Pet Lovers

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

Thank you so much.

I just revised my litter box plan of action, and added some of the new litter to the old box.  I noticed he just kept using the old box.

I have an oatmeal cat shampoo type item I ordered from amazon.  I have not used it in a while but I will bring it out today.

I have noticed something that I don't know if I can fix.

I watched very carefully. I have been home for the last few days.

During the day, he does not bite himself hardly at all.  For example, I get up at 5:15 am and he bits off and on until around 6:30 am until he calms down.

THen by around 9:00 am their is now biting slows down to very litt.e

But at night starting around 10:30 pm and later...the bitting seems to pick up and  when I'm sleeping he seems to really start biting.  THen in the morning when I get up he still bits himself quite a bit until he "calms" himself.

So maybe it is not the food or litter at all but a mental health issue.

I read on a cat board of other cat parents with similar problems. So I just know I'm not alone.

Any comments or ideas are welcome.

[Plaid Pants2]

I wonder if your cat is seeing other cats outside, and that is causing stress, and therefore the biting and chewing.

[nycgrl]

@Happiness Is Inside JOB - I'm not sure if you have had him checked for parasites, fleas, mites, etc. That can cause itching especially if they are allergic. Allergies are always worse at night and early morning - no different than people. Otherwise, maybe your cat is stressed over something and may need something to calm him. I would maybe try Feliway if stress related. First and foremost, I would find a really good vet and have your cat completely checked over. I don't think giving a steroid shot is the answer especially since steroids can have serious repurcussions to the health of your cat. Who knows maybe he has dermatitis - do you have carpets? What type of laundry detergent are you using? There are so many "things" out there that could be causing him to itch. We cannot surmise and guess. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

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@nycgrl wrote:

@Happiness Is Inside JOB - I'm not sure if you have had him checked for parasites, fleas, mites, etc. That can cause itching especially if they are allergic. Allergies are always worse at night and early morning - no different than people. Otherwise, maybe your cat is stressed over something and may need something to calm him. I would maybe try Feliway if stress related. First and foremost, I would find a really good vet and have your cat completely checked over. I don't think giving a steroid shot is the answer especially since steroids can have serious repurcussions to the health of your cat. Who knows maybe he has dermatitis - do you have carpets? What type of laundry detergent are you using? There are so many "things" out there that could be causing him to itch. We cannot surmise and guess. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

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Thank you

1 he was checked for mites

2 He was given blood tests also

3 My plan is no more steroids

4 Also looking for Bette vet, going to Ban field

5 I am thankful for every one suggestion

6 No carpet, hardwood floors

7 I really think it might be a mental health issue, I got him from the shelter.

Last night was a good night I put him in his room with all his items and he could not look out the window.  There is a neighbor who has 10 cats and they do come out a night. I have  not looked out all night but I do know a few cats wander.

[NickNack]

I wasn't sure if you meant that you're going to Banfield now or you're going to switch to Banfield.  They do not get very good ratings as far as Vets go.

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

I am currently going to Banfield and I am looking for a better vet.

[nycgrl]

@Happiness Is Inside JOB - How are things going with the litter and the biting/licking? Keep us posted ...

[lolakimono]

@Happiness Is Inside JOB

Do you have a blacklight?

You might wait until dark and check the perimeter of your house (outside) to see if any neighborhood cats have been marking your cat's turf.  That could explain the anxiety, if he feels threatened.  

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

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@lolakimono wrote:

@Happiness Is Inside JOB

Do you have a blacklight?

You might wait until dark and check the perimeter of your house (outside) to see if any neighborhood cats have been marking your cat's turf.  That could explain the anxiety, if he feels threatened.  

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I do have a back light (if you mean light on the deck and front porch).  otherwise if it means something else, I don't have a black light.

I have seen cats walk through the back yard and a few week ago I did see a cat right under the bay window looking UP and my CAT. 

He seemed calm.

I really thing this is a mental health issue, I'm going to watch tonight and see what happens.  He has never been alone much, I telework 2 days a week and my husband does not leave for work until 2 pm.  He seems to really start biting when we both go to sleep and he "feels" alone.

I did try the playing before bed, eating a snack then putting him to bed.  (Like a child) and it seems to work for a few hours then by 3:00 am, the bitting begins.

I kind of have been half sleeping listening for the action.

While hubby is SOUND ASLEEP (ha ha).

Well I will provide more reports, I must admit the night i put him in his room, I did sleep better, I was not up half the night listening and checking.

The life of a CAT PARENT.

Spoiler

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

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@nycgrl wrote:

@Happiness Is Inside JOB - How are things going with the litter and the biting/licking? Keep us posted ...

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Well so far we are still trying different things.

I did give him a 5 mg zytrec in the pocket treat and he ate it.

I have put him in his own room at night and it seems to be working.

I am only at day 2 so I'm not going to get too excited yet.

I have bought back the collor so when he really starts biting, I pick him up, talk to him, try and distract him and it he continues after that then I put the collar on for a while.

I think the collar might just be something I have to keep around.

He is eating as normal and he is still on the hyrdorlized food. Which i now wonder if it is really needed if the problem is "mental".

Well, we shall see I'm staying positive.