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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Help! What’s wrong with my cat?

4 replies

catlover1983 · 06/06/2022 20:24

Hi, my 10 year old cat had cat flu when he was a rescue kitten. He’s an indoor cat as he once had an allergic reaction to his immunisations.

—Two weeks ago he had a lot of brown discharge from his eye. Vet diagnosed cat flu flare up and gave antibiotic ointment for his eye which worked. Said he also had a nasty ulcer on one side of his tongue which was causing drooling and she thought caused by biting himself.

-A few days later (1 week ago) we noticed a swelling on his right foreleg, different vet had a look and said it was a cyst that would resolve on its own which it has.

-Over the course of the last week he’s started biting at his tummy, and all four legs to the point they are stained with saliva, matted and bald in places. Vet doesn’t think stress (I don’t think so either), thinks possible allergy and has given steroid injection. Vet is concerned about the ulcer in his mouth and thinks possible tumour, so due to go back in 3 weeks to check if it’s grown/responded to steroids/do biopsy. she thinks mouth problems/eye/cyst and biting himself are unrelated, but I think this is a big coincidence.

Has anyone ever had a cat who has manifested with the self biting/hair pulling/eye infection and mouth ulcer? Was it a cat flu flare up or something different? Anything you could recommend to help him?

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 06/06/2022 21:39

The flu will lower his immune system somewhat and humans get mouth ulcers when their rundown. Is he ok in himself?

catlover1983 · 06/06/2022 22:23

Thank you for your reply. He’s fine in himself, struggling to eat as his mouth is sore (have bought him some chicken mousse to help him) but drinking fine. Chasing and playing as usual and wanting cuddles.

I asked the vet if he could be biting himself because his joints are hurting him, but she thought not?

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DrMadelineMaxwell · 06/06/2022 22:29

Our Willow hasn't had the flu or the ulcers, but has been going through the mill since Nov with the same over grooming leading to sore and bleeding patches on her skin. She's had tests and biopsies and has just finished a 10 week elimination diet with no improvement. They are stumped over what she could be allergic to and we are stuck with either continuing her on long term steroids, trying a different medication oong term (both of which have nasty side effects) or plumping for a referral to a dermatologist!

Shes 4.

catlover1983 · 07/06/2022 08:30

Oh I’m sorry your cat has been through it too. My cat’s skin isn’t actually damaged yet as he’s just started doing it, but I’m concerned it will be if he continues. My mum’s friend tried a homeopathic vet for over grooming and saw dramatic improvements which could be worth a try if you’ve looked at everything else.

Has anyone experienced a cat over grooming due to pain? I’m wondering if his joints have flared up as he’s left the middle of his tummy alone, it’s mainly his legs and armpits?

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