Cat skin/fur problem???

Ray is about an 9 year cat that I caught 3 years ago & brought inside. He'd been a stray that never let me pet him for years but I still tried to make sure he had a meal everyday. I provided outdoor shelter when I could but he pretty much just lived outside for at least 6 years. I got him inside 3 years ago & he's been as loving a cat as I've ever had. I'm always proud of that story.

Lately, Ray hasn't been feeling well. I've noticed he has some sort of gunk on his back. His fur gets stiff & slightly sticky. The fur gets matted together. He doesn't like me to touch his back much either. When I wash him, which isn't much fun, some brown substance comes off of him. The towel I rub him with is brown now. He hasn't been outside for 3 years. He's been treated for fleas. The other cats are fine. After I wash him he seems to feel better.

Any ideas what condition could this be?

Can you do a google search on stud tail? It is suppose to happen more in un-neutered males, but can happen in neutered males and females. It is sebacous glands that secrete fluid that feels sticky.

I definitely will. Thank you! Sticky describes it.

I think my friends Maine Coons had it before they were spayed. He only uses all natural products so we washed the base of tails and thoughly dried several times, once they were spayed it has not happened again. I think sometimes it has to be treated by a vet.

My buddy Ray.

Thank you for the kind responses. Unfortunately, Ray had other problems that I honestly didn't know to look for. I was taking him to the vet on Monday. Fur was only part of his problem. After much reading, it seems he suffered from cat stomatitis, a severe periodontal problem. His entire condition went downhill.

Thank you again for the response. It means a great deal to me.

wvcatguy said:

My buddy Ray.

Thank you for the kind responses. Unfortunately, Ray had other problems that I honestly didn't know to look for. I was taking him to the vet on Monday. Fur was only part of his problem. After much reading, it seems he suffered from cat stomatitis, a severe periodontal problem. His entire condition went downhill.

Thank you again for the response. It means a great deal to me.

Click to expand...

It sounds like he is gone now?

Yes he's at peace now.

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!!!   What happened?  Did the sickness happen too fast to take him to the vet? 

I hope you're doing okay.  I'm very sorry for your loss.

He deteriorated really quickly. I'd hoped to take him today. I'm not sure what could have been done. Assuming he did have
stomatitis, it's pretty expensive to treat with no guarantees of recovery. I'm not sure what I would have done.

Thank you for your kind words. I'm happy he had some good years inside.

I'm a pet sitter and I had a client with a cat with the same brown goo coming off his back and fur.  He had been diagnosed with cancer.  He, too, passed away a while ago.

You did an awesome thing by feeding him every day until you could get him to come inside.  The best part is he knew he was loved and could pass in peace.  You have a big heart!

I'm sorry he passed away, and deteriorated so quickly. As you said, at least you gave him some good years inside where he was fed and cared for so he knew what it was like to be loved.
Thread will be closed now out of respect.
There is a tribute thread at the Bridge for Ray:
http://www.thecatsite.com/t/312783/my-buddy-ray