Question:
As some of you know, my cat Layla lives with my Godmother. Well, she has been having problems with her and I told her I'd ask everyone I could (she lives down in crap-ville and the vet is lacking mental skills :thud: ).

So here's the problems:
1. This one is health related. Layla is an indoor cat. But when my Godmother was in an apt a few months back, she would let Layla lay on the concrete area and grass outside for a bit (she supervised her). Well, ever since then, Layla has been really itchy and is losing hair. She will start to grow it back and then it comes out again. The vet said it could be an allergy or something like that and gave her a steroid shot and dipped her. Well, it's still happening. My Godmother made an appointment with an animal dermatologist, but she won't be able to see him until May 31. Any ideas on what this could be?

2. This one is a mental problem. Layla has always been mean-spirited. But lately she has gotten worse. My Godmother moved out of the apartment a few months ago and into the hotel that she works at. Before all of this, she lived in a big house (with Layla). So we think it could be that Layla isn't stimulated, etc. But she is so mean that my Godmother has tons of scratches and bite marks on her arms and legs. She can't come in the door, walk around the room, or sleep without Layla full-on attacking her. :confused: She has to sleep with pillows surrounding her to protect her. So, is there a kitty-Prozac that Nan can get her on? Or do you guys suggest something else?
Thanks in advance!!!

Btw, thinking it was a food allergy, I had my Godmother switch Layla to Nutro a couple weeks ago (we did it gradually).


Answer:
Not sure on the hair losing problem, but just a thought - could she have picked up a tick or something?
As far as the agression goes, perhaps having moved from a large house to a more confined area, could Layla just be being more territorial?


Answer:
Honestly, they both sound stress-related to me- kitty is not so happy about the move, perhaps, or maybe more noise, less privacy, anything a cat could get miffed about. Is there any way she can provide outside time for Layla now? Maybe buy a large dog kennel and add a comfy blanket so she can sun and take in fresh air? Maybe one of those inserts for the window- a little kitty balcony type thing. Not just the loss of her out-time, but something to amuse the cat- a bird-feeder where she can watch it, something to take Layla's mind off the changes and limited space, etc.- basically something special that Layla will know is just for her.


Answer:
They do prescribe tranquilizers to cats....to help reduce her anxiety level and help her mellow. But...I would try and find the root of the problem first. I think all of the above suggestions are all worth a try.


Answer:
Maybe try Feliway.. it's a pheromone diffuser that you plug in and helps calm stressed cats. (We use them at the shelter in all the animal rooms)


Answer:
Thank you, guys!

Well, my Nan is living in a Holiday Inn Express. She is on the 3rd floor and she can't put up bird feeders or anything. It's a long story, but the owners don't really "know" she's living there, let alone with a pet. Sooo...Layla gets what we call "hall time." My Godmother (aka: Nan) lets her walk around the hall and then come back in the room (she supervises).

I am going to print these threads out when my Nan visits me next week (for my bday).

Thank you all so much! I will definetely try the Feliway. I'll also have her get Layla a blood test and skin scrape.