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I have a 6 year old indoor medium haired tortie who has had episodes of dermatitis patches in the past. She had a ring worm test which was negative. The skin problems seem seasonal. She has been on oral antibiotics which I do not believe helped the skin. It seems that the areas (small and crusty) seemed to go away on its own timing. Several weeks ago I noticed scratching around the face, infront of both ears. My vet said that she sees food allergies look like this. I had bought some pouches of a "lesser cost" but still bought "high quality dry food". The cats are like kids and go crazy for the cheaper food. Anyway I noticed Molly has a larger area of irritation with hair loss only in that area. I applied the panalog oint. from the vet and added hydrocortisone oint. She is pretty good when I distract her when I put it on and then cleans it off with her paw. Has anyone seen this. My other cats are fine and she does not have fleas.

It sounds like you have covered all the bases about this problem - you've been really working with your vet. Have you thought about trying a veterinary allergist specialist? That would probably be your next best bet. If you haven't already done so, discuss feeding options with your vet. There are some prescription cat foods designed to help the sort of allergic reactions you describe.

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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Hi,

Since this is a possible food allergy, why not cut out the new food and see what happens? The cheaper foods have more fillers and additives that cats can become allergic to.

Ideally, you should try a hypoallergenic diet with the main source of protein being one that your cat hasn't had before. Some possibilities would be rabbit or venison.

Just cutting out the new food may solve the problem, though.

Regards,
PHKitkat

I have a cat with skin allergies. Definately try a food trial. Feed her that food EXCLUSIVELY. No treats, vitamins, nothing else for usually 4 to 12 weeks (depending on your vets recommendations) This food you can get from your vet's office. Several kinds are available..there is a unique protein and carbohydrate like IVD venison and green pea, or rabbit and potatoe. Or there are foods that are hydrolyzed (broken down enough that supposedly that cat can't be allergic to them). If this food trial doesn't help, you can try some other things. Giving fish oil helps my kitty hugely. I just use a fish oil gel cap, stab a hole in it and squirt the oil in her mouth. She doesn't like it, but doesn't hate me for it like with other meds. I give her this every other day or so and it helps her skin. I've found topicals don't work very well as they clean them off too quickly. There are antihistamines you can try though they sometimes don't work for cats. (your vet can give you some recommendations and doses). My cat finally had to go to steroid injections. So far she is doing great (has only had one so far) but it has been over a month, and has had no problems or further itchiness. I'm hoping to keep her controlled with just one or two injections per year since her allergies lesson in winter and can be controlled iwth topicals and fish oil. Its best to try other methods before steroids, since they have the potential for very serious side effects (though less in cats than in dogs or people). I hope this helps. sorry for such a long response. Good luck with your baby. Here's my allergy girl (in her xmas attire)

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2.2 Wonderful kitties "KIMBA, TOPAZ, GULLIVER AND TANTOR"
0.1 WTF "Pepe"
1.1 Firebelly toads "Bif & Kaboom"
0.0.1 Painted (chubby) frog "Millhouse"
0.1 Normal Cornsnake "Skoda"
0.0.3 Red-leg running frogs(??) "Esma, Krank, Kusko"
and Lots of fish!