Ask Your Cat Question. Cat Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Cat Question?)

My 5 year old Maine-Coon cat keeps biting his left ...

Sent to Cat Experts August 17 2006 at 4:12 PM
   

My 5 year old Maine-Coon cat keeps biting his left front paw. Could he have a skin problem? I touch the area and he doesn't care and it doesn't feel like anything is there. Should I call the vet or let it be?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
August 17 2006 at 4:41 PM (29 minutes and 20 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hi,

No I definitely don't think you should just let it be. There may be something there that you can't feel, and yes, he may have a skin condition, but also, he may be constantly biting at this paw because of stress or an OCD (obssessive compulsive disorder) type of problem. Cats can be stressed quite easily--it's not like stress (worry) in humans!

Cats with this type of behavior (excessive licking/biting) are usually found to be stressed/anxious, have skin, environmental and/or food allergies, or an obssessive compulsive urge to do this, with no obvious cause.

The vet will evaluate him and give you a definite diagnosis and subsequent treatment, if needed. If it's found not to be medical, but behavioral, there are medications which can help. He also will most likely be given an injection of a steriod like Prednisone and possibly an antihistamine to relieve his symptom for the time being.

Please let me know what the vet says. Thanks!

Cher

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for further clarification. My only goal is to provide 100% helpful answers. Thanks for the opportunity to help!
Picture
Jessesmom -- Feline Specialist Health/Behavior -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6049 Cat Accepts
Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care