There may be several reasons why a cat licks under its tail.

If a cat licks under its tail no more than once a day, then this can be considered normal. Some pets pay increased attention to hygiene. But when this process becomes obsessive, licking may leave bald patches or even small wounds.

In such cases, the possibility of worms should be excluded first. Then they consider the option with fleas. Only after antiparasitic treatments can other causes be considered if symptoms persist.

How it develops

The mechanism of development of the disease is simple:

disruption of the natural outflow of secretions leads to overflow of the sinuses;
the liquid inside thickens, leading to inflammation and severe itching;
the irritating factor promotes the active growth of microflora;
the affected area increases, which ultimately leads to the formation of an abscess and a breakthrough of the walls of the gland;
At this point, the body temperature may rise and the general condition of the cat may deteriorate significantly.

It is clear that it is impossible to let the disease progress to such a state, especially since this can lead to the death of the pet! It is also worth knowing: purulent inflammation of the paraanal glands is practically untreatable, and the disease takes a chronic course.

Anal gland problem

Cats quite often have problems associated with the excretory system . If your cat has a wound under his tail that is not related to injury, you should consult a veterinarian. It can be caused by a blockage of the sebaceous glands near the anus.

The disease is called inflammation of the paraanal glands. The secretion from the glands spreads throughout the body and leads to inflammation of neighboring tissues. An abscess appears. Left untreated, it can make it difficult for your cat to go to the toilet. Then blood poisoning occurs.

Why do cats lick themselves?

The reasons why these animals lick themselves all the time are not always as harmless as they seem. Sometimes such licking indicates illness. To understand that it is time to sound the alarm, the owner of such a pet should know why the cat licks itself all the time, paying special attention to certain areas of the body, for example, the area near the anus or nose.

Hygiene, grooming

After contact with other animals and people, cats tidy up their fur. During the washing process, the pet is relaxed and completely focused on the cleanliness of its coat. When washing, he does not focus on one part of the body, paying equal attention to the tail, paws and muzzle. Usually, after the procedure is completed, the animal quietly dozes.

Self-soothing, stress relief

Cats are very vulnerable animals. Any event, be it a change of residence, a trip to the veterinary clinic, family quarrels, the arrival of a new pet in the house or rough treatment, can cause stress in them. Some cats, experiencing strong emotional stress, begin to actively lick their lips. Why do they do this and how does it relate to negative emotions?

Some people, when worried or nervous, bite their nails or bite their lips. Cats lick themselves. So both of them try to protect themselves from an unpleasant situation, transferring the reaction from an inaccessible object or action that they cannot influence to an accessible one.

Trying to get rid of skin parasites

If your pet constantly licks itself and shakes its head, creating the feeling that it is gnawing something out of its fur, most likely it is tormented by skin parasites: fleas, lice eaters, ticks. An animal infected with ectoparasites becomes restless and lethargic, sleeps and eats poorly, and the condition of its coat deteriorates. It is wrong to think that outdoor pests can only affect stray cats or those who are often outdoors. Any pet, no matter how well-groomed it may be, can pick up fleas or ticks simply by rubbing against the owner’s leg after returning from a walk.

Skin itching due to allergies, fungal infections, metabolic disorders

Your pet may constantly lick itself to relieve itchy skin, which is caused by:

allergic reaction to food, dust, pollen of flowering plants, medications, etc.;
skin lesions due to fungal infection;
metabolic disorders.

Allergies do not pose a danger to a cat if treatment is started in a timely manner. Usually it is enough to exclude your pet from contact with the allergen, and the symptoms of an allergic reaction will disappear. A fungal infection can be easily recognized by a number of signs:

baldness of certain parts of the cat’s body;
bloody sores covered with scabs;
dryness, peeling, redness or, on the contrary, pallor of the affected skin.

Itching in the anus due to worms

If your pet is licking under its tail, this may indicate that it has worms. Some types of helminths cause itching in the anus, causing the animal to become restless, sleep poorly and eat poorly. The cat owner needs to examine the contents of the cat's litter box. When a pet is infected with helminthiasis, parasites can be found in its feces. Ignoring the symptoms of this disease can have serious consequences for your cat's health.

