Why is my old cat sensitive when I pet his back and licks his paw?

Hello, Sorry to hear this about Vallorlin. Obsessive licking can be caused by pain (such as arthritis), skin disease (such as a skin infection or allergy flares), or be psychological/behaviorally motivated. I recommend taking Vallorlin for a physical exam with his veterinarian. They will be able to guide you best on diagnostics or treatment after seeing him. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

That’s hard to say without being able to palpate his lower spine and hips. Sometimes cats will over groom like an OCD type condition or stress relief. Sometimes they will groom there because they have fleas and that’s one location fleas like to hang out. Sometimes they will also excessively lick areas that are painful due to something like arthritis I always recommend to have a pet checked out by the veterinarian if there is a chance for a medical condition. Worse case scenario is you find out Ray checks out normally and you can discuss methods to relieve stress or potential medications while you’re at the visit. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Most cats do not like to be touched past the head normally. But of this is a sudden behavioral change I would recommend a Vet exam since she is getting older. They can see of she is more painful than normal in her back and be sure she hasn't lost weight. There are glucosamines/chondriotins for cats like Dasuquin and Cosequin. In the mean time don't pet her where she doesn't like. Cats do get ramped up if we keep doing things they don't like. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3571 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=26149

Hi there. Older cats can sometimes develop arthritis or other chronic orthopedic issues as they get older. You don't mention if she is declawed or not, but if she is, this would be even more common. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam when you're able to - if she does have arthritis, there are prescription pain medications that can be used long-term to make her much more comfortable, just like an older human with arthritis issues. In the meantime, you could also try adding a daily joint supplement such as Cosequin along with an omega-2 fatty acid supplement such as Welactin to her food each day. These can both be helpful for arthritis issues in both dogs and cats.

Hi! I don't think the Omega 3s are causing Joeys sensitivity. I would check carefully for fleas and make sure he is on prevention. Another possibility in an older cat would be arthritis causing a condition called hyperesthesia syndrome. Treating the arthritis under the care of your vet may help the symptoms. Good luck!

At 15 years old she could definitely have a medical issue going on. I suspect she may have some arthritis in her spine and hips/back legs which is why she is seeming sensitive on her back and limping on the hind limbs. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam and to get some medication to help with the arthritis (if that is what is going on). We cannot diagnose over the internet of course I cannot tell you 100% for sure what is going on without examining her myself. That is why you need your local vet to help you figure out what is going on and how best to treat her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Lying down a lot and reacting to touch indicates that Oi is likely in pain. Please make an appointment to have Oi seen by a vet as soon as possible. These symptoms could be due to a muscular or nerve injury, a fractured bone, trauma, a mass, or a foreign body in the paw or leg. Some infectious diseases and joint diseases such as arthritis or joint infection can cause limping and gait changes as well. Your vet can assess Oi by doing a physical exam, and will make recommendations for further diagnostics/ treatments as needed. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous and even deadly for cats due to toxicity, so I do not recommend giving any to Oi without consulting with your vet.