cat licking herself too much!?

A trip to the vet is definitely in order for the licking problem. It could be stress related. A feli-way scent diffuser can often help calm a kitty with jangling nerves. She may need to go into "solitary" for a while to let her decompress and feel a little less over-crowded.

She could also have food allergy issues. Often, food allergies can present with itchy skin. A blood test will determine that. Or, a change of food to a hypo-allergenic one as a test can confirm it.

Sometimes, if the area your cat is licking is limited to one particular spot, you might consider an ultrasound to make sure all is ok inside. I had a cat who licked his tummy raw, as you are describing, and after a ton of tests, it was determined that he had cancer of the spleen. While unlikely, it is still worth looking into if you can't determine the cause of the licking.

As for the peeing, which also seems to be an issue...

There is a certain heirarchy that cats follow, based on looks, glances, ears, whiskers and pupil size that we humans can't always see. The peeing on your bed could be from other cats "blocking" her from getting to the potty box. You might not see a cat actually standing outside the box, physically blocking her, but she may feel intimidated enough that she won't risk going to it. I'd put the box back in your room where she's going, and then slowly move it to where you want it to be - moving about an inch a day. But wait until you have the itching figured out first.

What a blessing you are for the ferals you are socializing. So many would just turn them away.

Good luck to you and your entire kitty family!

Cat Licking Too Much

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RE:

cat licking herself too much!?

So my cat is about 9 years old, and she's always been pretty meticulous about grooming, but of late she's been licking herself way too much. her hair is falling off and she's developed sores, and is bleeding all over the place. We put a cone on her, for a few weeks until her skin was...

I suggest having all of them spayed/neutered. That "calms" down most social anxieties (anti-social activities) in a group of cats.

I found a spay and neuter clinic in my area that does feral males and females for a flat rate of $25 each - includes a distemper shot. I live way out in the country and have to drive about 30-35 miles to take them and pick them up. They also loaned me two traps. I asked them if there were any other clinics like that and they said there were 2 or 3 - further away, so it's not unusual for this service. It is supported by a closer humane society clinic that charges regular rates.

I have had about 18 done so far - there are more.

Edit: I remembered about "adopt a barn cat" programs (for ferals) that I have noticed. Putting in the google search results because there are a lot of different ones (different states) and some other feral programs came up in the results too. It might help us help you to know the state and county you live in.

I def. think you should see a vet. And in addition to all the other answers re: stress, etc, Your cat could be allergic to something. I have a sick kitty, and yesterday I was reading about different cat foods. I noticed lots of reviews raving about this one cat food that is grain free - the reviewers were saying they found out their cats were allergic to soy or corn and would lick themselves raw. It struck me as odd at first, but if a cat has itchy rashy skin, I guess that's the only way really scratch it! Have you changed your food recently?? My cats allergies didn't start showing up until she was about 8 years old.

It's most likely stress and anxiety issues. She is considered a senior citizen now being 9 years old. They get cranky too just like people. You can always call a local vet and explain the situation to them, they'll ask you to bring her in of course, but just let them know you can't afford a vet bill, some will let you pay monthly tho so keep that in mind if you need to bring her in. They may be willing to help you resolve the issue over the phone.

10 cats? There's your answer: you are stressing out your cat AND yourself. It is wonderful that you want to help, but you may have to choose to limit your fostering in order to maintain your older cat's sanity. Good luck.

Go to this website and read about hyperesthesia in cats. It may apply to your cat.

http://www.cathealth.com/skin-and-fur/feline-hyper...

And, you can also look up ...hyperesthesia,feline ... and get more websites to check out....

Another thing you can do, is, "google" feline barbering, and you'll get a list of websites to look at. The one that says..."How to stop feline over-grooming" is very helpful....Check it out.....

Hopefully, you can find a solution to your kitty's unhappiness......soon......Good luck.

Please please please please take her to a vet. You don't know how much she might be suffering and things you're doing to try and help her may be causing her more pain.

I get that a vet is expensive , but you chose to have 10 cats .. Why is that the burden of one innocent animal?

Take her to the vet and get a proper diagnoses of her condition. Be fair and have a conscience.

she could have fleas or anything else, take her to a vet and get her checked out. ASAP