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my cat has chewed off her hair as far back as she can reach ...

Sent to Cat Experts September 12 2006 at 7:08 AM
   

my cat has chewed off her hair as far back as she can reach to her tail what do you think it is and and what can I do about it

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
September 12 2006 at 7:55 AM (47 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Usually when cats chew fur on their back above the tail, its usually a flea issue. I would get her on a good flea preventative like Frontline and see if that helps.

Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
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ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 122 Cat Accepts
25 + years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
Reply
September 12 2006 at 8:03 AM (7 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
Reply to ZooCVT's Post: I have had her on frontline for 2 months now fleas are not the issue.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 12 2006 at 8:07 AM (3 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Being it may have been the start of it, she may need an antihistimine injection to get her over the chewing...its a bit of a vicious cycle...she was itching so she started chewing which releases histimines which causes more itching which makes her chew more...you have to break the cycle. An antihistimine will help with that. Your vet can talk to you about giving her one to help.

Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
Picture
ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 122 Cat Accepts
25 + years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
Reply
September 12 2006 at 8:12 AM (5 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
Reply to ZooCVT's Post: couldn't I give her something? I am unable to take her to the vet due to financial reasons.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 12 2006 at 8:17 AM (4 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Unfortunately, there's not much at home you can do aside from a cool bath which most cats won't tolerate. Giving her an over the counter oral antihistimine is risky in cats so I would suggest the vet visit.

Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
Picture
ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 122 Cat Accepts
25 + years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
Reply
September 12 2006 at 8:32 AM (14 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
Reply to ZooCVT's Post: Thanks for you help. Do you have any idea what the cost may be?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 12 2006 at 8:40 AM (8 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Really depends on your vet but probably the cost of the exam and around $20-40 for the injection.

Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
Picture
ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 122 Cat Accepts
25 + years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
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