QuestionHi, my tabby just started acting out of the ordinary. She is about 10 years old. She keeps walking around the house and when she sees someone she meows like something is bothering her. She acts like something is bothering her on her back or the right side. She tries to lick it or scratch at it. She keeps coming back to me like she wants me to fix the problem. I called the vet and suggested it might be fleas, but they said the fleas would be all over and she seems to be upset about one specific spot. Also, the vet said fleas were very unlikely in Utah where we live. Any suggestions?
AnswerHi LeeAnn,
I don't possible have enough information to help you with this. Utah is cold and fleas go dormant in the cold weather. But take a flea comb and see if you see evidence of flea dirt.
Is there dander?
Does she have bumps? If she is itchy it could be a food allergy. Dry food leads to skin issues. Poor quality food such as commercial problems lead to skin problems. The worst brands are friskies, purina and whiskas and anything in that caliber.
Could there be an abscess you aren't seeing yet that she is trying to lick?
What else is going on? Losing weight? More of an appetite?
She is an older cat and I would get a complete blood profile with a T4 to make sure all is well. Hopefully, she won't be stressed and your vet and staff is gentle as I find is often NOT the case with animals.
I don't know if her crying out to people is related to her itchiness.
One symptom of hyperthryoidism which occurs in older kitties is amore vocal cat, that is eating a lot and not putting on weight. Sometimes they become a bit more irritable.
Best of luck,
Shanti