Cat Allergy

Thanks, Deb. I wasn’t able to open your second link because a pop-up blocked access to the article, demanding that I give them my email first. After that it demanded I write a question for the vet. After that it said “URL unavailable.” Very obnoxious! Anyway, I’m going to check the pet store for a topical thing I could put on that might help. I’m trying to avoid a vet visit as money is really tight, or, more accurately, paid work continues to be nonexistent and my savings is running out…Not so many more months without finding a job and I’ll be looking for new homes for my three kitties 🙁

And I still need to make some dietary changes. The author of the book I’m referencing, Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, says that canned foods with fish, beef, or significant amounts of cereal are the most likely culprits that contribute to allergic skin disease. She recommends changing to a low-carb diet with a single source of protein, such as rabbit meat. That will be my next approach. I’ve already gotten them onto a grain-free diet, which I believe is healthier for a lot of reasons.

I actually have not noticed any rabbit-meat based foods in the pet store, but will look more. I think I’m giving up on the salmon oil. I didn’t even do a half pump, only a tiny amount and it ruins a whole serving of perfectly good (and expensive) canned food–none of my cats want it! Will look up “elimination diet.” Thanks EC.

I bought some Excel Hydrocortisone spray and sprayed Kensho with it yesterday and it seemed to help. I know it is only a short-term measure, but I’ve got to do something. I’ve noticed, too, that when I pet him on his backside, near his tail, he instantly goes to scratching his front legs. It’s weird. Anyway, I did buy some canned food that is 98% rabbit and started adding that to his canned food this morning. Unfortunately, Jasmine wouldn’t eat any. But she’s Ms. Finnicky. I am going to give him the hydrocortisone later today, but this time apply it differently: first spray it on my hand, then apply with my hand, so I can more effectively get it into his skin. I’m also going to apply it not just to the front legs but to his entire coat.

From what I can research, hydrocortisone is prescribed for cats. It is “supposed” to be under the supervision of a vet, but I’m trying to avoid the cost of a vet visit. I’m going to follow the directions on the product. Tonight I applied it by first putting it on my hands and that went much better. I think he was better afterward. I’m still changing is diet but that takes time. Will spend the next several days trying to get him onto a rabbit diet, to see if that works.