Bald spots!

Hey, I'm new here in search of some advice.

I adopted two cats 4 years ago after my cat of 13 years was struck by a car during the night. I've kept them indoors and they're both 5 years old now. I love them to pieces. They're both absolute sweethearts.

I'm worried about one of them though (Twiggy). I've discovered a bald spot under her neck. However, it's under her collar, so I'm not sure if it's due to rubbing. I wasn't the one to put the collar on her, and I wish I had been, because then I could've seen if it was there before it was put on. Neither of the cats have been taken the vet, which I really hate to admit. My other cat was never taken to the vet either. It's ridiculously expensive, so I decided that they'd be taken if something serious ever shows up. Now, I'd really like to take my cat to be checked, but I'm worried that they're going to want to bombard my cat with vaccinations I can't afford. And, I don't want to look like a bad cat owner for not taking them. Although, I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I'm also worried that Twiggy may not be getting all her nutrition. She seems pretty skinny, but who am I to say. I was thinking of getting new cat food incase she doesn't like the one I'm giving her now.

Can anyone help me out?

They both are very seemingly healthy, happy cats to me. Neither of them have changed their behaviors. Twiggy's always been pretty quiet and laid back and Cammie's all up in your face, lol. It's still that way.

Edit: I just read one of the posts about the flea collars. I had no idea how dangerous they could be. I always used one on my previous cat with no problems. But I'm going to take both collars off of Twiggy and see if it begins to clear up.

No vet can force vaccinations on you against your will - yes your cat is a patient but you are also a customer and you can ask to have the neck issue treated and nothing else.

Originally Posted by stephenq

No vet can force vaccinations on you against your will - yes your cat is a patient but you are also a customer and you can ask to have the neck issue treated and nothing else.

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This is true, also maybe it would be a good chance to see if your vet to arrange a payment schedule for vaccines; it might be one way of doing it.

Yay for keeping them indoors!!!

Yes, flea collars are very dangerous, and if there was a flea collar where this bald spot is now, it may very well be what caused it. IMO the only thing flea collars are good for is your vacuum cleaner bag!

You should definitely bring your cats to the vet. I think you know that's what we're all gonna say though, right? No vet can do anything to your cat against your will, unless they suspect abuse, which wouldn't be any concern of yours. Twiggy may have worms, which would explain her skinniness. If you've been having a flea problem, you very likely have a worm problem too, which is very simple and inexpensive to treat. Do NOT try to treat worms yourself, those meds just as bad as flea collars unless the worming meds are from your vet. Call around and ask about appt prices.

There are also other routes you can take. Some larger shelters run clinics that are low-cost both for checkups, shots, spay/neuters, etc. If you'd like help looking, let us know where you live (town, state or just state).

Are your cats spayed? If not, spaying them now not only cuts down on annoying heat periods and prevents pregnancy should one of your precious dolls slip out once, it also eliminates the chance for pyometra, a potentially fatal infection, and cancers of the uterus and ovaries. It also reduces the risk of mammary cancer. A seemingly large investment now can be a lifesaver for your babygirls and also, though of course money is not the first concern, save you thousands that it would cost to treat if any of those sad and devastating ailments.

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

Are your cats spayed? If not, spaying them now not only cuts down on annoying heat periods and prevents pregnancy should one of your precious dolls slip out once, it also eliminates the chance for pyometra, a potentially fatal infection, and cancers of the uterus and ovaries. It also reduces the risk of mammary cancer. A seemingly large investment now can be a lifesaver for your babygirls and also, though of course money is not the first concern, save you thousands that it would cost to treat if any of those sad and devastating ailments.

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Too true. Molly wasn't spayed til late in life and later developed cancer - let me take a moment to heap glorious praise on my vet who caught it early (we were only in for her vaccs) - I've been told that kitty cancer is about 90% malignant.

Thank you all so much for the advice. =)

Since I adopted both cats out of a shelter, they were already spayed and had a few vaccinations. I adopted them both of out North Shore Animal Center in Long Island, NY. I don't recall if they have a clinic over there, although I'm sure they do since they are a very large shelter.

I'll call up the local vets and ask how much it would cost to have her checked and let them know I'm not interested in getting any vaccinations at the time. I hope they'll be understandable about it and not try to criticize me for their lack of vet visits.

And I'm also hoping that it's absolutely nothing. It hasn't gotten worst. It could also be from the cats rough housing with eachother, because Cammie tends to be a little bit of a bully.

I'll let you all know how it goes - thanks again!