Cat Pulling Fur

by Lisa
(Winnipeg, MB, Canada)

Hi, my name is Lisa. I have a cat named Tess that is 17 years old, female, black domestic short haired and is having major skin problems right now.

It started around her eyes, which were inflamed, missing fur and constantly runny. For a while she could barely open her eyes or even look up, which is very unusual for her since she is so friendly and affectionate. This all stopped once her eyes started to look infected. We took her to the vet and they informed us that it could be a reaction to drywall (we were doing some renovations in our bathroom), so we gave her antibiotics and antihistamines. Unfortunately we were to administrate the medicine via oral pills. If you're an old cat set in your ways and who was never given pills before until now... you're in for a rough ride. We got the pills in her (much to her dislike) and she seemed to get better. After a while she seemed to be okay so we stopped with the pills, then the real problems began.

She began furiously licking and pulling her fur out. I noticed it around the inside of her legs and then it began to spread to her other legs, butt and chest. She would hide under my bed and wouldn't come out, wouldn't sleep and would barely eat. She would kick her legs repeatedly and it would keep me awake at night. We took her to the vet again and they gave her steroids and antibiotics, as well as a squeezing of her anal glands (which were very swollen). After that she would come out from under my bed and visit, eat, drink, use the litter box etc. Still, there seems to be no change in her skin. Actually, it looks worse. She continues to pull out her fur, leaving her legs patchy, pink and scabby, as well as her chest. She still comes out to eat and drink and all that but now she hides from us hours at a time. We don't know what more we can do for her and worry that this may be the end. Tess was rescued from a shelter when she was one and was a bit of a delinquent when we first got her but eventually she calmed down and turned into one of the most lovable cats out there. I love her dearly and I don't want to say goodbye even if she is 17.

We don't understand why she is in so much discomfort, if it's stress related from the initial pill popping, the renovations from months prior or if she's falling apart because she's so old. Like I mentioned she still eats and drinks and uses the litter box. Our last cat who died stopped all that altogether, though she had cancer and deteriorated far quicker. Tess has been having these issues for a month or so with no relief in sight. It's not skin cancer since she has no bumps, tumors and it's not like this is something she's dealt with before. If you have any information that could be helpful please write to me and let me know. Tess needs help ASAP.

I apologize for not having pictures. You must understand that I don't want any documents that show how bad she is, just in case she has to be put down and I'm left to deleting the pictures. I only want healthy pictures of her.

Thank you for understanding and for your help.

Lisa

Editor Suggestion - Cat Pulling Fur Out

Dear Lisa,

Sorry to hear about the cat skin problem.

Cat Skin conditions have various aspects, which can only be identified with a detailed clinical examination. The initial diagnostic approach includes identification of lesions and symptoms related to any particular condition.

In this particular case, taking a clinical history is important in making an initial diagnosis, i.e. the condition began with the problem around the eyes which turned in to a localized infection which then turned in to a generalized condition in the later stages.

This can possibly be a reaction to therapy administered for the eye condition, but most likely is an underlying immune mediated generalized problem. This can be anything related to a disturbed immune system. The worsening of this type of condition to such a level as you describe is related to age as a factor.

Older cats need more attention and care. A thorough diagnostic approach is needed for making a decision regarding this condition and a possible treatment plan for stopping the cat pulling fur problem.

I recommended that you take your cat for laboratory tests that can check for an immune system disturbance. Start with sensitivity tests and additional hypersensitivity tests (in vitro or intradermal). The level of circulating eosinophills should be carefully monitored and once the status of the immune system is revealed, a specific therapy can be initiated.

A Specific therapy for this type of condition typically involves the use of antibiotics, steroids, aurthioglucose (gold salts) and endocrinal restrictive agents. Usage of specific therapeutics are purely dependent upon the status of the immune system. Without this type of confirmation of the cat skin condition, it will certainly worsen over time.

Along with the specific therapy indicated by the tests and your veterinarian, it is recommended that your cat go for dietary elimination trials as well, to reduce the possibility that allergic responses in the body, triggered by different possible allergens in cat food, are causing the problem.

You can control symptoms such as chewing, licking and itchiness by using a cleansing herbal shampoo such as Clean Cat Shampoo and some type of remedy such as Allergy Itch Ease to reduce itchiness.

Additionally, to improve skin health and immune status, use a herbal tonic such as Skin and Coat Tonic. Be sure to pay more attention to your cat's medical conditions since she is a senior.

Please keep us updated on the cat pulling fur problem and best of luck to you and your cat.