kitty acupuncture?

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know of a local cat acupuncturist? I've tried everything to help my cat get over her habit of pulling out her fur with her teeth (vet exams, tests for parasites/infections etc. (negative), changing food several times, medications (first prednisone, now cyclosporine), and so on. I'm thinking I have to go holistic. She's getting mighty impressive bald spots on her tummy and legs.

Comments

[alphacygni]

In all seriousness, have you tried prozac? Some cats, with various issues, respond incredibly well to it.

[dchenes.livejournal.com]

Angell Memorial at least has a billing code for acupuncture (they put it on my bill for suture removal by accident).

For $200 I can stick a few pins in...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Just bring your kitty! :)

[forgotten-aria.livejournal.com]

I know this is slim, but have you tried cat food with no corn in it. This is really really hard to find (you have to be careful even with wet food,) which is why I thought there might be a chance that you haven't thought of it. My cat was alleric to corn and would lick all his fur off, epecially on the tummy.

[ringrose.livejournal.com]

This isn't slim. Our cat is allergic to corn, too. It makes her stomach feel bad, so she licks her tummy. The result is a lot like what you describe.

If your cat goes outside, while you're trying to get her off corn you'll want to keep her inside. I think our cat who has tummy hair issues isn't just allergic to corn, but also to something outside.

[ratushebarl.livejournal.com]

Evo is a good brand, did wonders for my moggies.

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

My cat did that for a while so I know how much of a concern it is.

I never found a solution (though didn't try acupuncture). The vet thought maybe allergies but it was never isolated. My cat eventually grew out of the habit- though for a while her entire stomach area was bald.

In retrospect, I think it was more due to loneliness and anxiety resulting in 'hyper-grooming.' I had started a new on-site job and was away more than usual during the day.

Anyway, hope it resolves!

[joylewis.livejournal.com]

Marie Cargill (262 Beacon Street, Boston - (617) 247-1446) was recommended both by my acupuncturist and by my vet. I've never used her but she gets pretty good reviews online.

Beverly Animal Natural Health Services is a holistic veterinary practice that I highly recommend for stuff like this, too. There's a huge difference between taking a pet there and taking a pet to any other vet service I've ever seen. (http://www.banhc.com/)

[justjess.livejournal.com]

My mother's cat does this too, and we've never found a solution. The vet thinks it's allergies, as others have mentioned. I know this doesn't help at all, but you're certainly not alone! Mom's kitty has done it for years and she's all right, just with spindly, bald legs sometimes. She's also a very anxious and ornery cat, so maybe that has something to do with it?

In any case, good luck with your kitty!

[curiositykt.livejournal.com]

Tufts Animal hospital does it for dogs. my grandmother's dog was paralyzed and they fixed the problem with acupuncture after lots of other things had failed.

[witchdogtor.livejournal.com]

You can search for holistic vets at www.holisticvetlist.com. I agree with the others that a diet change may be a good first step... (and ANY food with corn in it should be tossed - cat or dog). Animal Spirit on Mass Ave is a good local place with reputable foods.

I have used Marie Cargill - but for a dog. Not sure anyone would be wise to stick needles in a cat ;) but if anyone does, it's probably her. She is very good and reasonably priced.

Good luck.

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I appreciate it. A bit more info: I currently have her on a "sensitive skin" food, but I'll check it for corn. She didn't respond to the Royal Canin limited ingredients brand though (just peas and duck, no corn). An fyi - she's a non-skittish indoor kitty so isn't exposed to whatever may be outside, and she does play with her toys (and with me). The "mowing" behavior occurs when I'm around (hey! that could be it! maybe she wants me to leave!). She settles herself down in front of a warm heating vent and happily "mows" as if she's merely grooming. Silly kitty.

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

I just checked - her food is full of corn. Eek.

[alphacygni]

If you do end up looking for other foods, check out Animal Spirit on Mass Ave near Verna's if you haven't already. They have an amazing selection of different kinds of cat foods, at least some of which will probably fit any dietary need.

[publius513.livejournal.com]

Hyper-grooming can be caused by stressful situations. Have you tried a Feliway defuser? It's a synthetic version of a hormone they produce naturally which comforts them. You should look into it before you drop the money for accupuncture. :-)

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the suggestion. Worth a try.

[vibrantabyss.livejournal.com]

This is actually Wren13 (aka Dr. Karen). I highly recommend Feliway and antianxiety meds for these cats, it turns out that they are anxiety and allergic issues combined. I totally agree with the 'get rid of corn in her diet' recommendation as well, as food allergies are also a factor in many cats. The 3 most common allergens in cats are corn, fish and chicken. I usually recommend Evo or Proplan Turkey and Barley (as long as they've stopped putting poultry byproducts in it). Kitty acupuncturist is a good idea for immediate relief. If you can do acupuncture on a ferret, a cat shouldn't be too difficult (and I've seen ferrets done).

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your advice. It never occurred to me that my cat might have an allergy to a food itself - I just figured she may be reacting to an additive. Question about the poultry, though - turkeys are okay but chicken isn't?

[upsidown.livejournal.com]

I was browsing in Porter Square Books the other day and found a really amazing book called "The Natural Cat." I didn't get far enough into it to see if it has an answer to this particular problem, but it's all about holistic cat care and might have some helpful suggestions. Either way I think you should check it out.

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

worth a look - thanks!