Why is my senior cat's back sensitive and he's suckling like a kitten?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think Millie could still be showing signs of hyperesthesia even if she is only sensitive at her tail base and lower back. It is also possible that she has arthritis in her hips or back that is causing her to be painful. There are several options to treat her for pain even with her blood pressure issues. It would be a good idea to take her to your veterinarian for an examination to see if anything like pain medications or Adequan injections may help reduce the pain she is experiencing.

This is commonly due either to akin problem or to ostheoarthritis (OA) affecting the hips and back legs joints. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antiinflammatory medications may be needed for OA. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea your cat regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A lot of times older cats have harder times grooming themselves, whether it be from arthritis, obesity, or underlying medical problems. I think it is important to be sure she isn't suffering from fleas, ringworm, mites or a skin infection. Since she is almost 15 years old I recommend having some blood work done. Be sure she isn't pulling her own hair out which can be a sign of allergies or behavioral issues. I think scheduling an exam with your Vet is the best thing since this is a new medical problem. If all things check out normal then you can try an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to see if that improves her coat. I hope this helps and I wish Lilabit the best!

An allergy and him being unable to reach the area to groom since he is 17#. Try to brush and wash the area to help. You can safely add omega 3 fatty acids to his diet without effecting his diabetes If it continues to bother him I would see your vet about medicines

It sounds like Betty's skin is either itchy or painful. Thyroid disease can cause skin changes (although usually they are not itchy). Allergies can develop at any time during a cat's life and could cause itchiness and dry skin. Fleas might be another possibility. I'd recommend having Betty examined by your vet.

What a handsome boy! There's a few things you may try. To absolutely make sure fleas are not the cause (remember, if you have a pet who is sensitive, tit only takes 1 flea to cause a reaction), talk with your veterinarian about using an oral flea prevention called Comfortis. Try this for 2-3 months and see if it helps. Kahlua looks a little heavy, sometimes this can prevent them from being able to clean the lower back/around the tail. Weight loss will allow him to adequately clean that area and in the mean time, shampooing the area every 4-5 days or using a dry shampoo and a brush every 3-4 days will help to decrease the oil production and decrease itchiness. Continue using a fish oil though I prefer an omega 3 fatty acids supplement. Changing the food to Royal Canin may also help improve the skin quality. Allergies can also cause itchiness but I recommend to rule out the fleas first. I hope this helps.