Q & A: Unkempt Cats

By Dr. Kim Everson, DVM

 

Question: My cat used to have such a luxurious haircoat, but now that she is older she is matted and greasy looking. When I try to brush her, she acts like she is going to bite me and runs away.

 

Answer: There are many reasons why some felines start to look a bit rumbled and unkempt as they age. The fact that you are noticing a change is a very good indication your kitty needs a thorough veterinary checkup.

ILLNESS

Feeling crummy from internal illness, such as kidney disease or diabetes, often manifests itself in decreased grooming as well as poor quality skin and haircoat. Laboratory tests are required to diagnose diseases of the internal organs. Medications, supplements, special diets and other management techniques may be prescribed to help your cat feel better and improve self-grooming habits.

 

OBESITY

A large number of pet cats become morbidly obese with time. Inappropriate nutrition coupled with lack of exercise packs on the pounds. Heavy kitties have a harder time grooming themselves, especially along the lower back and under the tail. Obesity also contributes to development of Type-II diabetes in cats as well as uncomfortable joint and digestive ailments. If your kitty is chunky, work with your veterinarian to develop a safe, gradual weight loss plan for her.

 

ARTHRITIS

A commonly overlooked aging disease in felines is arthritis. Because cats spend a lot of their time napping, it is tough to pick up on the subtle signs of arthritis. Changes in litter box habits, unwillingness or hesitancy to jump onto high surfaces, and decreased grooming are more commonly seen than limping or crying. Managing feline arthritis pain requires veterinary guidance because most over-the-counter medications are toxic to felines.

 

SKIN DISEASE

Allergies and external parasites like fleas, mites or ringworm can wreak havoc on the haircoat of kitty. Itchiness leads to overgrooming which often leads to skin infection. Signs of skin infection might include matting, greasy haircoat, foul odor, scabs and patchy hairloss. Identification of the underlying cause of the itchiness is necessary for appropriate treatment.

 

HYPERESTHESIA

Most cat lovers have experienced an unexpected swat, growl or love nip from their kitty during petting followed by an abrupt departure. This response might occur if your cat is painful from arthritis or feeling yucky from internal illness, but even otherwise healthy cats sometimes react bizarrely aggressive while being petted. If the petting had been rhythmic and steady, focused on the lower back especially, your cat may have experienced “hyperesthesia.” Hyperesthesia is incompletely understood, but it appears to be painful and may be triggered by overstimulating the nerve endings in the skin. Avoidance of repetitive petting and noticing your cat’s early cues that petting is no longer pleasurable is usually all that is necessary.

 

Originally printed in Pet Journal, October 2013