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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / February 2005Cat Chewing on Itself
We recently moved from a house (Oct 04) to an an apartment until our new home is built. Thus our cats can only enjoy the outdoors on our deck overlooking the apartment complex. Prior to this, our cats were free to roam out in the backyard several hours a day and then return to house as they wanted. In the last several months our Russian Blue has been chewing on his backside until the fur is missing and he has punctured his skin. He has done this in several places. Our other cat which has had no problems, neither has our dog. Can anyone tell me what we can do to keep our Blue from chewing on himself? Is there a cure? What may be wrong? Sudden behavior changes should always be checked out by a vet. It could be an allergy... there are treatments. It could be some type of parasite that your russian blue is especially sensitive to. When a cat chews or obsessively cleans an area it can lead to other types of problems. Check with your vet soon. > We recently moved from a house (Oct 04) to an an apartment until our new > home is built. Thus our cats can only enjoy the outdoors on our deck [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > neither has our dog. Can anyone tell me what we can do to keep our Blue > from chewing on himself? Is there a cure? What may be wrong? > We recently moved from a house (Oct 04) to an an apartment until our new > home is built. Thus our cats can only enjoy the outdoors on our deck [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > neither has our dog. Can anyone tell me what we can do to keep our Blue > from chewing on himself? Is there a cure? What may be wrong? As Cleo said , you need to get your cat checked over by a vet. He could have an anal gland problem or parasites. If the vet gives him the all clear then you have to consider that your cat has been stressed by the changes in his life, moving house and adapting to being an inside cat. Alison > We recently moved from a house (Oct 04) to an an apartment until our new > home is built. Thus our cats can only enjoy the outdoors on our deck [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > neither has our dog. Can anyone tell me what we can do to keep our Blue > from chewing on himself? Is there a cure? What may be wrong? Sounds like the move and change is stressing kitty. Have you gone to the vet? Number one I would try adding a Feliway diffuser to help with stress. I'd sure get a vet check. I would guess he's unhappy with the changes. Excessive, destructive grooming is a stress reaction. Maybe get a harness and try taking him for a walk around the apartment complex periodically? It's not the same, but perhaps it will abate his feelings of upset a bit - at least enough to get through this temporary period. > I would guess he's unhappy with the changes. Excessive, destructive > grooming is a stress reaction. Maybe get a harness and try taking him > for a walk around the apartment complex periodically? It's not the > same, but perhaps it will abate his feelings of upset a bit - at least > enough to get through this temporary period. I think this is a good idea if it works for the cat in question. I would also suggest some interactive toys -- it sounds like he was getting a lot of stimulation and exercise from going outside, and some play sessions inside might really help. Rosalie loves the cat charmer, found here: http://www.catdancer.com/products.htm And I've heard many people say their cat loves the cat dancer (on that same webpage). --Catherine & Rosalie the calico Try Grannick's Bitter Apple: http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=8876 > We recently moved from a house (Oct 04) to an an apartment until our new > home is built. Thus our cats can only enjoy the outdoors on our deck [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > neither has our dog. Can anyone tell me what we can do to keep our Blue > from chewing on himself? Is there a cure? What may be wrong?  SignatureJ Kimmel myname@whereIwork.com www.metalinnovations.com "Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum." - When you have their full attention in your grip, their hearts and minds will follow. |
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