Itchy Animal Idea - Page 1

Many of us have an animal that for some unknown reason starts to pull its hair out. Everyone can pretty much agree that there is some kind of allergy going on that is often the cause. This scenario happened with my 10 year old cat. I took him to the vet, who wanted to give me frontline even though it was the dead of winter and there is zero evidence of fleas and ticks. We treated the cat a few different ways and the hair started to regrow. All of the sudden, he started ripping his hair out again. 

The temperature just got hot and we had an attack on the house of those Asian Lady Beetles last fall, and now they woke up and want out. I'm thinking has anyone had any testing on an animal for allergy to Asian Lady Beetles, an invasive insect to the US, (brought into the country to control aphids!)?

And if it is this, should I just give the cat some benadryl? (On top of cleaning and vacuuming up the beasties.)

Hi Beetree,

I would consider having some bloodwork done to test his kidney and liver function. Also possibly testing for or just treating for parasites. Both situations can cause itching and hair loss. Of course, a thyroid function test and testing for diabetes might be in order as well if you are going to do the bloodwork anyway.

I would not assume it is an allergy to something environmental. Sometimes we get sidetracked and miss something medical going on..... If all that looks good, then start considering allergy to something. 

Thanks Hodie, I'll just have to make an appointment and ask for those tests. I sure hope it isn't diabetes, my cat is only 91/2 lbs, not fat at all. The coat that is still there is shiny and black. I guess I just don't know what it is. 

Ruling out the medical possibilities first, especially in an older cat, makes sense. I have one almost twice that age and he is skinny and has fur loss, and probably is diabetic, but with diet he seems to do ok. He is too old to transport and stress, so he just does as well as he can and to date, he is happy and still enjoys watching birds outside, sitting in the sun, sleeping with me and begging for food if I have something to eat. He is my favorite cat of all time.

He's got an appointment with the vet on Monday. Do you think I can give him some benadryl  in the meantime? He sure looks like hell,  now! 

Scratch the benadryl, the vet called back and said it is okay for dogs but not for cats. Poor kitty gets nothing. 

No, I would not be giving the cat benadryl either or any other medication before the vet trip. I would wait for the vet visit. In the meantime, try feeding something with less protein in it, just in case the cat is having a kidney issue. Less protein for a kidney issue, is better. Make sure the cat is drinking water and see if you can figure out how often it is urinating.