Hi, My cat is exhibiting unusual behavior. He runs arounds frantically

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Hi, My cat is exhibiting unusual behavior. He runs arounds frantically like he is trying to run away from something. He will rest a minute, lick the base of his tail (not rearend) and take off running. His eyes remain wide. He has done this once before about a week ago and it isn't constant behavior. However, it seems as if something is biting him or he's itching. He is an indoor cat and has never been outdoors. I scoop his litter box every other day. I am considering taking him to the vet tomorrow. Please help! Thank you.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Hi,

Yes, I think you SHOULD take him to the vet and I'm glad you're planning on doing that tom'w! : )

From your description, it does sound like he may have a parasite problem and just because he's an indoor-only cat, doesn't mean he can't get fleas. They can be brought in to the house on people's pant legs or shoes. It just takes one!

He either is having an allergic reaction to the flea bites (saliva) or has another type of skin allergy or condition. There are many types of skin conditions cats can get, so bringing him to the vet to find the cause is very smart!

Have you combed him and parted his fur looking for fleas at all? Have you looked at his skin under the fur at the base of the tail? There's a condition called 'stud tail' which is similar to feline acne (plugged oil glands) which can occur at the base of the tail. The vet will find the problem and if it's a 'phantom' problem, will most likely give him a shot of Prednisone (steroid) and/or an antihistamine to stop the itching.

Please let me know what the vet says and I hope your boy is relieved of this annoying symptom, real soon! Good luck tom'w!

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!

Reply to Jessesmom's Post: Hi and thank you for your reply. I checked the skin and fur around the base of his tail. I did not see any sign of a flea infestation or eggs. I am hoping, as "mean" as it sounds, I hope that it's stud tail. Flea or parasite infestations are not easy to get rid of on the cat or in the environment, but again, I have not seen any signs of infestation. I have an appointment with a local cat clinic this afternoon. Thank you for your help and helping to calm my nerves. I was worried that it might be worms.

Thanks again,

Jen

Hi again, Jen.

Thanks so much for your 'accept', reply, and updating me on the situation. I'm happy to hear that you have an appt. at the clinic today for your cat!

Worms might be a consideration, but she would probably be excessively licking her rear end if it itched.

I know that the prospect of worms or fleas is quite unpleasant, but if either of these are the diagnosis, she can be treated with a 'spot on' monthly flea preventative like Advantage or Frontline and I can give you instructions to treat your home without too much fuss. Worms can be treated with oral medication the vet will give once and you'd have to repeat a second time.

Well, right now, you're probably at the vet, so please let me know what happened there when you return--you can PM me (private message) if you like--just click on my username to see my profile, then scroll down to 'PM'. 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!

Reply to Jessesmom's Post: Hi Cher,

I just got back from the vet with Loqui. It appears to be a "phantom" issue. They checked his anal glands and they looked fine. He has no signs of fleas but they suggested that he might have the beginnings of an infestation. So I bought a 6 month supply of Advantage to keep him free and clear. The vet said that if he continues to lick and bite himself in the same area despite flea treatment, to bring him back for a series of allergy tests. Other than that, they complimented him up and down as a beautiful and healthy cat.

Thanks so much for your help!

Jen

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