11 year old indoor cat scratching ears bloody and raw.

amplee78

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I have an 11 year old cat, strictly indoors. No changes in her food, litter, detergents, etc. She is just as playful, loving, and same appetite as always. We have taken her to a very reputable vet three times now. No elevated temperature and no ear mites. On two visits she was given a steroid shot and the scratching ended immediately, but returned a few weeks later. On the third visit they gave her predisone pills and they worked almost as quick but the scratching has returned again. The only other option they gave me was an $800 allergy test and they may be able to treat her or more than likely not. if I knew it would cure her I would do it. I have been feeding her Purina Indoor Cat Naturals. I am now feeding her Precise Holistic and have been using Vetericyn spray and even tried Bayer Itch Relief spray with Omega-6 fatty acids. These changes haven't helped either. I am so stressed and won't her healed but don't want to have to keep getting her steroids. Any help so very much appreciated!
 

hope4compassion

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Hmm have you thought of a cone to put around her neck to keep her from scratching? Won't necessarily stop the itching but maybe it can give her poor ears a chance to heal. Good luck!
 
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amplee78

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I haven't thought about that. Where would I get one? I assume I would leave it on 24/7. Seems like having a cone on it would drive her insane, are they able to still sleep and function normally while wearing one? Thanks!
 

stephanietx

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Did they check for ear infection or yeast infection in her ears?  That would be my first thought.  Then, it could be seasonal allergies.
 
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amplee78

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yes, they did that too. I take generic Zyrtec, I wonder if I should share some with her? I've read that Zyrtec was safe for felines...
 

catpack

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Since kitty improved with steroid shots, I think your likely cause IS allergy (either food or environmental.) Allergies can begin at anytime to a product, food, etc that the cat has been exposed to over a long period of time.

You can use an e-collar, but, this will not cure your cat. It will only prevent her from scratching her ears (and might make her agitated if she continues to itch and can't reach the area.)

I would suggest putting your cat on a grain-free, limited ingredient diet. The new food should contain one protein source. The protein should be novel (something the cat has never had...duck, rabbit, lamb, venison...)

Kitty will need to be on this diet for about 12 wks. If symptoms improve, it's likely diet related. If not, it's (usually) environmental. I say usually simply b/c one of my cats had an allergic reaction to rabbit the second time he ate it. So, there is a *slim* chance that problems could persist on a new food if there is a trigger.

Corn, Wheat, Soy, Chicken, Beef and Fish are the most common food allergies seen in cats. I would stay away from ALL of these.

Amongst my cats, there are also allergies to Pork, Rabbit, Eggs, Gluten and Carrageenan/Agar-Agar.

The most common Environmental allergies are House Flies, Fleas, Roaches, Pollen, Dust, Mold and Mildew.

I know this doesn't give you a direct answer. I would start with a diet change and restart steroid injections to help get things cleared back up. See if symptoms continue to improve once back off steroid injections.
 
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amplee78

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I did switch to the Precise Holistic grain free, but it is a turkey/chicken meal formula. I won't tell my wife it could be a dust, mold, or mildew issue, she keeps the house spotless! lol! The vet did say it was possible it could be fleas although we have never seen a single one. We got some revolution, but that didn't help either.
 

hope4compassion

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The cones can be found at petsmart I believe. Like catpack said, it could agitate her cause she can't get to her ears to scratch. Not sure if she can sleep with it on, eat, etc. I don't think they are very expensive so you could always give it a try!:)
 
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