cat has raw spots?

Question

I have a 1.5 year old shelter cat that I adopted a few months back. She has been normal and healthy ever since I got her. A few weeks ago she has started over grooming the backs of her hind legs so bad that she gets big bald raw spots. I have an appointment to take her to the vet next week (that's the earliest I could get) and I am going shopping later to switch her food. She has a very stress-free environment, another cat that she gets along with famously, and plenty of stimulation. I leave windows open, a video of birds and bird sounds on, and toys around the house while i'm at work. Is there anything I can do to help her out in the meantime? I play with her and groom her in the evenings, but so far nothing has changed the behaviour and it's getting worse and worse. Unfortunately I'm out of town this weekend so she's on her own with the other cat, but any suggestions on how I can help her not lick herself raw or possible causes are definitely appreciated! Thanks

2008-05-07T06:47:17Z

also fleas, mites and parasites have been ruled out by the shelter and her last vet visit. she is an indoor cat only and does not tolerate a harness, so can't be taken outside.

2008-05-07T07:02:37Z

i think the food i have them on now is purina naturals

Baby Boy due Dec. 21!!!!!!!!!!! · Accepted Answer

My fiancee's cat has the same problem, and it could be caused by 1 or 2 things.

For one, the cat may be doing this as a nervous habit. Occasionally, like humans, cats will go OCD (obsessive compulsive) and over groom themselves.

It could also be because her skin is so dry, that licking it is the only relief, but it doesn't relieve it, because she licks her skin raw. The vet will probably give you a cream of some sort to put on her, and maybe even a Cone collar to keep her from licking while she heals.

With Kirby (Fiancee's cat) the vet gave him a cortisone shot and it worked for a good year. This seems to happen every year at the same time (Spring and summer) So it could also be allergies. 

Hope that helps, and good luck with kitty!!

James P · Answer

Hey with the cats the only way you going to have to get her help by you vet. You cat may have a virus and the only thing that may get rid of the virus is to put antibiotic spray on that raw spot on her legs. Do that for two week or more if the virus has not gone down. James P.

tara r · Answer

First off, kudos for adopting from a shelter!

Diet can often affect animal's coats like this.  I know you mentioned switching.  What kind of food is your cat currently on?

Dawn N · Answer

Overgrooming can also be caused through blocked Anal Glands, it would be worth having these checked when she goes in for her vet visit.

Laura S · Answer

it could just be over-grooming...it does happen a lot...

cat has raw spots?

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