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She's been doing it for a few months now. Pic related, other side looks worse but it's kinda hard to get a good picture.

We've tried nothing and we're out of ideas ;) We haven't been to the vet, due to circumstances beyond my control, don't ask.

She seems Ok otherwise but I'd really appreciate any good advice. Thanks, frens.

She's been doing it for a few months now. Pic related, other side looks worse but it's kinda hard to get a good picture. We've tried nothing and we're out of ideas ;) We haven't been to the vet, due to circumstances beyond my control, don't ask. She seems Ok otherwise but I'd really appreciate any good advice. Thanks, frens.

(post is archived)

[–] • 2 pts

The area will need to be exposed, examined and treated for bacteria. You can start the process yourself but if it is a serious case a vet will need to sedate the cat and do a thorough draining and cleaning of the hot spot.

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Also consider that the apparent wound on the skin may not be the cause of the overzealous attention she's giving that area, but a result of it. She may be extremely stressed and the "OCD" behavior of over-cleaning that area could be a result of the stress.

Has anything been done in recent months that could cause an increase in stress for her? Such as:

  • recently introduce any other cats, animals or newborn children into the household
  • re-arrange her 'domain'/the living area unexpectedly
  • change what you are feeding her or what her litter is composed of/different brand or style of litter
  • edit to add: have any other pets died recently, or any family members who lived at home die or move out (could be grieving them no longer being around)

It could also be sympathetic anxiety. If you or your family have been exceptionally stressed lately, she would likely be picking up on it and it is affecting her as well.

[–] • 0 pt (edited )

Interesting you would say that. Including her, three cats are living here and she is the newcomer. My wife picked up her and her brother when they were young-ish but also kind of feral from a farm nearby. She kept them in a mid sized room with lots of playthings and plenty of food for three months or somesuch. We had many arguments about this but, as women do, she went through an unusually crazy phase of her life. (I call it 'Tuesday').

When I finally managed to free them, they were thoroughly nuts. What a surprise. My wife called them Maja and Wili. I called them Adolf and Blondi. Check my posts from back then, you'll find the last picture of poor ol' Adolf. My wife found him after a neighbor told her there was a dead cat next to the road. I got to bury him.

I love women and I love my wife in particular. But sometimes... To the moon, Alice!

AHEM! In case this message reaches you, Disregard all of the above.

[–] • 1 pt

That makes me sad. That seems like your wife essentially took her from having free roam of the entire outdoors and everything she was familiar with and then locked her up in a 'tiny' prison (comparable to the outdoors she previously roamed) where nothing inside was anything like what it was familiar with, and she was locked in there for 3 months, then she was introduced again into your greater house space. I'm not surprised that she's neurotically tearing her tail fur out.

[–] • 1 pt

The way to hell is plastered with good intentions. Don't know what else to say. Today is her seventh round of Chemo. Some would say "I'll kill the doctor that spiked her."

[–] • 1 pt

My cat had the same problem. I was worried about him but eventually he stopped picking at it and the spot went away.

[+] [deleted] • 1 pt
[–] • 1 pt

Seems like flea or insect bite but shouldn’t last a few months long. Have you tried putting anything on it? Spray it with a “hot shot” liquid you can get at any pets store maybe? Or even an anti fungal/anti itch cream like cortisone?

[–] • 0 pt

Haven't tried to put anything on it, since we're afraid she'll just lick it and ingest whatever we put on there. Hard for me to leave the house atm, so I'd prefer to order it.

[–] • 1 pt

Anything you put on it will be absorbed into her body through the skin, so if she licks it off, can’t be much worse for her. I’m guessing it’s itchy and hence why she’s licking it. Poor baby. Are you sure it’s not fleas? Maybe a flea bath? Idk, but I do think ultimately you need to apply something.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Haven't seen any fleas. We thought it might be mites but there's no evidence for that either. It seemed to get better for a while, hence we hesitated to apply any medicine. I'm sure you're correct, we'll have to apply something. Was hoping to find some natural remedy that won't hurt her. My other two are fine, btw. Thanks for caring, it means a lot.

[–] • 1 pt

buy her a Cone to go around her head. you can buy them at Walmart and most pet stores. then buy some anti fungal itch cream maybe some flea drops. then cone will prevent her from licking the stuff off.

[–] • 1 pt

an actual oatmeal bath or atleast a good soaking of the infected area. i would also put antibiotic cream on it. my cat had this problem as well for awhile and you need to look for eggs or some other parasite that has gotten into the wound. i ended up shaving my cat and giving him a bath once a week and the problem resolved itself.

[–] • 1 pt

Shaving is a last resort (shudder :) ), but I'll keep it in mind. I'll hold off on antibiotics until we see not other way. Thanks, and seriously much appreciated.

[–] • 1 pt

no problem, good luck and please give an update

[+] [deleted] • 0 pt