Inflammation of the paraanal glands

Why does an animal lick its anus, ride its butt and chew its tail? This behavior may be caused by inflammation of the paraanal glands, which are located on both sides of the anus and serve to produce a special odorous substance necessary for contact with fellow animals. Sometimes these glands become clogged and inflamed, causing significant discomfort to their owner. This usually occurs due to frequent constipation and decreased muscle tone.

Animals over 4 years of age are most susceptible to this disease. The inflammatory process cannot be ignored, as it can lead to blood poisoning, and in especially severe cases, to the death of the cat.

Cats in heat

If your pet has a clear, odorless discharge, she raises her pelvis, throws her tail to the side and actively licks her genitals, it means she is in heat. During the estrous cycle, a cat may compulsively show her genitals to members of the household. If her behavior is ignored, she turns her attention to inanimate objects: a scratching post, corners, doorways.

During this period, animals often mark the shoes of household members, because they retain the smell of sweat. A female in heat urinates frequently, which allows her to constantly update her marks to attract a mate.

Nausea (the animal licks its nose and swallows saliva)

The pet sometimes does not lick itself, but only licks its nose. At the same time, a lot of saliva comes out of his mouth, he smacks his lips. Usually these symptoms precede vomiting. In this situation, the cat's owner needs to observe its behavior, since vomiting sometimes indicates serious problems. A pet owner who licks his nose and occasionally suffers from reflex gastric emptying has no cause for concern if he regurgitates a hairball and feels well.

Pyometra

If estrus does not stop for a long time, a uterine infection may be suspected in the cat. This is a serious disease that threatens the life of the animal. It is impossible to do without veterinary control.

Pyometra occurs due to hormonal changes that occur in the genital tract of a mature cat. The cause of the disease is often pregnancy that does not occur within several heat cycles. During estrus, the cervix is slightly dilated. Because of this, bacteria enter the reproductive organ. If the walls of the uterus are thickened due to unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, bacteria begin to develop in them.

Diagnostics

The owners examine the cat, look for parasites, remember how the pet’s diet has changed, and whether there are any flowering indoor plants in the house. Sometimes unusual behavior occurs due to shampoos. When the problem area is scratched until it bleeds, a veterinarian examines it; self-diagnosis is not allowed. Biomaterial is taken from the inflamed area, examined under a microscope, bacteria, fungus, and mites are determined. To diagnose hormonal disorders, the composition of the blood is studied.

Causes of pathology

Genetic predisposition, especially if you have a purebred cat.
Excessively soft stool (diarrhea).
Sedentary lifestyle.
A very viscous substance secreted from the glands.
Specific features.
Obesity.
Parasitemia.
Physical inactivity.
Food too soft.
Other hidden reasons.

As mentioned above, the anal glands in cats can become inflamed at any time if excessive accumulation of secretions occurs. In turn, the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms leads to serious consequences and even sepsis if not treated in a timely manner.

Is it dangerous?

Frequent licking of a pet's fur should alert the owner. The following symptoms indicate the development of overgrooming:

the appearance of bald patches in different parts of the body;
areas with sparse hairs that often break;
deterioration of the coat condition;
signs of allergies;
scratches, ulcers and other wounds on the skin of a cat that take a long time to heal;
lethargy, apathy and reluctance to eat.

If the problem is neglected, it threatens to affect more areas on the animal’s body.

If you do not carry out treatment in time and do not get rid of the problem in which the cat licks the fur down to the skin, then there is a high probability of multiple bald spots appearing, which will deteriorate the appearance of the pet. When overgrooming, there is a risk of infection in the wounds, as a result of which an acute inflammatory process progresses in the deep structures of the epidermis. When a cat not only injures the skin through frequent licking, but also chews it out in pieces, necrotic lesions appear. Overgrooming is a common cause of disrupted natural hair replacement process.

The cat constantly licks itself: the reasons for this behavior

Absolutely every cat, regardless of breed, age and living conditions, tries to keep itself clean. Therefore, every day the pet is carefully licked several times - its fur coat, body, each paw in turn, tail and genitals. But sometimes the completely natural process of grooming an animal takes on the character of an obsession, and the cat constantly licks, and the reasons for this behavior are not always clear. This needs to be sorted out.

Cats usually lick and groom themselves after sleeping or eating. And this is normal, since cats are very clean by nature. But it happens that a cat begins to lick a specific place longer and longer. And for each situation there are reasons.

