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#11
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
If the litter box smells it shouldn't. Are you using scoopable cat litter?
I have 3 cats who use a box with scoopable litter and I clean it twice a day my house doesn't smell and neither does the litter box except right after they use it. Clean it more often is the answer to this. Celeste "sdavies6" wrote in message ... I assume you would discourage the use of air freheneers or deodorizers. What would you use to cover up the smell of a litter box, or other normal but otherwise offensive household smells? I assume spraying the air with lysol is a no-no. "Spot" wrote in message news:n4euh.7485$2n.2297@trndny06... OK..........clean the place up with a good vacumning. Stop burning the inscence, use only vinegar and water to clean with (ie scrubbing floors & counters), no arerosols, don't use carpet deodorizes cut out anything that she could be having a reaction to and see if it clears up. If not then I would suggest changing foods Fancy Feast is a good one to go with for cats who have allergies since it doesn't have all that garbage in that the other manufacturers put in. If the Fancy Feast doesn't work I would try a precscription diet from the vets office. Celeste "sdavies6" wrote in message ... My Daisy is a 4 year old Snowshoe Siamese. She lives in my small studio aprtment with her brother Mickey. Daisy is a timid cat and she often growls (deep gutteral growling) and hisses at Mickey. Sometimes he deserves it, as he throws her off the cat tree. Other times he is simply walking by her. Yet, much of the time they co-exist peacefully, although not lovingly as they did when they were kittens. A few months ago I noticed a small patch of lost hair and raw skin on her neck, just below her chin at the uppermost part of her neck she could reach with her tounge. Within a few days it got larger and uglier, as she licked at it incessently. I took her to the vet and they took a culture to test for ringworm and gave me an antibiotic to give her. Taking her to the vet was traumatic for the both of us. Both she and her brother hide from other people and it was the first time in years she was confronted by another human. Surprisingly, she seemed so frightened that she was very docile and easily examined. I was absolutely amazed. Giving her meds is a very difficult experience for both of us. She is not easily handled and if she wants to hide behind the bed, It can't be done. I brought her back after a week when it got no better. Both vets on duty looked at her and consulted. They concluded that she had an allergic reaction (alopcia, something) and that it was in an unusual place on her body. They made me cut out all fish from her diet, and to examine all cans of food for fish products, even beef foods. (Surprisingly, a turkey food can sometimes be mixed with fish) They prescribed a steriod cortisone pill dexamethosone? First, they gave her a strong shot of it. Then I gave her a half pill every day for three doses, then every other day for three more times then every third day for three more times. Luckily, I found a perfect way to give her the pill. She loves little pieces of grilled cheese. So, I crush the pill up and roll it on a piece of cheese and she eats and licks it from my finger. Unfortunately, I have to have a grilled cheese sandwhich every few days. Within a few weeks she was almost 100%. The spot got smaller and smaller and would occassionally scab up. The scab fell off and the skin underneath healed and then a smaller scab, etc. The hair started growing back. Then, she had a small set back and I was told to continue the regiment, although I had come to the end of our original prescription. So, two weeks later she is 100%, all the hair is back and the spot non-existent. Then, last night, after not having medicine for 4 or 5 days, she starts licking it raw again. I am very stressed out and concerned about this whole affair. She has undoubtedly increased her appetite and water intake, so I am worried the drugs could bring on Diabetes. Although, the water intake is not outrageous. She has become a bit more docile, and for that I'm happy, although, it really isn't her way and it bothers me. The vet says she may have to stay on a low dose cortisone forever, although not necessarily this one. She says she may be allergic to something else, dust or perfume in the kitty litter. If its dust, then we're all out of luck, as I am a bachelor and could NEVER clean this place sufficiently. There is no perfume in the litter, but I told the vet I do burn incense, and she said that might be the culprit. I also thought the problem might be stress related from the other cat, but the vet said the culture indicated an allergy. So, I am concerned about a host of things, and worried, and very tired of eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Anyone out there have any ideas, support, anecdotes, etc., that might help me and Daisy through this. If she gets Diabetes from the drugs, it would be catostrophic, as I am not living the kind of lifestyle where I could give her the constant care she would need. I do not like the idea of her on meds forever, especially strong meds. I hate seeing her lick herself raw. |
#12
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
It is alleged that Spot claimed:
OK..........clean the place up with a good vacumning. Stop burning the inscence, use only vinegar and water to clean with (ie scrubbing floors & counters), no arerosols, don't use carpet deodorizes cut out anything that she could be having a reaction to and see if it clears up. If not then I would suggest changing foods Fancy Feast is a good one to go with for cats who have allergies since it doesn't have all that garbage in that the other manufacturers put in. If the Fancy Feast doesn't work I would try a precscription diet from the vets office. And change cat litters. Look for "Yesterday's News" or "PaPURR" brands. They're made of recycled papers and formed into pellets. Absolutely no dust, and better at absorbing cat pee than any clay litter. One I found at the local grocery store, the other I've only found at the large pet supply places (Petco). My cat's vet recommended it, and I love the stuff. My cat (Delany) never blinked at the change of litter. -- Jeffrey Kaplan www.gordol.org The from userid is killfiled Send personal mail to gordol Peter's Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord, #28. My pet monster will be kept in a secure cage from which it cannot escape and into which I could not accidentally stumble. |
#13
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
It is alleged that Rhonda claimed:
They make a treat called Pill Pockets that has a little hole in it to insert a pill. That worked on our cat a few times when the pill was small. I had to feed him an extra one first so he didn't suspect anything. I've also used Whiskers Lickin' moist treats, broken them in two and molded it around the pill. It can be more tricky because it can be crumbly, you have to mold it around and really squeeze it together. I eventually resorted to just hiding the pill in Delany's wet/canned food. Also, see if the meds are available as a liquid. It's easier to get a cat to swallow a liquid squirted into its mouth than a pill. -- Jeffrey Kaplan www.gordol.org The from userid is killfiled Send personal mail to gordol Peter's Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord, #28. My pet monster will be kept in a secure cage from which it cannot escape and into which I could not accidentally stumble. |
#14
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
Jeffrey Kaplan wrote:
It is alleged that Rhonda claimed: They make a treat called Pill Pockets that has a little hole in it to insert a pill. That worked on our cat a few times when the pill was small. I had to feed him an extra one first so he didn't suspect anything. I've also used Whiskers Lickin' moist treats, broken them in two and molded it around the pill. It can be more tricky because it can be crumbly, you have to mold it around and really squeeze it together. I eventually resorted to just hiding the pill in Delany's wet/canned food. You're lucky. Abernathy finds the pill every time. Rhonda |
#15
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
Did you consider switching to the limited ingredient food?
Our cat developed his food allergies after being on the same food for years. Rhonda sdavies6 wrote: Thanks to all with your suggestions. I'll respond to all here. As for the cleanliness of my house, I unerstand how it came off. I live in a small cramped studio apt. in NYC, for the past 30years. There are a million places I cannot get to except for special occassions. Like my old entertainment unit which I took apart to upgrade equipment and had years of dust in the back, and similar other places a cat can get into which I rarely do. I've had cats here for 30 years, these are my third pair. None have ever been allergic to anything, let alone the dust. So, it came as a surprise when Daisy, who I got as a rescue with her brother since they were 10 weeks, suddenly exhibited an allergic reaction on her neck, just two months shy of her 4th birthday. BTW, they were never feral. They were born in captivity. I'm not as concerned with litter over the few days, as I do clean it regularly. Sometimes, they can really stink up th eplace, especially if it isn't burried. For that matter, I can too. I was just wondering what an acceptable deodorant would be, if I am keeping away from aerosals. The pill pockets worked for two doses. After that she looked at it , and if a cat could snicker, you know that's what she was doing. I'm really concerned about not finding the root cause of this, and having to possibly keep her on these meds for a long time. I'll speak to my vet about those injectable meds that were mentioned.\ Thanks again. "sdavies6" wrote in message ... My Daisy is a 4 year old Snowshoe Siamese. She lives in my small studio aprtment with her brother Mickey. Daisy is a timid cat and she often growls (deep gutteral growling) and hisses at Mickey. Sometimes he deserves it, as he throws her off the cat tree. Other times he is simply walking by her. Yet, much of the time they co-exist peacefully, although not lovingly as they did when they were kittens. A few months ago I noticed a small patch of lost hair and raw skin on her neck, just below her chin at the uppermost part of her neck she could reach with her tounge. Within a few days it got larger and uglier, as she licked at it incessently. I took her to the vet and they took a culture to test for ringworm and gave me an antibiotic to give her. Taking her to the vet was traumatic for the both of us. Both she and her brother hide from other people and it was the first time in years she was confronted by another human. Surprisingly, she seemed so frightened that she was very docile and easily examined. I was absolutely amazed. Giving her meds is a very difficult experience for both of us. She is not easily handled and if she wants to hide behind the bed, It can't be done. I brought her back after a week when it got no better. Both vets on duty looked at her and consulted. They concluded that she had an allergic reaction (alopcia, something) and that it was in an unusual place on her body. They made me cut out all fish from her diet, and to examine all cans of food for fish products, even beef foods. (Surprisingly, a turkey food can sometimes be mixed with fish) They prescribed a steriod cortisone pill dexamethosone? First, they gave her a strong shot of it. Then I gave her a half pill every day for three doses, then every other day for three more times then every third day for three more times. Luckily, I found a perfect way to give her the pill. She loves little pieces of grilled cheese. So, I crush the pill up and roll it on a piece of cheese and she eats and licks it from my finger. Unfortunately, I have to have a grilled cheese sandwhich every few days. Within a few weeks she was almost 100%. The spot got smaller and smaller and would occassionally scab up. The scab fell off and the skin underneath healed and then a smaller scab, etc. The hair started growing back. Then, she had a small set back and I was told to continue the regiment, although I had come to the end of our original prescription. So, two weeks later she is 100%, all the hair is back and the spot non-existent. Then, last night, after not having medicine for 4 or 5 days, she starts licking it raw again. I am very stressed out and concerned about this whole affair. She has undoubtedly increased her appetite and water intake, so I am worried the drugs could bring on Diabetes. Although, the water intake is not outrageous. She has become a bit more docile, and for that I'm happy, although, it really isn't her way and it bothers me. The vet says she may have to stay on a low dose cortisone forever, although not necessarily this one. She says she may be allergic to something else, dust or perfume in the kitty litter. If its dust, then we're all out of luck, as I am a bachelor and could NEVER clean this place sufficiently. There is no perfume in the litter, but I told the vet I do burn incense, and she said that might be the culprit. I also thought the problem might be stress related from the other cat, but the vet said the culture indicated an allergy. So, I am concerned about a host of things, and worried, and very tired of eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Anyone out there have any ideas, support, anecdotes, etc., that might help me and Daisy through this. If she gets Diabetes from the drugs, it would be catostrophic, as I am not living the kind of lifestyle where I could give her the constant care she would need. I do not like the idea of her on meds forever, especially strong meds. I hate seeing her lick herself raw. |
#16
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
I'll ask my vet if he thinks the change of cat litter is a good thing, both
for odor and perhaps the dust. I've always used Hartz Mountian, without any perfumes or anything else. Squirting a liquid into her mouth would be fine, if I could catch her. She instinctively knows when I'm up to something, and she won't go near me. For a week after her first shot and subsequent med doses she became fairly docile and I could go over to her, put pills in her mouth, or whatever. However, she's not as docile anymore and I need a reliable method. (I'm glad she's not as docile. While I prefer her when I can approach her on my terms -- she'll always come over on her terms -- I don't like the idea of her being in a drug imposed stupor). As the meds became more regular and less often, she became more of the old Daisy. It seems that the only thing I can count on is her coming to me when I eat grilled cheese. Kinda comical, but it works. "sdavies6" wrote in message ... My Daisy is a 4 year old Snowshoe Siamese. She lives in my small studio aprtment with her brother Mickey. Daisy is a timid cat and she often growls (deep gutteral growling) and hisses at Mickey. Sometimes he deserves it, as he throws her off the cat tree. Other times he is simply walking by her. Yet, much of the time they co-exist peacefully, although not lovingly as they did when they were kittens. A few months ago I noticed a small patch of lost hair and raw skin on her neck, just below her chin at the uppermost part of her neck she could reach with her tounge. Within a few days it got larger and uglier, as she licked at it incessently. I took her to the vet and they took a culture to test for ringworm and gave me an antibiotic to give her. Taking her to the vet was traumatic for the both of us. Both she and her brother hide from other people and it was the first time in years she was confronted by another human. Surprisingly, she seemed so frightened that she was very docile and easily examined. I was absolutely amazed. Giving her meds is a very difficult experience for both of us. She is not easily handled and if she wants to hide behind the bed, It can't be done. I brought her back after a week when it got no better. Both vets on duty looked at her and consulted. They concluded that she had an allergic reaction (alopcia, something) and that it was in an unusual place on her body. They made me cut out all fish from her diet, and to examine all cans of food for fish products, even beef foods. (Surprisingly, a turkey food can sometimes be mixed with fish) They prescribed a steriod cortisone pill dexamethosone? First, they gave her a strong shot of it. Then I gave her a half pill every day for three doses, then every other day for three more times then every third day for three more times. Luckily, I found a perfect way to give her the pill. She