Cat scratching his face to bits

[MrsCatE]

We noticed on Friday that LittleBeast was scratching around his ears. This escalated rapidly to his eyebrows and corners of his eyes. He is scratching himself raw.

We had online (Zoom) vet consultation yesterday (couldn't get vet access at weekend) and they recommended collar and anti bac spray - both arrived this morning. Cat got collar off in 3 seconds.

We've now put him in his carrier with the hope that a few hours of restricted space will stop the scratching cycle and aid healing.

Obviously, will try and get him to vets first thing.

He's an indoor cat however, we take him out in the garden on a harness. I doubt he's been bitten or stung because the scratching is symmetrical so assume mites or strange allergy? Definitely not fleas.

He's up to date with all his shots, eating, drinking and toileting as normal.

I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks x

Sorry, forgot Tax!

I wouldn't rule out fleas, even if he is on treatment. My old cat bit herself raw with fleas in a symmetrical pattern.

Many thanks @cinnamonfrenchtoast. Hopefully, will be confirmed (or not) tomorrow.

He is a stunner. Could it possibly be an allergy?

Really hope we can get him to the vet first thing tomorrow. Even though watching him like a hawk, locking him in his carrier and applying spray, he's managed to make it even more sore. His poor face is now weeping from ears down to corners of eyes.

Thanks @Iamacatslave. Really hoping we can get him to the vet first thing tomorrow. It came on so quickly.

Any ideas welcome. Despite constant supervision, he's managing to do more damage. He loves cuddling up with me and I'm trying to put him into continuous snore mode but somehow, he's still done damage.

He's a rescue cat and did have ear mites but that was cleared two years ago and we still clean his ears because has a tendency to build up wax. However, never seen him start to tear up his eyebrows / eyes. It looks so sore.

One of my cats is severely allergic to just one flea bite which makes him scratch to the point where he damn near pulls his skin off his face. I have to get Bravecto from the vet (it’s only available on prescription from them) the over the counter ones don’t work for him, plus the vet will administer a steroid injection too to alleviate the itch swiftly. It takes a while for his face to heal, but he stops scratching almost immediately. Hope your puss gets better soon.

Meant to say Bravecto is the stuff that goes on the back of their neck, and it kills fleas, mites and a whole load of other nasties too.

Many thanks @TheCatsBlanket hopefully, we'll get a similar response. So pissed off can't get him to a vet because weekend and no guarantee re tomorrow despite mega insurance and online vet service -latter was very good but need hands on people!

Poor thing. It does sound like some kind of allergic reaction.

I think if I had sore skin and no medication I'd try and sooth the itching with cool water. Could you try and gently sponge down where he is itching. It might give him some relief.

Thanks @Lindy2 but he's not very happy with the vet prescribed anti bac spray! Both MrCat and I have the war wounds to prove it! However, he's now back on me in bed so hopefully, I can prevent him scratching further - while I'm awake!

Our cat has seasonal allergies where she tears around her ears to bits every spring to autumn. Oral steroids used to work off and on throughout the season but don’t anymore so is on a stronger medication. I hope it won’t turn into a regular thing as it’s so awful for them. She used to have to have a collar on so much.

Are there no vets near you that offer emergency or OOH appointments?

Our vet has always been able to see us on the same day we ring, no matter what day of the week we call up.

@cinnamonfrenchtoast we did try ooh / emergency - meant to leave a message and they'll get back to you but number rang out. Waiting for them to open at 08:30. Thanks.

Steroids helped my cat. Vet also suggested using steroid eye drops on sore area to give extra relief.

@MrsCatE if you can't get in to your regular vet I would ring round any practises in your area to get him seen today.

How is your cat today?

@Iamacatslave thanks for asking. MrCat's taken him to the vet and I'm waiting to hear prognosis. He slept well but started scratching around 7 but I was able to distract him. Then put him back into snore mode before MrCat scooped him up for vet appointment. Despite distractions / enforced captivity / snore mode he's managed to gouge a good chunk out by his right eye - literally on outer corner. Left side is sore too.

Edit: LittleBeast started scratching at 7; not MrCat.

Vet said looked like a typical allergic reaction. He's had steroid and antibiotic injections and some topical flea / mite stuff. He has a follow up appointment booked for Thursday. He hasn't been scratching since he got back but keeps head butting / rubbing me against his sore areas. No cone of shame!

We need another photo.

Poor LittleBeast

I have serious cat envy. I hope he responds well to treatment **

I literally spent one hour away from LittleBeast - left him with MrCat - and he's ripped up the original injuries. Well pissed off with Vet - who assured MrCat steroid injection would stop scratching and definitely don't use cone of shame. We knew the one we got didn't work but would have been willing to try another type. Cat is miserable and I'm going to spend another night scooped up against him to ensure I can stop / distract any scratching/ reopening of wounds.