Methods for treating hematuria

The choice of treatment regimen depends on the final diagnosis and is prescribed by the veterinarian.

All that owners can do to help their sick pet is to correctly collect urine for analysis, show the animal and the collected urine to a specialist in a timely manner, and strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions.

Cats are usually prescribed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications. If a cat has blood in his urine due to urolithiasis, he is prescribed antispasmodics and painkillers. The doctor may also prescribe nutritional therapy. Manufacturers of super-premium and holistic food classes have special brands of urological food.

If a cat develops dehydration due to poisoning, it is given IV drips with saline and glucose. Also, in case of poisoning, vitamin K and drugs to improve blood clotting are used.

Hematuria caused by parasitic diseases is treated by deworming the animal. Tumors, polyps, and kidney stones require surgical intervention.

The method of treatment and the choice of medications in each case must be individual.

The main rule: no self-medication, only a professional approach.

Compliance with this rule is the key to the health and long life of your pet.

Veterinarian advice

It is no secret that many parasites and viruses are transmitted from one animal to another, through the hands of people, but you should not be afraid and limit the freedom of a cat. Of course, there is no need to throw your pet into a pack of stray cats, but letting it out for a walk on the balcony or in the country is quite possible. Like any animal, cats also need fresh air and sun. It is enough just to keep the animal clean and carry out timely antiparasitic treatment.

Do not forget about a proper and balanced diet, which is also the key to your pet’s health. If he has a strong immune system, then no infection will be scary to him. Do not feed prohibited foods, sweets, salty and smoked foods.

All this can cause or provoke the occurrence of food allergies. Pay attention to when your pet licks.

And finally, the last piece of advice is love and affection. Remember that your cat is a living creature that needs your care and attention. A change of owner or a change in your behavior can cause stress in your pet. And stress, as you know, is the first step to illness. If you want to pet an animal, but it is nervous and wags its tail, it is better to leave it alone, do not squeeze or pick it up without the desire of the pet itself. Remember that he also has the right to peace and rest.

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Therapeutic measures

A cat hisses: the main causes of aggression

Any skin, parasitic or endocrine diseases should be treated immediately. The duration and method of treatment depends on the cause of the disease. If you have an allergy, you need to adjust your diet and remove the allergen. Ringworm is treated with antifungal ointments and tablets. For inflammatory and infectious diseases, a course of treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed. Regardless of the cause of the disease, treatment always takes a long time: from 3 weeks to 2 months. It is necessary not only to help the cat stop itching, but also to completely eliminate the infection.

Treatment is prescribed depending on the cause of the disease

What is itching

One of the most common, most prominent and most annoying symptoms of skin diseases is itching. You need to understand what kind of phenomenon this is and what factors are responsible for its occurrence. Itching is a term used to describe an unpleasant sensation arising from the skin, leading to scratching and rubbing. This is one of the signs of skin diseases, which, however, can be accompanied by other infections.

If we talk about duration, we can highlight:

Itching is acute (lasting less than six weeks),
The itching is chronic (lasting more than six weeks).

Short-term itching is a defense mechanism (just like acute pain), indicating that “something is happening” in a given area of the skin. For example, as a result of an insect bite, cats begin to scratch the area to remove the parasite from its surface. Another thing is chronic itching. It may be accompanied by more serious medical conditions.

It is worth noting that the feeling of itching in cats can vary depending on the time of day, skin condition, body temperature or extreme stress. The threshold for the perception of itching decreases (which means the animal becomes more sensitive to irritants) in the following cases:

At night. During this period, the influence of factors on the body decreases (for example, pain, touch, cold, heat), and therefore the need to itch disappears.
At elevated skin temperature.
With reduced skin hydration, dry skin itches more.
With factors stimulating the mental state, in states of stress. Opioid peptides are then released, which can increase the itching sensation.

Some of the more common symptoms of itching in cats are:

scratches,
licking skin and fur,
gnawing,
chewing various parts of the body (for example, paws, tail),
complete or partial hair loss,
baldness,
self-harm,
dermatitis.

These animals are very reserved, which means it is very difficult to guess why the cat is constantly licking itself and scratching itself. Therefore, pay attention to the unusual behavior of your four-legged friend, such as:

Rolling from side to side,
Sounds that are more intense than usual
Shaking your head
Frequent demands for affection, with the itchiest areas of the body exposed.

