Devon Rex Cat Excessive Licking Problems

by Steve
(Cape Girardeau, Missouri)

My wife has a Devon Rex that is around 5 years old. We have only had her for the last three years of her life. Ever since, she has been in our home she has had issues with licking her belly until she was raw. We have taken her to two local vets and an allergist. So far we have run the gambit of food trials (duck, rabbit, grain free, raw), behavior modification medicines (both natural and prescription), Front Line, steroids, etc.

Now she is getting worse. She has started licking the underside of her tail until all the hair is gone and scratching the backs of her ears until they bleed. She is miserable. She no longer interacts well with our other cat and she isn't even open to letting us touch her.

The only time she is happy is when we take her out on the back deck and let her get some sun. I think the heat is soothing to her.

We are now to the point that the local vets say there is nothing else that can be done for her. She is so unhappy that we are afraid our only option now is euthanasia. It is breaking our hearts. We were looking at a vet dermatologist but the distance to take her there is a little daunting especially if it requires frequent trips. We are open for options at this point.

I can send pictures if it will help.


Dear Steve,

Thank you for writing in with concern for your kitty. With all of the symptoms you described, and all of the treatment options you have tried, my best recommendation would be to bring your cat to the veterinary dermatologist.

Even though the trip to the dermatologist may be daunting because of the distance, I would strongly recommend doing so anyway. Perhaps you could bring the whole family and make a day trip out of it. At least if you arrange an appointment for a consultation, you may have the option of having the veterinarian work with your local vet for any possible treatment options once a diagnosis has been made.

I wish you all the best in your quest to find a diagnosis and relief for your cat. Please feel free to write back with updates!

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely