Skin!!

Question
I have a two year old male orange and white tabby. I have noticed that he scratches a lot. I know he doesn't have fleas because I give him a once a month pill. I was wanting to know if there is something I can from a pet store like Pets Mart for his skin.

Answer
Stacy,

You need to find out why he is scratching a lot.

He could have dry skin.  If so, an additive to the food like Dream Coat or Dermcaps liquid would be very helpful. This might be denoted by dandruff like white flakes.

He could have a food allergy, like be allergic to wheat, corn, soy, and/or gluten.  You can find foods that have none of these ingredients.  Some cats have a beef allergy. It takes a lot of detective work and trial and error to find a food allergy.

I am assuming he is neutered, but even so, during "mating" season, his hormones can reach higher levels and, with some cats, cause "hot spots" that he will scratch. Your vet can prescribe something like prednisone for short term cases.

There could be an external parasite like dust mites or body mites he is reacting to. A dose with ivermectin once a week for 4 weeks might cure this.

It could be something totally different, like an allergy to whatever you are using to wash his bedding!

So, as you can see, there is no magic solution to the problem, but you and your vet will have a lot of detective work to do to get to the bottom of the problem.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.