Hi Nikky-Ann. Given that anxiety is such a tricky diagnosis, I would start also considering physical causes of the problem such as an itch from an undetected allergy. It’s mentioned in this article.

Hi Kim. You can buy a treatment for mites and fleas, but it sounds like he has another serious problem that really does need a vet to have a look.

Hi Erica. It certainly sounds like a difficult case. Have you considered a referral to a veterinary dermatologist? Revolution is normally very effective against fleas as long as every dog and cat in the house is treated. There’s possibly another cause, of which the common ones are listed on this page. Consider also food allergy in an older animal with this history.

Hi Caroline. The article is the best advice I can give you, and to add that although you are right that it definitely reduces the risk, you can’t rule out fleas by cats being indoors. A good treatment trial is the best way, but a quick test would be to give your cats a big pat and ruffle up on a clean white sheet and then look very carefully for the tiny specks of flea dirt afterwards.

Hi Katrina. It’s a good idea to rule out external parasites very early. You will find a list of suitable flea and mite products for cats on this page.

I was wondering how you can rule out mites or allergies without needing a vet? They are super expensive and we can’t afford to do all these treatments. Also I checked your chart and the only balding patch our cat every gets is under her front leg and then she bites the back of her legs until they bleed (it stains the floors and sheets everywhere). We’ve taken her to the vet for it but every time she starts biting again right away and bleeding again. I want to help her as much as I can but can’t afford to keep going to the vet over and over. What do I do?