Excema ?

[Limetex]

I have an 11 yr old, neutered, short-haired male tabby. He has always been allergic to things like medicated collars and topical applications. He has started to scratch himself more and more and is creating bald-spots on his neck and head. He has had cortisone shots at the vets but they only seem to last a couple of months. Does anyone know what may is wrong with him. The vet has not been much help. One other point, he is a 100%, declawed (front), inside cat and never gets outside. Thanks for any help.

[Cat&Dog mom]

I may be able to help, what type of litter do you use? My cat used to get little bumps around his neck and head, until recently I switched their litter, because my other cat was always sick and I read somewhere online, trying to figure out why my cat was always sick, and I found a few disturbing things about clay, clumping litter. Well low and behold neither one of my cats are sick anymore and its been a few months now. I now use natural litters, like corn, and wheat, I don't much care for the recycled paper ones though. If you need more info let me know. Let me know if it works.

I hope this helps you and your kitty. But if it doesn't, I would continue with the cotisone shots, at least he gets a couple months out of the shot. Good luck.

[Limetex]

Sorry it's taken so long to respond - see 'Hairballs'. We use the clay and we will change. However, he is now getting relief from the shot, so I am going to wait until I can tell if the change is working.

[jenn]

My dog gets the cortizone shots and they last her about 4-6 weeks. They do not recommend giving them more than 4 or 5 times a year though because it is a steroid. You can get allergy testing done but it is costly. Try changing the obvious things first like the litter or food. good luck!!!

[Cat&Dog mom]

Oh, I didn't know he was a outside cat, that could be alot of things then. Good luck on figuring out what is causing the problem.