my 15 yr. old female cat

Question
What is happening to my old kittie.  Just this summer she started to get sores around her ears, chin.  She scratches and I was so worried about what it could be and infection, so I took her to my vet.  The vet didn't know what it was, and totally ruled out lice, ringworm etc.  Said maybe she was getting mosquito bitten.  Could this be so.  Is there something in older cats that make their skin itchy and or so sensitive that they want to scratch all the time?

Answer
Hi Bev.  If you cat is going outside, you may want to keep her indoors.  During the warmer months, there are many things that can activate allergies which will irritate the skin.  You may want to have your veterinarian take a small skin biopsy to see what is the cause of these sores. Antibiotic ointments will help heal the sores.  Cats can develop allergies to many things from kitten hood, to senior ages.  You may want to clip her nails very short so they will do less damage during scratching.  There must be something that is causing her to be so itchy, which would definately fall int he category of an allergy. Your veterinarian can prescribe some steroid therapy (either injection or pills) that will help clear up the itchiness and sores.
I wish I could be of more help.
Let me know how she does!
Hilary