Hi,
My ragdoll is prone to getting a balding spot which he scratches until it swollen just above his eye brow. Usually one side but sometimes both.
He is fed origin, sometimes feline natural and ziwi canned food all top well reviewed and healthy brands.
Last time took him to vet to get scrape but they couldn't find anything.
No other pets and often vaccum and clean the house. No plants. Not sure if allergy.
I hear pet insurances have alot of exclusions and are a scam.
Any recommendations?
Any processed food, for pets or us, is simply unhealthy. I haven't had a cat, but for my dog; raw chicken legs from woolies ($4:00 kg) for two days then raw pet mince ($17.00 for 3kg) for 3 days (he eats a lot 😃 but runs like the wind). I mix some chopped up raw veg (using a food processor) into the mince, and some olive oil. Give him about 2 desert spoons of olive oil after the chicken legs. He does get kibble whenever he likes - that gives him the shits, literally (I can tell by the color).
If your cat has a diet close to this, his symptoms may resolve themselves.
My partner had a cat before we lived together - I resolved most of his issues (the cat's) via diet (including alopecia). This was in opposition to what the vet was advising her at the time (along with prescribed meds). Her cat had been getting alopecia on and off for years with the Vet's help.
I have heard that some things like that with cats can be a psychological problem (stress related). Although I'd be surprised, but maybe not, if the vet didn't suggest this. Found a link below after a quick search;
The cat I grew up with had a similar-ish problem - he had a patch on his tummy that he kept irritating and licking that turned out to be stress/boredom related. It always seemed to get worse the more my mum worked (and wasn't home as much).
Despite common belief, cats are social and active creatures. Having lots of interactive toys and perches, and a companion/s might help, especially if he is an indoor cat.
Since adopting companions for my current cat, his behaviour has significantly changed for the better. He isn't interested in trying to go outside anymore, reduced his random meowing by at least 95% (he's a burmese) and he is clearly much happier (playing, cuddling with the other cats etc). I should also note he was very spoilt like yours with good food, and always had plenty of toys and jump, but nothing improved his behaviour quite like having a friend. Just some food for thought.
As for pet insurance, it's a bit of a dice roll. I've had a lot of pets growing up (and even now) and so far, we would have paid more overall if we had insurance (with yearly checks) than without.
Pet insurance is not worth it. Get healthy pets plus, nearly worth it on vaccinations alone, and it gives peace of mind that you can bring your cat in for anything that worries you and not worry about whether it is worth paying $150 consultation fee. The skin issue is not going to cost much more than the consultation, just some cream or medication. Certainly not going to require surgery or anything. And pet insurance would not cover you for anything to do with the skin issue or anything arising from it as it will be a pre-existing condition.
We have a dog that would constantly focus on scratching a spot. Get a cone of shame or similar, scold them for doing it (Of course, you better have good bond with your own best friend otherwise you got someone that hates you!). I'm surprised the Vet didn't suggest it (Hence.. our cone of shame).
I'm not sure what origin is or whatever 'brands' you're saying; we feed our dog real unprocessed foods. So, can't help you with processed foods for our son = itch. I don't think processed foods do that unless it is some kind of allergy?
Get a second opinion. My condolences to your wallet tho!
For the dog lovers, replace dog with son. Cheers.
First year of healthy pets plus may be worth it. Keep in mind Greencross vets as an American company will try to upsell things you don’t need or do tests that are not covered under the plan. It almost feels like they get commission or kpi points for this.
My puppy had an itching problem that I assumed was from a grass allergy or some such and vet insisted to do a mite check in the ear dispute me telling her the dog was covered by Nex guard spectra. She did not tell me it was going to cost $50 for a 2 minute test. In the end they agreed it was probably just from grass like I said.
For desexing the dog there we were quoted $200 more then both our local vets (I’m sure they would have tried to upsell more things on the day if we went through them).
Their web chat vet that we have used a few times has been great and very helpful. And one of 4 vets that we have met at our local greencross was very helpful, kind and full of information, also didn’t try upselling things unnecessary things. But I definitely will not be paying a follow up year with them after this.
Like previous commenter said, for vaccinations, and some peace of mind checks probably worth it, but be aware that they will try to pry your wallet open for extra dollars if you let them.
We have two puppies and have Petsonme Health Insurance for both. We chose this company as they have 100% rebate and only $50 excess.
We also have Healthy Pets Plus through Pet Barn, primarily because it offers unlimited free vet consultations and free after hours vetinary care.
Clearly HP+ is not health insurance so we have the health insurance to cover any other vet/medical costs over and above the consultation fees.
Pet insurance is like any insurance, you resent paying the premiums until you find you need to make a claim.
I prefer to "gamble" $100 per month and hope that nothing happens to one of my dogs but it sure is comforting to know that if something does, I don't have to find a $10,000 lump sum to help them.
Isn't that a toy?