Ginger began excessively scratching and grooming herself just short of a month ago. We gave her Advantage II flea and tick prevention, and Ear mite drops, about 3 weeks ago because of this. The itching has not subsided. I do not see any fleas, ticks, or mites on her. I have combed through her as well. Her bowel and urinary movements are fine. Her appetite is normal. She has itched to the point of small scabs on her body. We need advice on what this could be and what to do about it.
It sounds like Ginger is going through quite a bit of discomfort with her skin, and it's commendable that you've already addressed potential flea and mite issues. Since her itching and excessive grooming are continuing, there are a few possibilities we should consider.
Firstly, allergies could be a factor. Cats can develop allergies to a variety of things, such as certain foods, environmental elements like pollen or dust, or even specific materials. It might be helpful to think about any changes in her environment or diet that coincided with the onset of her symptoms.
Another possibility is skin infections. Excessive scratching can sometimes lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections, which can worsen the itching and cause scabbing.
Additionally, stress or behavioral issues might be at play. Cats sometimes groom excessively due to stress or anxiety. Reflect on any recent changes in her routine or environment that could be contributing to her stress.
For home care, you might consider a few options. Omega-3 supplements can be beneficial for improving skin health and reducing inflammation. These are available as fish oil supplements specifically designed for pets. If you suspect a food allergy, switching to a hypoallergenic diet could be worth trying to see if there's any improvement. Also, using a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo for cats might help soothe her skin. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue that could irritate her skin further.
Since Ginger's symptoms have persisted for a month and are causing scabbing, it would be wise to keep a close eye on her. If there's no improvement or if her symptoms worsen, a visit to the veterinarian would be advisable. They can conduct tests to rule out allergies or infections and provide targeted treatment.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. Thank you for taking such good care of Ginger.
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