My long haired cat.

by Jordan Zehender
(Findlay, Ohio, United States)

My cat has lumps and dried skin all over his body. My family says he is about ready to die but i don't really think so, but anyways I have had him since he was a kitten when my grandmother gave him to me.

My cat is only 4 years old and my mom tries everything that might try and help him but it hasn't worked yet. My mother has soaked him in cocoa butter lotion and fleas were dying and falling off of him.

I have no idea what he has. I'm just hoping its not something that he can die from because he is the most lovable cat. Even though it's gross to touch him I do it anyways just because I've had him for a long time, it feels like he is my kid.

Thanks,

Jordan

Editor Suggestions: Cat Skin Lumps and Dry Skin

Dear Jordan,

At four years old, your cat shouldn’t be “ready to die” unless he has a severe underlying disease like feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Your cat sounds sick enough that a trip to the vet is really the best way to go. A vet can test him for the diseases that I just mentioned as well as give you an idea of what else might be going on.

If you can’t take him to the vet, you should treat him for the fleas that you know he has. If the infestation is bad enough it could cause many of the symptoms that you are describing.

Fleas can suck enough blood out of a cat to cause death, so he should be treated aggressively for this problem. You can pick up Frontline, an excellent product to kill fleas. You can buy it at most big pet stores these days or online.

You will need to treat him every month since you surely have fleas in your house.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM