Feline irritations could be allergies or a parasite problem
A good many of us are allergic to our pets, felines in particular, because of both dander and hair. Did you ever stop to consider the reverse?
Our pets may not be allergic to us, but, yes, our felines may be allergic to various factors in the environment we create for them. Is your feline scratching its ears, shaking its head, scratching or biting its body? These are all signs to consult your veterinarian.
There are a few obvious culprits for your feline's discomfort and irritations. Some of which can be easily remedied and some with more elaborate methods.
An easy culprit to deal with is food allergies. With this allergy you may see more than scratching; you may see hair loss and skin lesions. Food allergies are easy to diagnose if you are feeding only one kind of food.
To eliminate this cause, your veterinarian might recommend a food trial. This means you feed only one type of food and see if symptoms lessen. If you are already feeding only one type of food, you may be asked to feed a limited diet, either homemade or prescription.
At home you can cook boiled chicken and rice or lean beef or lamb and rice. Prescription diets are usually "limited ingredient" diets, which may not be available in the over-the-counter variety. Store varieties offered at pet stores are getting better and better, so if you cannot afford prescription, you may be able to find a suitable substitute.
After all your trials and food substitutions, and if the allergy is disappearing, you can feel confident that your feline's problem is solved.
Fleas, a parasite more problematic for dogs than felines because they are outside for activities, should not be ruled out or dismissed. This is especially true in multiple animal households with both dogs and cats.
Felines will scratch and bite themselves with a flea infestation. I do not use this word lightly. If you see one flea, you have a problem. Look also for dark brown or red flecks on the skin and fur. Flea dirt is dried blood from the bites.
Flea preventatives are available from your veterinarian in oral and topical form. Just remember, what is safe for a dog may have never been tested on felines, so consult your vet before you swap out medications between them.
Ear mites are another pest problem. Mites attack the ears when they feed on ear wax and oils in the ear. Along with all the scratching, dark brown dirt is also associated with mites.
You may also notice a strong odor. The ear will need to be washed with a cleaning solution, followed by ear meds. If the condition is left untreated for a long period, strong antibiotics may be necessary. Treating the problem promptly is always easier medically.
Environmental allergies may be the most difficult to control. Some of these might be pollen, dust mites, mold spores and grass. Scratch skin-testing and blood work may pinpoint the culprit. Oral medications and injections can help, sometimes a combination of both.
Some of the medications for allergies can be compounded to be applied to the inner ear. With a prescription from my veterinarian, the mail order companies of Roadrunner and Wedgewood serve my felines well for such ear topical medications.
If your veterinarian gives you a medication to be filled by your local pharmacy because it is not common enough to keep on hand, know you still have options, even if you do not have pet insurance. For $20, your feline can have its own medical card with its name on it, entitling you to reduced costs.
Several of my felines have their own Walgreens card. If you shop around, you will find the pharmacy of your choice more than likely offers the same.
As pet owners, we should advocate that this be common practice at competing pharmacies.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. Its mission is to provide immediate safety and care to stray, and abandoned animals. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit, www.thebuddyfoundation.org.