Could my cat's skin rash and hair loss be from a new litter allergy?

In an older pet who is just now experiencing allergy type symptoms, I would definitely suspect that it could be either the new litter, new food or a combination of both that is causing this. I would start with changing the litter back to the normal litter that you used to use. As for the skin, you can try bathing Billy in a hypoallergenic shampoo (Duoxo calm shampoo) or oatmeal based shampoo. However, Billy may need a steroid shot by your vet to calm things down. If the change in litter doesn't cause resolution of the skin, then I would suggest changing the food back. I hope you can get Billy's skin back to normal soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could still be allergies that are not responding to therapy as expected. Since your veterinarian was able to actually take a look at Sophia, I would believe their diagnosis. It could be that a lack of consistent response to therapy could be that the allergic component is not yet being addressed. Her staying in the litter box is likely due to discomfort which is why re-evaluation at this point is indicated. Your veterinarian could consider referral to a veterinary dermatologist for further recommendations. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello. This may be a condition called military dermatitis, a type of allergy. You can try changing the things in her environment like the litter & food, but you cannot change what she touches & breathes in. You can try switching her to Science Diets Sensitive Stomach & Skin, but she may need a true hypoallergenic diet, or it may be something completely different causing her allergies. The best thing to do is to see your vet who may decide to give Mittens a long acting steroid shot. If it clears up her skin, then she may periodically need an additional injection. The alternative is allergy testing, but again this is something to discuss with your vet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would not use a litter that has an aroma on a cat who is sensitive. I am not sure if you are able to purchase this certain litter system but if you are able to the Breeze litter system is great. It has pellets, not litter and when they pee it goes to a pad underneath. https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/homepage.html/ref=nav_youraccount_ya I use this for my cat and there is no dust, no smell and no tracking. Thank you for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on its appearance, that resembles a hot spot, or a moist-dermatitis brought about by licking. If it is at the base of the tail, this is a common place for cats to have a flea allergy/infection. I recommend having Baloo seen by a veterinarian who can perform a skin scrape test/cytology to see if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection and/or other types of external parasites, such as fleas or mites. Baloo will need to wear an Elizabethan collar so that he does not continue to lick at this area and cause further trauma. He will also need to be on monthly topical flea and tick preventatives, purchased from your veterinarian. Flea and tick products that are available in food and pet stores are NOT effective OR safe for use on cats or dogs. I hope this is helpful!