British Blue

Question
My cat is a 7 year old British blue with on going skin problems around the neck including scratching till blood occurs and sores appear.we have tried an all fish diet and an all dried food diet and it doesn't seem to be getting results also taking him to the vet to be given anti biotic numerous times and even anti anxiety tablets. Now scratching to the point where blood is sprayed around surrounding surfaces. please help.

Answer
Elizabeth,

It sure sounds like an allergic reaction to me, but I am not a vet.  It could be body mites and a treatment with ivermectin once a week for 4 weeks would clear it up.  If it is not body mites, the ivermectin treatment will not hurt and you can rule out a number of skin parasites.

Another major allergy is fleas, so you can check for that.  There are good topical treatments these days, so you can treat for fl;eas even if none are readily apparent.

Many cats are allergic to corn, wheat, and soy, especially the gluten, so double check your food.  There are excellent dry foods available that have none of these 3 grains.

Finally, allergies can also be to things in the environment, e.g. whatever you wash the bedding in, certain fibers, etc.  Allergies are a royal pain ti nail down.

Please let me know how you make out.

Best regards... Norm.