Vancouver Feline Hospital - Cat Veterinary Clinic

Tom - Our Itchy Pitchy Kitty

Tom has Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex. This is a feline hypersensitivity syndrome - allergies - where this cat reacts to everything he is allergic to, by itching and developing huge red raw spots and plaques on his skin. He has had this problem since six months old. We diagnosed by taking a skin biopsy, although sometimes we do start treatment based on the dermatological exam only. Initially Tom was so itchy he was just chewing himself to pieces, so he had to live in his headcone for a few months.

We treated with a long course (over 40 days) of antibiotics to clear the secondary skin infection, multiple antifungal baths, and started him on high dose prednisone to alleviate the itch. He was dewormed using Drontal monthly for three months, and we used Advantage and the Revolution for flea control. His regime to control this very frustrating problem, shared by many cats, includes strict parasite control (Revolution monthly), diet (MediCal Hypoallergenic only), a hypoallergenic environment, and steroids (prednisone) at minimum controlling dose. He has reacted to vaccines by getting a very large lump at the site (which disappeared after a month), so we have not vaccinated him again.

Tom is now four and half years old, loves small children and adults who play with him; his favourite toys are balls and small toy mice. We cannot predict how Tom will eventually cope in the real world, but with love and knowledge we will ensure his quality of life.

It has taken months (there is no quick fix for allergic cats!) to control Tom's itch, and once he achieved the minimum controlling dose of steroids, we found that special home for him - with another allergic kitty that we thought would appreciate a loving rumbunctious companion!

They took a few weeks to settle in together. Tom however is way too active and demanding and after a life-threatening escapade outdoors, his new owner adopted another young rumbunctious kitty, Sophia, to be his playmate.

Tom's itches do recur and need constant management to control his allergic nature.