My cat – He has FIV and this causes his skin to become more itchy and Inflammed then usual

[Guest]

My cat is one and for the last 6 months of his life has really struggled with his skin. It all started when he hurt his leg and had surgery with antibiotics. he was then put in a cone and this caused a big sore of his neck. the vet stopped the use of the cone and gave him steroid cream.

He has FIV and this causes his skin to become more itchy and Inflammed then usual. the vet said the antibiotics suppressed his already weak immune system which resulted in the extreme sores.

We got a puppy and she did a little scratch on his face and neck months ago. It got inflammed and the cat keeps scratching it. The vet said use the steroid cream which we have but he still scratches it and it’s not healing.

Anyone got any tips to speed up the healing/ prevent him from scratching.

I was thinking maybe a betadine bath and cut his nails really short.

I have tried a human bandage but he pulls it off within 10 minutes.

I can’t bare to see him like this and there’s nothing more the vets can do.

Please note he isn’t in pain and is going about his normal life. Eats and drinks great and vet has said he is very healthy other then the positive FIV.

[Carmen]

Have you tried the doughnuts for cats and dogs. You could also try raw unfiltered honey on the sore area. I have had great results with it. The doughnuts I pull out the air bladder and replace it with bubble wrap and or wrapping tissue. My cats will pop the bladders. I have not tried the fabric cones I think my cats would shred them.

[Liam]

Could you try some kind of paw pads to stop the scratching or a non stick pad on his face wrapped with a bandage? I think at this point a come could help more than causing damage mybe speak to the vet again.

[Diane]

You need to try natural products on the sore. Pure aloe Vera paste with golden seal root Powder and a bit of turmeric powder in a pasta. Apply 3 times daily. Or you can try this from Amazon.

[Elizabeth]

Does the wound need to drain? If not a cream, ointment, or tea (bathe the wound in tea) made from calendula (has to be from the flowers only) would be so soothing and healing for your boy, you may want to look at some internal natural herbal medicine from Robert McDowell herbals in Bathurst nsw to support his immune system, (Free phone consult and will post herbs) they will probably be able to sell you the cream/ tea as well. Might need some paw mittens or something in the mean time to stop him touching it the soft doughnut collars look great too.

Agree with the honey comment too, amazing healer as well, although it may sting and feel gooey for him so may aggravate him?