loves little pieces of grilled cheese. So, I crush the pill up and roll it on a piece of cheese and she eats and licks it from my finger. Unfortunately, I have to have a grilled cheese sandwhich every few days. Within a few weeks she was almost 100%. The spot got smaller and smaller and would occassionally scab up. The scab fell off and the skin underneath healed and then a smaller scab, etc. The hair started growing back. Then, she had a small set back and I was told to continue the regiment, although I had come to the end of our original prescription. So, two weeks later she is 100%, all the hair is back and the spot non-existent. Then, last night, after not having medicine for 4 or 5 days, she starts licking it raw again. I am very stressed out and concerned about this whole affair. She has undoubtedly increased her appetite and water intake, so I am worried the drugs could bring on Diabetes. Although, the water intake is not outrageous. She has become a bit more docile, and for that I'm happy, although, it really isn't her way and it bothers me. The vet says she may have to stay on a low dose cortisone forever, although not necessarily this one. She says she may be allergic to something else, dust or perfume in the kitty litter. If its dust, then we're all out of luck, as I am a bachelor and could NEVER clean this place sufficiently. There is no perfume in the litter, but I told the vet I do burn incense, and she said that might be the culprit. I also thought the problem might be stress related from the other cat, but the vet said the culture indicated an allergy. So, I am concerned about a host of things, and worried, and very tired of eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Anyone out there have any ideas, support, anecdotes, etc., that might help me and Daisy through this. If she gets Diabetes from the drugs, it would be catostrophic, as I am not living the kind of lifestyle where I could give her the constant care she would need. I do not like the idea of her on meds forever, especially strong meds. I hate seeing her lick herself raw. |
#17
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
sdavies6 wrote:
.... Squirting a liquid into her mouth would be fine, if I could catch her. She instinctively knows when I'm up to something, and she won't go near me. For a week after her first shot and subsequent med doses she became fairly docile and I could go over to her, put pills in her mouth, or whatever. However, she's not as docile anymore and I need a reliable method. (I'm glad she's not as docile. While I prefer her when I can approach her on my terms -- she'll always come over on her terms -- I don't like the idea of her being in a drug imposed stupor). As the meds became more regular and less often, she became more of the old Daisy. It seems that the only thing I can count on is her coming to me when I eat grilled cheese. Kinda comical, but it works. My Blanchie wised up to me when she was on a regimen of meds. I think it helps to add catnip, playtime, and non-invasive stuff (skritchy mousie noises on a paper bag). She'll let me do her nails with no protests; it took a while to get there. Would Daisy benefit from an Elizabethan collar? HTH --Karen D. |
#18
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
Again, thanks for the response. Daisy and her brother Mickey do not like
catnip; unbelievable, but true. Do her nails???? HAH! Every six months I wrestle her into a cat bag, specifically made for such a thing. No Elizabethan collar for two reasons. One, the collar would wrap around the wound, and two; it would freak out her and her brother. For now, keeping her on the low dose drug works, but I'm not at all happy about this for the long run. "Veloise" wrote in message oups.com... sdavies6 wrote: ... Squirting a liquid into her mouth would be fine, if I could catch her. She instinctively knows when I'm up to something, and she won't go near me. For a week after her first shot and subsequent med doses she became fairly docile and I could go over to her, put pills in her mouth, or whatever. However, she's not as docile anymore and I need a reliable method. (I'm glad she's not as docile. While I prefer her when I can approach her on my terms -- she'll always come over on her terms -- I don't like the idea of her being in a drug imposed stupor). As the meds became more regular and less often, she became more of the old Daisy. It seems that the only thing I can count on is her coming to me when I eat grilled cheese. Kinda comical, but it works. My Blanchie wised up to me when she was on a regimen of meds. I think it helps to add catnip, playtime, and non-invasive stuff (skritchy mousie noises on a paper bag). She'll let me do her nails with no protests; it took a while to get there. Would Daisy benefit from an Elizabethan collar? HTH --Karen D. |
#19
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
It is alleged that sdavies6 claimed:
Again, thanks for the response. Daisy and her brother Mickey do not like catnip; unbelievable, but true. Do her nails???? HAH! Every six months I wrestle her into a cat bag, specifically made for such a thing. No Needs to be done more frequently, and bribed with treats after. -- Jeffrey Kaplan www.gordol.org The from userid is killfiled Send personal mail to gordol Peter's Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord, #203. I will not employ an evil wizard if he has a sleazy mustache. |
#20
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Daisy's Complicated Allergy/Meds Problem
My cats love liverwurst and thats what I hide their pills in.
