Obsessive groomer cat?

[bluethruandthru]

The oldest of my four cats, 7 year old Ricky, has always been a fastidious cat..keeping himself well groomed. However, in the last year or so he's been a bit obsessive about it to the point he's licked raw patches on his belly and legs. I've taken him to our vet several times to make sure it wasn't a fungal infection, etc. Once when the patches were bleeding, Ricky got an oral antibiotic which cleared up the patches, but the licking continued and more patches developed. The vet suggested maybe Ricky was allergic to something, but offered no solutions (other than to say maybe he's allergic to the newest cat in the family!) Ricky's not bored..he has lots of toys and companionship. I'm not sure what, if anything, can be done. Suggestions? Thanks!

[NV Whino]

1. No, but when you find the answer

let me know. I've got one of those, too. Drives me NUTZ!

And he's not quiet about his obsessive grooming either. Damned cat has more spit than any ten cats.

(I'm working it from the food angle. Seems to have started when I changed to a high-protein dry food when another cat was edging toward diabetes. I've got him on Trader Joe's wet in the morning and I think I will go back to Science diet light for snacking.)

[bluethruandthru]

3. I've wondered about food too.

Ricky is the pickiest eater of any cat I've ever had. All he'll eat is wet food..and he throws up anything but Friskies chicken and gravy! I've tried every kind of food including some from the vet... He either won't touch them or vomits as soon as he eats them! Maybe this is all a weird food allergy?

[haele]

2. Moggy used to pull out of the fur out on his belly and inner legs -

He'll do it in the summer and/or when he was suffering from nerve-induced cystitis. I think it started with his first flea infestation (around the age of 5) when we found out he was allergic to fleas and he just continues doing it. Why he does it whenever he developed cystitis, I have no idea.

Haele

[egadsbrain]

4. I've lived with a number of cats who've done this.

All were/are tuxedo males. Is Ricky a tuxedo by any chance? I've tried every allergy/restricted diet available, canned and dry, different shampoos and dips, restricted cleaning supplies and any chemical exposure and finally decided it must be stress related. China was a foster who I kept in a cat condo so he wouldn't get the other cats' food: did great when I gave up and let him out to do whatever he pleased. Jackson a foster who ended up staying (:)) pretty much the same story, and Dante (who's picture is my sig) who had ringworm and Katrina survivor issues still has some thin patches I hope will clear up when he gets adopted. Final answer after that long post: I think it's probably stress. Any changes in your household routines or schedules? New rug or furniture, seasonal changes, new people around?

[bluethruandthru]

5. You're probably right...

I'm thinking it must be stress. Ricky is an orange striped DSH. No changes in the house...except the new cat - which was nearly two years ago. The funny thing is, he and the newest cat get along really well. I just wish there was something topical that I could put on his sore patches that would make him leave them alone! Even though I've been very happy with my vet, I'm thinking of taking him somewhere else for a second opinion.