

Answer
HI Sue!

It sounds like your cat either has fleas or some type of allergy.  Make sure he is free from all fleas. Sometimes, just one flea can cause severe allergies.  It would give him some relief if you could manage a medicated bath. You can buy medicated shampoo for pets at Walmart or any petshop.  If you can find an old screen, it would help to slant that in the bathtub while you are bathing your cat.  It would give him something to hold onto.  Otherwise, be sure and get someone to help you as it might scare him and he will scratch you. After you lather him up, let it sit on him for about 20 min if you can. Bundle him up in a towell and hold him if he will let you. The longer you can leave the medicated shampoo on him, the better it will work.  Do this twice a week and see if it helps his coat. If not, a trip to the Vet may be in order to see what is causing the  problem.
God Bless,
Becky