"sdavies6" wrote in message ... My Daisy is a 4 year old Snowshoe Siamese. She lives in my small studio aprtment with her brother Mickey. Daisy is a timid cat and she often growls (deep gutteral growling) and hisses at Mickey. Sometimes he deserves it, as he throws her off the cat tree. Other times he is simply walking by her. Yet, much of the time they co-exist peacefully, although not lovingly as they did when they were kittens. A few months ago I noticed a small patch of lost hair and raw skin on her neck, just below her chin at the uppermost part of her neck she could reach with her tounge. Within a few days it got larger and uglier, as she licked at it incessently. I took her to the vet and they took a culture to test for ringworm and gave me an antibiotic to give her. Taking her to the vet was traumatic for the both of us. Both she and her brother hide from other people and it was the first time in years she was confronted by another human. Surprisingly, she seemed so frightened that she was very docile and easily examined. I was absolutely amazed. Giving her meds is a very difficult experience for both of us. She is not easily handled and if she wants to hide behind the bed, It can't be done. I brought her back after a week when it got no better. Both vets on duty looked at her and consulted. They concluded that she had an allergic reaction (alopcia, something) and that it was in an unusual place on her body. They made me cut out all fish from her diet, and to examine all cans of food for fish products, even beef foods. (Surprisingly, a turkey food can sometimes be mixed with fish) They prescribed a steriod cortisone pill dexamethosone? First, they gave her a strong shot of it. Then I gave her a half pill every day for three doses, then every other day for three more times then every third day for three more times. Luckily, I found a perfect way to give her the pill. She loves little pieces of grilled cheese. So, I crush the pill up and roll it on a piece of cheese and she eats and licks it from my finger. Unfortunately, I have to have a grilled cheese sandwhich every few days. Within a few weeks she was almost 100%. The spot got smaller and smaller and would occassionally scab up. The scab fell off and the skin underneath healed and then a smaller scab, etc. The hair started growing back. Then, she had a small set back and I was told to continue the regiment, although I had come to the end of our original prescription. So, two weeks later she is 100%, all the hair is back and the spot non-existent. Then, last night, after not having medicine for 4 or 5 days, she starts licking it raw again. I am very stressed out and concerned about this whole affair. She has undoubtedly increased her appetite and water intake, so I am worried the drugs could bring on Diabetes. Although, the water intake is not outrageous. She has become a bit more docile, and for that I'm happy, although, it really isn't her way and it bothers me. The vet says she may have to stay on a low dose cortisone forever, although not necessarily this one. She says she may be allergic to something else, dust or perfume in the kitty litter. If its dust, then we're all out of luck, as I am a bachelor and could NEVER clean this place sufficiently. There is no perfume in the litter, but I told the vet I do burn incense, and she said that might be the culprit. I also thought the problem might be stress related from the other cat, but the vet said the culture indicated an allergy. So, I am concerned about a host of things, and worried, and very tired of eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Anyone out there have any ideas, support, anecdotes, etc., that might help me and Daisy through this. If she gets Diabetes from the drugs, it would be catostrophic, as I am not living the kind of lifestyle where I could give her the constant care she would need. I do not like the idea of her on meds forever, especially strong meds. I hate seeing her lick herself raw. |
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