If your cat has worms, read the article on how to get rid of them.

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Diagnosis of the disease

If a cat constantly licks its tail, then it is worth talking about the presence of a disease that can only be determined by a veterinarian. The owner, turning to a veterinary clinic for help, will certainly be faced with the following procedures:

Submission of general urine and blood tests, as well as biochemical blood tests,
Submitting urine for bacterial culture (this action is necessary for specialists to exclude the presence of an infection in a pet located in the urinary tract area),
Carrying out cytology and other bacterial studies,
If bloody discharge appears, the animal will have to undergo coagulation; this procedure is also necessary to identify the cause related to blood clotting disorders,
X-ray of the abdominal cavity (helps to identify the presence of an inflammatory process, for example, prostate disorders),
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

A cat constantly licks its tail

If a cat often licks under its tail, this should alert the owner. Various reasons force males and females to lick this place.

If a cat often licks its tail, then this is:

inflammation of the preputial sac;
inflammation, injury or cancer of the foreskin;
urethral diseases (stones, trauma, neoplasm);
bladder diseases (infections, tumors, stones);

If a cat constantly licks itself, then this should alert the owner

prostate diseases (prostatitis, tumor, abscess);
urinary incontinence;
dysfunction of the sphincter;
bleeding (coagulopathy) and thrombocytopenia due to rat poison poisoning.

For your information! Cats have a fatty lubricant in their skin that contains cholesterol, which in the sun is converted into vitamin D. By licking, the cat distributes this substance over the entire surface of the body.

Females often lick themselves before and after childbirth, and this is not a pathology. But there are a number of situations where excessive licking is a symptom of illness.

If a cat constantly licks its tail, then this is:

urinary tract infections;
inflammation of the uterus and vaginitis;
tumors of the genitourinary system;
injury or foreign body in the urinary tract or vagina;
blood clotting (coagulation) and thrombocytopenia in case of poisoning with rat poison;
urinary incontinence, sphincter dysfunction;
retained placenta or death of the kitten during childbirth.

Important! If a cat constantly licks the area near the tail, then the owner needs to pay attention to the discharge from the pet’s genitals. These symptoms will help the veterinarian make the correct diagnosis and treat your pet.

If your cat is constantly licking his tail, you need to take a closer look at other symptoms.

Allergic reactions to foods

The most common cause of itching and skin irritation in cats is food allergies. A cat can become ill from both natural food (for example, meat) and special industrial ones. Popular cheap foods (Kitecat, Whiskas, etc.) cause allergies in many people. It is advisable to choose premium hypoallergenic ones, which are sold only in pet stores.

For your information! Most often, allergies are caused by food proteins, which are found in large quantities in chicken meat, cow's milk and a number of other products.

If a veterinarian has discovered a food allergy in a cat, you need to exclude the dangerous product from the diet and prescribe the correct diet for your pet.

A cat food allergy often manifests itself as inflammation on the skin.

Presence of parasites in the body

External and internal parasites often cause cats to scratch and lick themselves. Fleas, ticks, and lice eaters are especially dangerous for furry pets. They bite the cat and drink its blood, and this leads to the development of allergies and decreased immunity. Ear mites often cause otitis media, a serious disease that can lead to serious complications.

If a cat has parasites in its fur, it will lick them frequently and feverishly. Small blood-sucking insects greatly irritate your pet's delicate skin. Parasites can be easily removed with flea treatment, but you should consult your veterinarian and check your cat for other diseases.

Damage to the skin on the tail

Any owner knows why cats lick themselves. If your cat's tail has wounds or any other damage, it can cause itching and irritation. Having received an injury, the cat begins to lick the sore spot in order to heal it. This way the animals lick any sores. To prevent your cat from doing this, you can put an Elizabethan collar on it.

Unpleasant habit after castration

A situation often arises when a cat licks itself after castration. Every veterinarian knows what to do in this case. He must examine the pet and check for allergies, infections and inflammatory processes.

But is it possible for a cat to lick itself after castration, the answer will be clear - it’s impossible, because the pet can lick the post-operative suture and cause an infection. If the owner overlooked it, and after castration the cat licked a wound under its tail, this requires urgent treatment and re-suturing. To prevent this from happening, a medical collar is put on the cat, which must be worn for 10 days after the operation. The suture should be treated with special medications prescribed by a doctor.

Causes of Excessive Licking

Among the most common causes of uncontrolled licking in cats, veterinarians name:

Manifestation of an allergic reaction to food.
Parasitic infection.
Problems with the digestive system and intestines, constipation.
Skin damage due to dermatological infections or wounds.
Reaction to moving, the appearance of a new animal, or any change in the usual environment.
The presence of fleas or subcutaneous mites that cause itching.
Inflammations on the skin.

Licking due to stress

Frequent licking is not always associated with the physiological health of the animal. Perhaps some psychological aspect plays a role in such a situation. Cats like their lives to go on without much change, so any innovation can cause them anxiety. Redevelopment of the house, the appearance of new pets, change of regime and similar innovations cause emotional distress in cats.

Solving a licking problem requires a lot of patience and time, regardless of whether the cause is physiological or psychological. If you provide proper care and attention, then after some time the pet’s coat will be restored, and life will return to normal.

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Every cat lover has asked himself why cats lick themselves. This is a useful hygiene procedure for furry pets. The cat licks itself to remove dirt and loose hair from its fur. Licking is necessary for proper thermoregulation of the body and maintaining health. But there are situations when a cat constantly licks itself. This is often a sign of serious illness.

Symptomatic diet and procedures

The best treatment is prevention. Therefore, to prevent the occurrence of this symptom, it is important:

Regularly wash the cat's food and drink bowls, clean the cat's house, bedding and carpets indoors.
Regularly inspect your cat's fur, comb it out and remove tangles.
Clean your cat's ears and keep them clean.
Supplement the daily diet with vitamins and microelements, especially if the cat has recently been ill and its body is weakened.
Do not allow your pet to come into contact with dirty street animals.
Give your pet enough attention and don’t forget to caress her.

You can help the animal solve psychological problems on your own. There is no need to lock your cat in a small room. If you are going to the country for the summer, take your pet’s house with you. After moving or adding another animal to your home, try to spend a little more time with your pet at first. If you help a cat realize its predator or hunter instinct by playing with it for at least 20 minutes, it will be easier for the animal to cope with stress.

Cats love platforms raised above floor level. They consider them a good place to retreat in case of danger. They can sit on these sites, experiencing moral discomfort. It’s good if you can equip a pet house on one of the sites. If necessary, the cat can retreat and survive stress in a secluded place.

Reasons why a cat licks its fur in the absence of parasites

In many cases, a cat constantly licks itself not because of parasites, but for other reasons. The most common of them is stress. Compulsive licking in cats can be compared to the human habit of biting nails. This indicates that the cat is starting to get very nervous. The owner must eliminate the cause of the pet’s emotional distress.

The cat itches, but there are no fleas, it constantly licks itself

Other reasons why a cat constantly licks itself are fungal diseases (lichen), allergies, dermatitis, otitis, and inflammation. The doctor must make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Lichen

Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the skin and fur. The causative agents are fungi of the genus Microsporum or Trichophyton. They affect the roots of actively growing hairs. Characteristic bald patches appear on the head, tail, ears, and paws, and the skin peels off. In the affected areas, the hair can quickly fall out, and the cat begins to go bald.

This disease is very contagious, but is easily treated, does not pose a threat to the life of an animal or a person and does not lead to serious health consequences. Very often, cats with reduced immunity and small kittens get deprived of the disease. The main symptom of lichen is round bald spots covered with scales. If the disease is not treated, then over time the fungi will affect other areas of the coat.

Note! The itching associated with ringworm in cats is usually not severe. If it is accompanied by a skin disease of a bacterial nature, the itching may intensify. Then the cat will constantly itch and lick itself. Scars or scabs may form on the skin.

Ringworm in cats is diagnosed at a veterinary clinic. The doctor makes a hole with a Wood's lamp, takes a scraping from the skin, analyzes wool hairs and inoculates fungi on a nutrient medium. You will also need a blood test to check for infections. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment should begin immediately.

For lichen, the course of treatment lasts a long time (about 3 weeks). In severe cases, recovery takes several months. The pet is prescribed medications for internal and external use. The veterinarian can prescribe medications such as microderm, vakderm, fungin, Yam BK ointment, etc. A sick pet must be isolated from other animals and provided with abundant and nutritious food, rich in vitamins and beneficial microelements. Despite the fact that people do not always become infected with shingles from a sick cat, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect the apartment.

