On Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:10:43 +0930, jmc
wrote:

Regulars here know Meep has cystitis. I've been noting a thinning of
hair on her belly, about where her bladder is. It isn't self-mutilation
- yet - it's just short hairs, but no skin damage. I pointed this out
to the vet and she indicated that this could indeed be caused by
discomfort from cystitis, but did not recommend any treatment at this
time. The treatment she'd suggest is anti-inflammatories, and I guess
that's to be avoided for as long as possible, due to the stress this
therapy places on kidneys and liver.

JMC, I'm feeding my cat wild pacific canned salmon AS an
anti-inflammatory, from its high omega 3 content. You might try that.


I'm bothered by this though - it's a visible indication that she's
uncomfortable, even if she's not showing clinical signs. She's licked
to the point of self-mutilation before, so I'm keeping a close eye on this.

She's been eating almost only wet food for a couple of weeks, but it
hasn't made a difference to this behavior. Is it too soon?

Is there anything I could give her to either make her more comfortable,
or at least to keep her from licking?

If your cat were human, I'm sure cranberry juice would be recommended
as a home remedy for cystitis. I don't know if cats will even drink
cranberry juice. I would really like to know if anyone has tried
this, as my cat has cystitis too, imho, as there is blood in his
urine.

Considering that cats are carnivores, what they like is surprising. I
wouldn't have imagined that my cat would like boiled broccoli, but, as
it turns out, he LOVES it! I only give him a little bit of the
florets, and he actually likes it BETTER than salmon.
Catman


Please don't suggest a second opinion - would if I could. This is the
best of the two vet clinics in town. The next nearest is a plane flight
away.

jmc