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Is it a problem when a cat licks himself VERY frequently?
Sent to Cat Experts October 24 08:50 AM

One of my cats (1 1/2 yrs old) has been licking himself quite a bit in the last few weeks. This morning he actually stopped to do it in the middle of eating. When I checked, I noticed that his behind is VERY red, almost bleeding. I don't think it's worms as he had all of his vacinations as a kitten. Any suggestions?

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 24 2006 at 8:54 AM

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
October 24 10:33 AM (1 hour and 43 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
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He might have a urinary tract infection or bladder crystals or stones bothering him.
I would definitely have him see your vet.
If its the anal area bothering him he might have an anal gland issue or be being irritated by intestinal parasites.
Cats can get tapeworms from fleas, and other worms from chewing on grass or contact with the stools of cats who have worms.
Vaccines don't control intestinal worms.
Hope this helps you!

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert100% Positive Feedback on 2169 Cat Accepts
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Reply
October 24 10:50 AM (17 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
Reply to nholmes's Post: The irritation is in the anal area. All three cats are indoor cats. I have made an appt. Thanks
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
October 24 10:53 AM (3 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
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You are very welcome - hope he feels better soon!

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert100% Positive Feedback on 2169 Cat Accepts
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October 24 11:06 AM (12 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
Reply to nholmes's Post: He has an appointment on Friday 10/24. Do you think that is waiting too long?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 24 11:13 AM (7 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
You mean 10/27? that should be fine as long as he is not having issues urinating or passing stool.
You could bring a fresh stool sample to the vet sooner with no appointment and ask them to check it for you for parasites.
I'd call for an earlier appointment if he stops passing stools, stops eating or drinking, or seems too uncomfortable to settle down at all.

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert100% Positive Feedback on 2169 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care
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October 24 11:24 AM (10 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
Reply to nholmes's Post: I will keep an eye on him tonight and go from there. Again... thank you SO much for your prompt answer.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
October 24 11:30 AM (6 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
You are very welcome - and you know him best so if he starts seeming really ill - call the vet for a sooner appointment.

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert100% Positive Feedback on 2169 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care
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October 25 11:57 AM (1 day later)
         
Reply to nholmes's Post: When I got home last night and it was much worse. I found that he was not able to urinate. I had cleaned out the litter box to see if I could establish what the problem was. He was in and out of the litter box for about an hour and when I looked, there was one wet spot. From your message, you indicated a urinary issue could be serious.

I took him in last night around 8pm and he was blocked. The doctor there indicated that if I had not taken him in, he could have died overnight.

He is in the hospital now with the catheter and IV. I visited him this morning and he was responsive to me which made me feel a lot better. They are hoping to get the catheter out tonight so he can come home tomorrow night.

Thank you for all your help. I'm confident that had I not asked yesterday, he may not be with me today.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 25 12:01 PM (3 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert100% Positive Feedback on 2169 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care
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