Question:
Pumpkin is our 10-year-old, neutered orange tabby that loves to be outside during the warm months and is very good about staying in our yard. But he seems to be a favorite victim of mosquitoes, especially his ears. He scratches incessantly, making them bleed. We have tried VIP and PetGuard Insecticide Gel, which aren't very effective. We try to keep him on our screened-in porch, but the mosquitoes find him no matter what. Any suggestions?
K.H., Alexandria, Va Sep 19, 2010
Answer:
Cats in the summer (and dogs, especially with erect ears) can get badly bitten by mosquitoes and other biting/flesh-eating flies outdoors. Cats can develop a hypersensitivity to bug bites. First, please don't use a UV electric bug zapper in your yard, which are an abomination and kill many beneficial and beautiful moths and other insects. Light up some citronella candles and put a dab of lemon bug repellant on your cat's ears and behind his head. Make the repellant by simmering one whole lemon sliced (including the peel) in 1 cup of water until mushy (about 10 minutes). Pulverize and store in a jar in the fridge. A dab of essential oil of lavender or vanilla may be effective alternatives. Giving your cat some Brewer's yeast, up to 1/2 a teaspoon mixed in with her food every day, beginning with just a pinch so she gets used to it, may also help repel insects.
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