Help, I'm really confused about what's going on with my cat. He's a seven-year-old tabby, and I've noticed he's been losing patches of fur recently. The skin underneath looks red and irritated, so naturally, I was worried it might be mange. I took him to the vet, but they assured me that it's not mange and said it could be an allergic reaction or stress. They gave me some topical ointment and sent us home, but it hasn't improved at all. I feel terrible because he seems so uncomfortable and scratches constantly. I'm at a loss and starting to worry that something else might be wrong. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do to help your fur baby? I'm really stressing out over this. Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks for the question! It's great that you're vigilant about your cat's health. If your vet ruled out mange, there are a few other things that might be causing your cat's skin issues. Common causes include flea allergies, food sensitivities, or environmental allergies, either from something new in your home or seasonal pollen. Some cats also develop skin problems due to over-grooming when stressed.
At home, carefully inspect your cat's coat for fleas or flea dirt. Regular grooming can help distribute natural oils and improve skin health. You may also try using a hypoallergenic diet or a limited ingredient food to see if things improve.
Keep an eye out for severe itching, redness, swelling, or any open sores—these could signal an infection which needs immediate vet attention. Changes in watering, eating, or litter habits are also important to mention to a vet.
Monitoring your cat's living environment for any recent changes and maintaining a stress-free atmosphere can be beneficial.
If your cat's condition persists or worsens, it might be a good idea to book a video consult via Dial A Vet. We're here to help pinpoint the issue so your furry friend can feel better soon.
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