Why does my cat scratch himself often?

Question

One of my cats has a tendency to bites and scratch at his back and back legs often now. Could he possibly have fleas and what can I do to cure this? All of my cats are indoor cats too. Could it either be fleas or dry skin, and what could I do to remedy dry skin if this is the case?

Answer 1

fleas or eczeme

you need flea spray or skin-eze

http://www.allergicpet.com/products/skin...

Answer 2

I'm gonna say most likely it is fleas. If he is just suddenly biting himself that a good indication. It could be that it is dry in your house and he has some dry skin. Try getting a humidifier to help with that. Also try brushing him more often and maybe giving him baths. First and formost check for fleas! Just look under his hair onto his skin on his belly, by his ears, and face. You will see them if they are there. Or take him to the vet and tell them you think he might have fleas. They will help you get rid of them or give better advice on what's going on. Best of Luck!

Answer 3

trim his nails

Answer 4

Maybe he needs to be washed.

Answer 5

Most likely flees. You can just go to a pet sore and buy some flee shampoo, a flee collar and a some flee spray on stuff. I had two cats and they both had flees once. www.petsmart.And if you its dry skin take it two the vet and they'll check him/her out and recommend what you'll need to help the cat feel better.

Answer 6

get a new cat.

Answer 7

It sounds like he has fleas. Fleas can occur on cats that live only indoors. They can get into the house from riding on people coming and going or the fleas were left in the carpet by previous animals that lived in the home. Look for little black or brown bugs on the cat, especially around his ears or at the base of his tail and take note of where he likes to sleep. If there are little black and white specks, those are p**p and eggs left by the fleas.

Answer 8

he's probably emo.

Answer 9

Probably fleas. Please, no bathing or sprays - your vet will sell you "Revolution" which is wonderful, and very safe, product to treat flea infestations.  Any flea on him will bite, be poisoned and die within 12 hours.  Please don't buy over-the-counter remedies - very unsafe, including deaths (one very sick cat at my vets today from over the counter flea stuff).  Pick up a little flea comb, and comb your cat's back, just where the tail comes up off the spine - this is a favorite flea hang-out, and the first place a vet would check.  As for flea poops - a quick way to confirm that's what they are is to sweep them onto a white paper towel & dampen with water - if they are poops, they will turn rusty red, from the ingested blood. Try these steps first!

Answer 10

I.B.S.

Answer 11

Yeah he prolly has Fleas, just give em a bath.

Answer 12

Could be fleas/ticks, or just a skin condition or something.

I'd suggest seeing the vet :)

Answer 13

he has cat scratch fever

Answer 14

he's itchy

Answer 15

I'm guessing fleas. You can buy a medication or cream for that at your local store.

Answer 16

my cat does this all the time, check for fleas and irratated skin or bring himt o the vet to find out whats wrong if there is no reason to why he bites himself the vet usually gives you a gel that make the skin taste horrible so that should prevent him from biting himself.

Answer 17

check for fleas first. Dry skin alone wouldn't do that in my opinion

Answer 18

get one of those flea shampoos for cat and give the cat a bath