Peculiar habits

[DrNiblik]

Greetings, fellow cat nuts! I had two questions I was hoping someone could help me with.
1. I recently moved back to Dallas to my father's house from Lubbock and while one of my girls has adapted quite well and has made herself at home, the other one is still freaking out. She's coming out from under the bed from time to time and is using the litter box, I'm concerned about her diet and disposition. I only see her late at night and early in the morning so I can only presume she's eating then. It's been a few weeks already and I'm wondering if I should be worried and if there's anything I can do. There are two other elderly cats in the house who don't seem to mind them being there.

2. As to my other question, one of these elderly cats is a 14 year-old Maine Coon mix who has taken to grooming herself incessantly. She doesn't have any skin allergies and I can't see any irritation. When she's not grooming herself, she's forever wanting to groom one of us humans. Is she just going scatty in her autumnal years? Any imput on either subject would be greatly appreciated

[Catty1]

I don't have any answers - but you might want to post this in Pet Health also.

How long ago did you move? It could take several months for a shy cat to get comfortable.

[DrNiblik]

Greetings all...

Margaret Parker, my little Maghoí, crossed back into God's arms shortly before 11a this morning. The lethargy and weight loss was due to the beginnings of liver failure. Much as it pains me, I had to have her put down. I could not bear the idea of her suffering a moment longer. I am quite certain that God will look after her, and at the very least, she's not feeling anymore sickness or pain.

[Freedom]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to make that decision. Prayers for Margaret, play hard at the bridge, Sweetie! Hugs to you!

As for the incessant grooming, all I can suggest is a vet visit and ask aobut meds for Obsessive Compulsive grooming. The vet will likely want to check blood work first. I have a one year old now who is constantly grooming, so much he is removing fur and causing abrasions to his skin. We looked for fleas; tested for mites, now working through special foods and antihistamines. Chlor Tri meTon is helping. I may try a dermatologist, but want to try a few more specialized foods first. And my boy has been wearing an e collar for almost 7 weeks now. His fur is returning, soft and silky, but he still tries to lick right over the plastic collar. So the "itch" is still there. It is quite a guessing game! Let us know how thing develop for this kitty!

[Medusa]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your kitty is healthy and at peace now. A candle burns for you both.

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drniblit, don't know if this will help but when i moved, the vet told me to put a small amount of vaseline on the bottom of her paws. Supposedly when she washes it off(and she will) she will wash away the smell of your other house. It worked for me. Are your cats home alone all day? If so, maybe she feels abandoned even tho' she sees you at night and in the morning. Take her in a room shut the door so it;s just the two of you and talk to her, love her up, comb her hair, maybe that will help also. Good luck :)

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freedom, have you tried prednisone? It helped mine from the itch. The vet had me do 5mg. a day for 3 days and then every 3 days. Ask your vet. :cool: