Question:
We have a multi-cat household that has functioned quite well over the years. That includes a once-feral mother cat and her son, about 9 and 8 years old, respectively. Both spend most of their time in our bedroom. Though the mother sleeps on our bed with us, we can't touch her. Her son lets us pet him, but picking him up or giving him a pill is not possible without a fierce struggle in which we both get hurt.
For about two months, the son has been licking his inner thighs. It has gotten to the point where the fur is gone and it's red. He will let us briefly touch his thighs, but will flee if we try to put ointment on them. We've been putting Rescue Remedy in his wet food and now have Feliway in the bedroom, but the behavior continues. Given how resistant he is to being restrained for pilling, we can't figure out what to do other than give him lots of attention and try to keep things as stress-free as possible. Any suggestions would be most welcome as we are devoted to our cats.
M.G., Silver Spring, Md Apr 26, 2009
Answer:
How wonderful that you give shelter and loving care to a feral cat and her son! If the other cats are not licking and scratching themselves because of possible fleas or mites, I would first suspect that the self-mutilating son is suffering from either a hyperactive thyroid or anxiety. Both could make him even more difficult to handle. The vet needs to perform a blood test and give him a thorough checkup. A top-loading cat carrier might be the easiest container to put him in when you are ready for an appointment. Wear gloves and a thick long-sleeved sweater or coat for protection, since he may protest loudly being put on a carrier or crate!
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