Severe Itching & Scratching

This forum is for cat lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your cat.

Skunkity

1005790

Purred: Fri Feb 15, '13 11:57pm PST


	So Skunkity has had problems with itchy skin on her neck for about 3 years. She has gone to the vet & derm numerous times and after all the tests they said to just change her food to a certain brand because she's not allergic to anything in it. Fast forward 2 years to now and it's back not as bad as it was, but could be if I can't help her. She has always favored her left side to scratch away her fur and start drawing blood. Now it has started on the base of both of her ears and the only thing that can stop her is a inflatable cone that she pops, making it really difficult. A plastic cone does not fit her proper and makes everything from walking, litter box time, eating and drinking near impossible. I've run out of options right now. I just changed her to a newer food in hopes that it will help some but that can take months to see a good response. Took her into a local vet that really didn't know what to do either. Steroid shots for allergies do very little to aid. I was told by someone that giving a small dose of Children's Benadryl every 8 or so hours can dramatically reduce the itching sensation she has. Also would cleaning wipes be helpful and how about Hydrocortisone Spray?

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Ambassador at- the Kitty U.N.

Purred: Sat Feb 16, '13 3:52am PST


	Ask you vet about Atopica. It's really made for dogs with severe allergies, but they use it off-label for cats and it can work wonders. BK's been on it for years and it saved his life. Once all other possible sources of the itching have been eliminated and you've got the allergy diagnosis, sometimes there are allergens that you just can't avoid, particularly environmental ones. Also, have you tried the soft, blue cones until he's stabilized? They don't interfere with daily life - maybe one would work for you. Good luck!

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Skunkity

1005790

Purred: Sat Feb 16, '13 3:40pm PST


	Skunkity will pop the soft blue inflatable cones by trying to itch. She has gone through 2 of them so far and they only last about 4 hours before she gets some nice holes in them. I had asked about Atopica but didnt want to give it out. Which leaves me at the Benadryl. Google search says its ok to give. I also have a pack of those soft paw things but having tried them before on her, she rips them off. This cat is such a pain in my behind to try and help because she is so feisty but I love her to death and want her to feel better.

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Ambassador at- the Kitty U.N.

Purred: Sun Feb 17, '13 11:31am PST


	Try another vet, or even better, a dermatologist. There's no need for him to suffer like this. Benedryl will only help with a small number of allergens. If there's not any other health issues involved I don't see why the vet doesn't want you to at least try the Atopica. I do admire his persistence! It used to take us weeks to go through a soft cone.

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Blackberry

Somewhere there- is love for- everyone

Purred: Mon Feb 18, '13 4:53am PST


	Has Skunkitty had any kind of allergy testing in the past? How did the vet know 3 years ago that she wasn't allergic to anything in the recommended food? Am I to understand from your original post that she saw a dermatologist back then? As BK said, itching can also be caused by environmental allergies. This is what I believe I am currently dealing with with Blackberry and we are going to the dermatologist next week. BB has been on Atopica for about a year and it worked quite well sometimes to prevent the itching, but at other times it didn't seem to do much. It is a drug worth exploring with your vet or derm. Best of luck to you, I know the pain! Purrs, Blackberr's mom