Help, I’m really worried about my cat lately! I have a sweet boy named Oliver, and for the past couple of weeks, he's been scratching his face so much that he’s actually causing these open wounds. It breaks my heart to see him in discomfort and not know how to help him. I initially thought it might be fleas, so I gave him a treatment, but it doesn’t seem to be making any difference. He hasn’t changed his diet, and our routine is pretty much the same as always. I’m thinking it could be an allergy, but I’m not sure what to do. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? I’m feeling really helpless watching him struggle and just want to make sure he’s okay. Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated!
Thanks for the question. I'm sorry to hear about your cat's discomfort. When cats repeatedly scratch their face until it bleeds, it could be due to several reasons. Common causes include allergies, parasites like fleas or mites, skin infections, or even stress and anxiety.
First, observe if there are any new changes at home or in his diet, which might be causing an allergic reaction. If fleas or mites are a concern, closely inspect his fur and skin for any signs of parasites. Stress can also manifest as excessive scratching, so ensure your cat's environment is calm and familiar.
For immediate at-home care, gently clean his wounds with a saline solution to prevent infection, and discourage further scratching by using a soft, pet-safe collar. It's essential to keep his claws trimmed and clean to minimize injury.
Watch for signs of a more serious issue, like persistent scratching despite at-home care, hair loss, excessive licking, changes in appetite, or if the wounds don’t start healing. These could indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention.
It's important to get a proper diagnosis, so I encourage you to book a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide tailored advice and help you develop a tailored plan to ensure your pet feels comfortable again.
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