Paw chewing

[ladytimedramon]

We're almost on a year now with Delilah. I've noticed her do something on and off, which is chew at her front paws. I thought it was a grooming thing, but I noticed she seemed to pull at her toes a lot, especially on 1 paw. I thought she was just cleaning between her toes (she's a fastidious groomer) but I noticed this paw was more sensitive when I tried to check her claws. Under the white fur the toes were really pink like she'd been going at them.

I took her to a new vet, who said it looks like allergies and recommended an antihistamine (not Benadryl - something else that's written down in my car but the generic).

Is this a good idea? I've never given a pet an antihistamine before.

And for the record, this has happened no matter which litter I've used (clay, wood pellet, corn - we now use World's Best).

 

[sivyaleah]

Yes, it is fine as long as administered per vet instructions.

Our younger one was diagnosed with seasonal allergies. Her main problem is recurrent yeast infections in her ears along with the scratching because it bothers her.

One of the options from the specialist was to try Zyrtec or Claritan. We haven't done that yet, but will be. She's supposed to go on sublingual allergy medication too but I'm hoping the allergy pills give her some relief. I believe it was 1/2 a pill daily. We are using an anti-fungal liquid applied in her ears too to clean them daily. There's another gentle cleanser I was given too.

FYI - over the counter allergy pills should not be ones with any other added ingredients; i.e. no decongestant in it. Also I've read it only works in about 30% of cats so don't be surprised if it isn't effective. Give it at least a couple of weeks to see any results. If not, you may have to think about actual allergy testing to find out what's going on.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Absolutely, this is a good idea, given as directed. If the problem is allergies, and it might well be, it will clear things up very quickly. My girl takes Claritin in the spring/early summer, and it works beautifully.

 

[ladytimedramon]

I've noticed her doing this since I adopted her, so on and off for a year now. But then, this is Texas, so it's like allergy haven.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

The other thing that might cause this is anxiety. This wouldn't be the first time something along this line has happened due to anxiety. IF the allergy meds don't seem to be helping, you can try giving her chamomile tea. It is gently calming without being sedating, so no loopy cat staggering around, half-out of it. I suggest always using the commercial tea bags from the grocery store, plain, unblended. They are clearly marked. The reason for using the prepared tea bags is that EVERY ONE OF THEM is pure, German chamomile, which is medicinally active and non-toxic to cats in proper dosages. The English variety, which grows in gardens, is pretty useless AND can be toxic to cats. Brew a cup, chill it in the fridge, and give 1-3 teaspoonfuls up to 3 times a day. If she's 11 pounds or more, give tablespoonfuls. Administer via syringe or medicine dropper, just like with any liquid medication. Also, chamomile tea is wonderfully soothing on skin ouchies, as well as being antibacterial and antifungal, so you could apply it to that paw, as well.