Cat problem

[Saleen836]

Thought i would start a new thread for this instead of merging it with my recent 'poorly cat' thread.

The poorly cat since he became ill a few weeks ago has shown signs which seem a little strange, he will sit and lick/clean himself then suddenly run to another spot and lick/clean himself rather vigouresly (usually in the same spot), he will then either just sit or lay in that spot or run to another spot and lick/clean himself vigorously again and then settle. This happens a few times a day at different times, we have checked him over under his fur and can't see any signs of broken skin or a rash etc but the only thing we have found is that he seems to be suffering from what I can only describe as dandruff.
He is off back to the vet in just over a week for his follow up blood tests for the anemia so will ask the vet for advice, in the meantime anyone had/have a cat that has shown these symptoms?

[bexVN]

Fleas most common reason for this reaction.

Have you used a flea/nit comb on him?

[Saleen836]

bexVN said:

Fleas most common reason for this reaction.

Have you used a flea/nit comb on him?

Yes and he is treated regularly with Advantage, have given him a good inspection down to the skin all over and can see/find no trace of eggs/fleas etc, it is always vigorous licking/cleaning though and not scratching.

[bexVN]

Cats don't tend to scratch as much as dogs.

Phone your vets tom and try and bring your appointment forward, after his recent illness it's best to be cautious and ensure there is no connection.

The other reason is stress, which makes sense when you think what he has been through, your vets will have products that can help if it is a stress response.

[Simpo Two]

Hormone imbalance affecting the skin?

[riosyd]

Our cat used to do this, to the extent that he had almost no fur on his belly, we had some tests done and he was found to be allergic to house dust mites among other things (it was a few years ago and I can't remember exactly what). After we moved house (countryside into town) he never had that problem again, I think he might have been allergic to some kind of grass seed/pollen because his issues were worse during summer.
(We couldn't use the spot on flea treatment on him, tried it once and he developed a bald patch exactly where I'd put it)

[IainT]

riosyd said:

I think he might have been allergic to some kind of grass seed/pollen because his issues were worse during summer.

One of ours was allergic to something that grew in autumn each year. It'd last about 3-4 weeks and he'd get a rash on his belly and over-groom making it worse.

Regular jab as soon as it started sorted it each year. Then he either grew out of it or the thing he reacted to was cut down. He's been fine since our house move.

Excess grooming can also be an indication of stress.

[Saleen836]

Had a chat with the vet yesterday regarding this problem and he seems to think if he gets more fish oil or primrose oil the problem should clear up.

[Jasandjules]

Have you run a flea comb through the fur?

[Saleen836]

Jasandjules said:

Have you run a flea comb through the fur?

Yes and gioven a thorough inspection (so did the vet)