cat licking himself raw -- better advice
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 8:07 am
[img]C:\Users\John\Desktop[/img]I adopted a shelter cat 2 years ago --- he was dumped by a family after 5 years. He hid for 3 months --- then, jumped onto my lap.
He had two small bare spots on his neck --- I did not know what they were --- until he began licking them raw [ again ].
I checked on-line --- found the usual assorted advice --- the diluted vinegar did not stop his behavior; only made him avoid me totally.
The evaporating hormone diffuser oil was not helpful, at all. He constantly begged for more attention --- I gave him as much time on my lap as possible.
I live alone --- was sick for a year --- home 24 hr/day. Nothing stopped his licking behavior --- he had 3 to 5 raw spots in assorted places of his fur, which continually changed.
I found a Way of Cats blog --- it recommended "Cat Music". I had been playing Classical music albums; but the Cat Music [ 12hr / 15hr recordings on YouTube ] were seamless, soothing music that immediately calmed my cat. It did not eliminate his licking behavior; but, reduced it.
Being encouraged, I looked for ways to to increase affection [ as opposed to attention ]; he had been a "challenge" up to this point --- now, I needed to "love" my cat. The Cat Blog mentioned that cats like us to " get down to their level" --- on the floor.
I began taking naps with him on the floor --- he would lie next to me, resting his chin on my arm --- for 30 min. to 90 min. It was difficult to stay still for these lengths of time --- but, his licking behavior began to abate, immediately. And he stopped begging for attention at the top of his voice.
We take two [ as long as possible = morning / evening] naps each day --- and, additional, shorter ones when there is time [ weekends when I don't
work ].
The music and naps have been in place only two months --- the raw spots have begun to be covered with fur; only a couple of the larger spots are still visible. In a couple of months, his fur will be complete.
He had two small bare spots on his neck --- I did not know what they were --- until he began licking them raw [ again ].
I checked on-line --- found the usual assorted advice --- the diluted vinegar did not stop his behavior; only made him avoid me totally.
The evaporating hormone diffuser oil was not helpful, at all. He constantly begged for more attention --- I gave him as much time on my lap as possible.
I live alone --- was sick for a year --- home 24 hr/day. Nothing stopped his licking behavior --- he had 3 to 5 raw spots in assorted places of his fur, which continually changed.
I found a Way of Cats blog --- it recommended "Cat Music". I had been playing Classical music albums; but the Cat Music [ 12hr / 15hr recordings on YouTube ] were seamless, soothing music that immediately calmed my cat. It did not eliminate his licking behavior; but, reduced it.
Being encouraged, I looked for ways to to increase affection [ as opposed to attention ]; he had been a "challenge" up to this point --- now, I needed to "love" my cat. The Cat Blog mentioned that cats like us to " get down to their level" --- on the floor.
I began taking naps with him on the floor --- he would lie next to me, resting his chin on my arm --- for 30 min. to 90 min. It was difficult to stay still for these lengths of time --- but, his licking behavior began to abate, immediately. And he stopped begging for attention at the top of his voice.
We take two [ as long as possible = morning / evening] naps each day --- and, additional, shorter ones when there is time [ weekends when I don't
work ].
The music and naps have been in place only two months --- the raw spots have begun to be covered with fur; only a couple of the larger spots are still visible. In a couple of months, his fur will be complete.