Vaccinations against lichen are made with the Polivac TM or Vakderm-F vaccines. Vaccination is carried out twice with an interval of 2 weeks.

For your information! If the affected hair has stopped growing, it will not be affected by lichen. Therefore, cats often recover suddenly.

Ringworm in a cat

Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to a whole group of inflammatory skin diseases in cats. Even a calm and affectionate animal becomes aggressive and restless. Reddened areas appear on your pet's skin, and sometimes a rash appears on them. The affected parts of the skin are very itchy and itchy, which is why the cat may often itch, lick, and even gnaw out fur and skin. Sore spots are hot to the touch. The kitten may meow loudly and lick its lips frequently. Then comes the next stage of the disease, when the skin peels off and becomes wrinkled. Purulent lesions may appear.

Causes of dermatitis in cats:

allergies to food (preservatives and dyes);
allergies to shampoos and other chemicals;
infestation with fleas, lice eaters, ticks, worms and other parasites;
burn or hypothermia;
a scratch or bite on the skin;
infection of already damaged skin by bacteria, development of inflammation;
individual intolerance to certain drugs, especially oxytetracycline.

In most cases, the trigger for dermatitis is an allergy of any origin. Your cat may be allergic to dust, fungus, or food protein. If a cat's fur is brushed too vigorously, the skin may become damaged and dermatitis may occur.

Important! Dermatitis is dangerous because it often becomes chronic. Symptoms will come and go, and your cat's health will worsen. Deep, non-healing wounds may occur on the skin. Sometimes the cat licks itself and rubs the skin until it bleeds.

If you suspect dermatitis in a cat, you should not hesitate to contact a veterinarian. Only a doctor can find out the cause of the disease and prescribe treatment. First of all, you need to get rid of the allergen that triggered the development of dermatitis. To do this, you will have to replace food, shampoo and other household items. The veterinarian will help you choose the appropriate food.

Dermatitis in a cat

Endocrine system disorders

Excessive licking may be a sign of endocrine dysfunction in cats. The veterinarian performs many diagnostic tests to find out what exactly is causing these symptoms. Knowing the cause and mechanism of development of hormonal imbalance, the doctor will prescribe suitable treatment for your pet.

Otitis

Otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear in cats, often leading to dangerous complications. Pets suffer from otitis media much more often than people. If the cat begins to scratch its ear frequently and intensely and shakes its head, otitis may be suspected. The skin on the inside of the ear appears irritated, red and swollen. Treatment must be started immediately, otherwise purulent otitis may develop.

For your information! In the purulent form of the disease, a thick, dark brown liquid with an unpleasant odor is released from the ear. This disease causes severe pain to the cat. In severe cases, inflammation of the facial nerve may occur, then the pet's ear, eyelid or lip sag. Further inflammation affects the vestibular apparatus and brain. Because of this, the cat may die or remain disabled.

Otitis media in cats can be caused by parasites (especially fleas and ticks), bacteria, fungi, allergies, trauma, and foreign bodies in the ear. Hypothermia can also cause otitis media. Therefore, if the cat is cold or caught in the rain, it must be warmed up and kept in a warm room. Water that gets into the ears is very dangerous for your pet.

Diagnosis and treatment of otitis should only be carried out by a veterinarian. He will prescribe a course of treatment from a variety of drugs. Taking good care of a sick pet will keep it alive and healthy.

Otitis in a cat

Skin diseases

In addition to dermatitis of various origins, there are many other skin diseases of cats. Parasites can cause diseases such as demodicosis, scabies, and eczema. Ringworm and eosinophilic granuloma are especially widespread.

Dermatomycoses are a group of fungal diseases that affect the fur and skin of cats. Ringworm is a type of dermatomycosis. Treatment must be strictly under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Eosinophilic granuloma affects the lips and oral cavity. The disease manifests itself in the form of redness, swelling and hair loss at the site of the lesion. Pain and itching are rare, but the cat may lick the sore area frequently. The veterinarian diagnoses the disease and prescribes treatment. Eosinophilic granuloma is treated for a long time, but successfully and has a favorable outcome.

Skin diseases take a long time to cure

Important! Sometimes it happens that a cat licks its belly until it becomes bald. The reasons for this lie in severe stress, a fungal infection or skin parasites. If a cat licks itself a lot and begins to go bald, you need to take it to the veterinary clinic.

Bald patch on paw due to lichen

Possible options

Every cat licks under its tail at least several times a week. This process should not be considered pathological, provided that the animal is regularly treated against fleas and ticks (at least once a month) and undergoes quarterly deworming.

If you add accompanying symptoms such as redness in the anus, discharge or the appearance of growths, it is recommended to exclude the following diseases:

Inflammation of the paraanal glands

It can form after eating bones, due to excess weight, soft food.
Prolonged diarrhea can also be a cause. The first signs of inflammation may include fidgeting on the butt, constant licking under the tail, and redness in the anus. The problem can be solved by cleaning (at least once every three months, if there is a predisposition to inflammation).

It is carried out by a veterinarian in a hospital setting . After cleaning, ointments (proctosedyl) and suppositories (ichthyol or sea buckthorn) are prescribed. A change of food and increased hygiene are also indicated.

Fleas

They can cause itching in different parts of the body. But most often bites occur on the base of the tail and stomach. Therefore, if a cat licks under its tail, behaves restlessly, tries to chew out fur, or tears itself with its paw until it bleeds, then flea treatment should be carried out. The fact that your pet does not leave the house is not 100% protection against parasites.
The owner himself can bring them on clothes or the soles of shoes. Fleas are not dangerous to humans (they do not parasitize the skin), but in some cases they can bite. All animals are treated, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

The most effective drugs are Stronghold and Frontline. They are produced in the form of drops, which are evenly applied to the withers so that the animal cannot lick the drug. It is recommended to perform this procedure at least once a month.

Worms

The most common reason why a cat may lick under its tail frequently.
Just like with fleas, an animal does not have to go outside to pick up parasites. He may develop them after being bitten by mosquitoes, mosquitoes, or fleas. Also at risk are pets whose diet contains raw meat and fish. Well, we cannot exclude the possibility that parasite eggs may enter the apartment on the soles of the shoes of the owner or his guests.

The first signs of worms are itching in the anus, due to which the cat can ride on its butt on the floor. Licking and gnawing of fur in this area also indicate discomfort caused by parasites. Diarrhea, vomiting and increased appetite (or, conversely, complete refusal to eat) can be considered concomitant symptoms of helminthic infestation.

Veterinarians recommend starting to worm animals from 3-4 weeks of age. As preparations, you can use tablets, suspensions or drops on the withers. Of the tablets, Drontal and Milbemax are considered the most effective. They can even be given in crushed form, adding to food. Some manufacturers offer meat-flavored tablets, since many pets flatly refuse to undergo deworming.

Injury

This option cannot be ruled out. A pet can injure the anal area while climbing trees or after playing or fighting with other animals. Even a small scratch can cause significant discomfort. Because of this, a cat can constantly lick under its tail until it becomes bald.

In such cases, it is recommended to carry out antiseptic treatment of the affected area until complete healing. And limit the animal's access to the wound using a special medical cap.

Neoplasm

Unfortunately, this option should also be considered, especially if the animal is over 10 years old, it has been treated for parasites and there are no visible injuries in the anal area. The tumor can irritate the intestines, which explains the pet's restless behavior. The cat constantly licks under its tail, refuses to eat, and suffers from constipation.

If necessary, the doctor performs diagnostic laparoscopy, during which cells are taken from the formation for histological examination. Depending on the type (sarcoma, lymphoma) of the tumor, treatment is selected (chemotherapy, surgical excision).

Unfortunately, with tumors in the intestine, the prognosis is always cautious, even if the operation is successful and there are no metastases.

Finally, I would like to remind you that if a cat licks under its tail after giving birth, this may be an alarming signal for the development of pyometra, which can “burn” the animal in a few days. Therefore, in the postoperative period this symptom should not be ignored under any circumstances.

There are situations when the natural process of grooming cats can become obsessive. If a cat licks under its tail for an excessively long time and frequently, this may be a signal that there is a problem.

You should not ignore the fact that a pet tends to constantly lick itself in all places. It's possible that she's just in heat and the cat is bleeding from under her tail, however, there is a possibility that the cat has sores on her tail or something more serious. A clear sign of increased licking can be frequent regurgitation of hairballs.

This means it's time to take some action. If it is not possible to figure it out on your own, then it is advisable to show your pet to a veterinarian. After all, only a specialist who works in this field can understand such a situation, and who can identify the true cause and choose the right treatment.

This is a completely natural process that helps cleanse the wound. An animal cannot take care of itself in any other way. But such actions may be undesirable if the damage site is treated with some kind of agent or stitches are applied. To prevent such licking, the pet must limit access to the sore spot.

Prevention

Adviсe:

Regular preventive maintenance helps prevent illness, the living area is cleaned, the floor is washed, dust is removed, and the cat's bed is always washed.
The bowl is kept clean and the drinking water is fresh.
Ears are regularly cleaned and treated with antibacterial agents.
Veterinarians advise using only high-quality food.
Communication with other animals is limited.

If the kitten is itchy and there are no fleas, it will be examined by a veterinarian.

Preventive remedies for worms:

Cestal cat is an anthelmintic medicine taken orally, once. The tablet is placed on the tongue or dissolved in water.
Dirofen in gel or tablet form is taken in the morning from three weeks of age.
Milbimax for young and adult animals, the dosage is determined by veterinarians.

Sedatives:

Fospasim is taken for stress during moving, aggressive behavior, and fears. It is produced in the form of tablets and solution for injection.
Bach drops are often given to animals at shows, dissolved in water, and injected into the mouth with a syringe.

Immunostimulants and restorative drugs:

Gamavit contains many useful microelements, vitamins, stimulates metabolism, increases the chances of survival in weak individuals. Injections are given under the skin and into the muscle.
Catozal is prescribed for problems with metabolism, disorders of the reproductive system, prevention of infertility, and exhaustion of the body. The medicine tones and normalizes metabolic processes.
Imunofan is used to strengthen the body's protective functions and treat respiratory diseases; it is injected every 3 months.
Ringer-Locke for dehydration, bruising, for cleaning ears and eyes, a general strengthening drug.
Evinton treats viruses, stimulates the immune system, and is prescribed for rhinotracheitis, gastroenteritis, complications after vaccinations, and allergies.
Cycloferon for plague, enteritis, calcevirosis, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia.

Medicines that help with injuries:

Traumatin is injected into the muscle and under the skin, used for fractures, dislocations, skin damage, relieves pain during childbirth, helps get rid of shock, stops bleeding, stimulates healing.
Monclavit is an extended-spectrum antiseptic for topical use that leaves no residue on the coat.

Medicines used during childbirth:

Mastomethrin for inflammation and problems with the reproductive system, postpartum complications, normalizes uterine contractions, destroys pathogenic microflora, and is not used during pregnancy.
Calcium borogluconate for eclampsia, shock, rickets, before the injection it warms up to 39 degrees, causes pain.
Oxytocin is a hormonal substance that is injected carefully and is not used before childbirth.

Anthelmintics are used on the recommendation of a veterinarian every 3-4 months.

The cat licks and itches, but there are no fleas

Even if no fleas were visible during a visual inspection of the cat, this does not mean that there are none at all. Very often, small black grains are visible among the fur, very similar to trash - these are nits. And sometimes, small transparent bubbles – lice eggs – are attached to the pet’s hairs.

However, not only fleas can cause a cat to lick and itch. This can also be done by other pathological microorganisms, such as scabies mites. In this case, the pet will have visible skin damage on the ears, ankles and elbows.

Other possible reasons for your pet licking and scratching include:

Allergies to food, plant pollen, hygiene products, or insect bites (the cat scratches its face, scratches its ears, intensively licks and bites its paws). In this case, the veterinarian will recommend a diet to test for any specific component of the food that is causing adverse effects.
Fungal and bacterial inflammation. A set of certain fungi and bacteria are found on the skin and mucous membranes of both humans and their pets. Being in a normal state, these microorganisms do not harm. But if the immune system weakens, their number quickly increases, and inflammatory processes begin. Fungal inflammation causes severe itching.
Otitis is an ear infection that causes itching. A cat with otitis media itches and displays the following signs: it scratches its face, furiously rubs its ears, and shakes its head; swelling and redness of the ears appears, and purulent discharge from the ears.
Skin diseases (pyodermitis, notoedrosis, demodicosis, etc.) arise as a result of skin pathologies. The rashes that appear on the skin cause severe itching and discomfort. Scabies can also be accompanied by external signs such as baldness.