Cat has baldness, red flakey skin, what could his allergy be? On steroids; is there complimentary treatment?

For a few years my mother's cat has gradually been losing its fur. At first we didn't realise. Now he has a red flakey patch on his side around his hip and thigh area. He is going bald there but I think that might be because he licks it so much; I have seen him washing it quite vigorously, and it's always damp from drool. He does not like to be touched there.





In his ear he has a raised red area, circular, about 1cm radius, as well as redness around the eyes. The vet took a sample from the ear irritation and it wasn't ringworm or anything.





He gets steroids daily. My mother reckons that this helps but it's still pretty bad. She also sometimes puts some sudocrem on the ear. She believes the drugs cause fur yellowing. His fur is generally thin and dull.





What could he be allergic to? Mum seems to think it's because of his micro-chipping but I am not convinced. Could it be household cleaner? What could be some good things to put on the ear and side, and to brighten his fur?


Thanks

Cat has baldness, red flakey skin, what could his allergy be? On steroids; is there complimentary treatment?
My cat started losing fur in spots and getting red scabby splotches, so I changed his food and that helped...
Reply:feed him eggs, this will brighten the coat. I would get a second opinion on the ringworm thing. That causes irritation, redness and hair loss.
Reply:Why hasn't the vet done an allergy test to see if the cat does have allergies? And, I would get the cats thyroid checked...it's often called a T4 blood test.
Reply:Could be fleas, food allergy, underlying disease? They do make steroid shots that you can get every 4-6 weeks instead of pills. Is his fur yellow, or is it his skin underneath. If it's his skin have him seen at the vet. It would be worth running bloodwork on this pet to check for an underlying disease. When cats are sick they tend not to care for their coat well. How old is the cat? Age can play a big part as well. To rule out food you may want to try a sensitive skin brand (Purina pro plan or science diet) or a limited ingredients diet (Purina salmon and brown rice for example). Purina is great for a nice shiny coat and you can also try derm caps from your pet store. it's omega 3 fatty acids very good for the coat. Likelihood is the micro chipping did not cause the allergy.
Reply:Does your mom use any products to freshen or clean her carpets? My roommate's cat had this same problem and we finally figured out the Arm and Hammer powder stuff you sprinkle on the carpet was irritating her skin.


Also fabric softeners can irritate a cat's skin.
Reply:Have you had the cat to a vet, an animal doctor. Where did you get the steroids from Your cat has a hormonal problem more so if it is a male if he has been neutered young then this does happen


your cat also could have mange, like scabies in humans Once again you should have vet advice


It can be cured The ear of a cat is very delicate and sensitive this also could be mange No wonder cat does not like it touched


He is washing himself frequently because the area affected is hot and irritating


The eyes of cats are very delicate Has the cat fleas?


The mange mite that causes mange is under the skin, where eggs are laid , hatch and then feed on the blood and any waste from them
Reply:He could be allergic to the dry food if you feed that. Check out www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com. There is an elimination diet listed somewhere in there. It takes about 12 weeks to tell what ingredient he is allergic to but at least you'll know if it's the food.

yew