Thank you for bearing with me.
Some of you may remember that when we first rescued Chumley (formerly Charlie) and he lived next door in his own trailer before we began introductions, we noticed that he became very itchy/scratchy.
We thought it might be allergies (though the about two weeks before we trapped him, he'd hang out on the picnic table occasionally, and we never saw him being itchy/scratchy). We switched him to a hypoallergenic food, and it made no difference over about two months.
So once he was over here, we slowly switched him back to the food our kitties eat (Hill's c/d because the boys have all had multiple problems with crystals), and we tried to give him benadryl, which was a complete nightmare. I did some research, and found that while there are no studies of using zyrtec (cetirizine) in cats, it's been quite effective. As a new generation antihistamine type drug, it has less side effects - and the wonderful aspect of not being bitter. Vet agreed after reading everything I gave her. He eats it easily in a pill pocket.
He does seem to be less manic about going at his feet (itching, but really going at it with his mouth) and generally less itchy/scratchy - though definitely still itchy/scratchy. But he also grooms a lot. We think it's probably because it's stressful being here - we do have 8 cats in a small space. He just looks so... happy when he's grooming himself, and it isn't manic (like Spooky was when she was overgrooming).
Apart from the fact that I think he's gained too much weight
, I noticed yesterday that the bottom of his belly doesn't have a lot of hair on it. But I rarely see him grooming himself there!
So... we're off to the vet.
But I'm looking for ideas, things to ask, and thoughts about what we should consider doing.
For his weight, I can reduce the amount of food I'm giving him - he eats mostly wet. I hate to admit it... but the rest of our kitties NEVER finish their wet meals (2 a day), and I've been letting Chum finish their food.
It's just SO HARD not to spoil the heck out him, the poor guy's had such a hard life.
...and of course we have the Feliway going and we add Bach's Rescue Remedy to the water... and we play with all of them, though especially Chum, a lot - because he LOVES to play. He may be 3 or 4, but he obviously never really got to be a kitten, because he sure is enjoying it now.
I have severe allergies, and it's been a heck of a season. But we keep the place clean, and have HEPA air filters going...
So if anyone has any ideas or thoughts about what we can do for him - or what we should discuss with the vet, I'd really appreciate it!
I've been given the name of a holistic vet that we can consult by phone, and we will be calling him to set up a consult as well.
And for those that made it this far, thank you!
Some of you may remember that when we first rescued Chumley (formerly Charlie) and he lived next door in his own trailer before we began introductions, we noticed that he became very itchy/scratchy.
We thought it might be allergies (though the about two weeks before we trapped him, he'd hang out on the picnic table occasionally, and we never saw him being itchy/scratchy). We switched him to a hypoallergenic food, and it made no difference over about two months.
So once he was over here, we slowly switched him back to the food our kitties eat (Hill's c/d because the boys have all had multiple problems with crystals), and we tried to give him benadryl, which was a complete nightmare. I did some research, and found that while there are no studies of using zyrtec (cetirizine) in cats, it's been quite effective. As a new generation antihistamine type drug, it has less side effects - and the wonderful aspect of not being bitter. Vet agreed after reading everything I gave her. He eats it easily in a pill pocket.
He does seem to be less manic about going at his feet (itching, but really going at it with his mouth) and generally less itchy/scratchy - though definitely still itchy/scratchy. But he also grooms a lot. We think it's probably because it's stressful being here - we do have 8 cats in a small space. He just looks so... happy when he's grooming himself, and it isn't manic (like Spooky was when she was overgrooming).
Apart from the fact that I think he's gained too much weight
So... we're off to the vet.
But I'm looking for ideas, things to ask, and thoughts about what we should consider doing.
For his weight, I can reduce the amount of food I'm giving him - he eats mostly wet. I hate to admit it... but the rest of our kitties NEVER finish their wet meals (2 a day), and I've been letting Chum finish their food.
...and of course we have the Feliway going and we add Bach's Rescue Remedy to the water... and we play with all of them, though especially Chum, a lot - because he LOVES to play. He may be 3 or 4, but he obviously never really got to be a kitten, because he sure is enjoying it now.
So if anyone has any ideas or thoughts about what we can do for him - or what we should discuss with the vet, I'd really appreciate it!
I've been given the name of a holistic vet that we can consult by phone, and we will be calling him to set up a consult as well.
And for those that made it this far, thank you!
