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Posts: 2
From:ottawa
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-27-2003 07:41 AM         

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I have two female cats, and they both do this, though my older (9 year old) cat exibits it much more often, and more ... enthusiastically.

Basically, whenever i pet or scratch her on the spine, from the base of the tail to about a 1/3 of the way up, she starts vigourously licking air, licking herself, and, most often, licking me All the while, she's purring like a mad man. She seems to enjoy it quite a bit, as whenever she wants me to pet her, she'll manouver herself so that my hand is on that spot.
I'm worried maybe it's something medical, like a rash or something..

Anyone know why this happens?

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Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-27-2003 11:02 AM         

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Hello. Welcome to the site. Cats respond differently to petting. Some cats just purr, others purr and lick and so on... If you think she may have a rash, look at the area on her back and see if you feel any bumps or scabs or red areas. Do you apply Advantage flea drops behind all of your cat's neck once a month for fleas?
If you don't see any signs of a 'rash' It's probably just the way your cat responds to petting. She's obviously very content when she's being loved by you.

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Posts: 141
From:Nova Scotia, Canada
Registered: May 2003

posted 12-27-2003 07:04 PM         

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Hi

My cat of 5 years just started doing the exact same thing. Very similar to when you pat a dog at the base of its spine, expect her area of choice is between the shoulder blades. Now she is a chubby creature that can't reach around to lick her back or scratch like her skinner sister can.

Maybe its just their way of showing enjoyment or contentment?? She also seems to be happy about this, otherwise she would have given me a nasty chomp on the hand by now.

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Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-27-2003 11:57 PM         

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My cat used to do that. Usually it is from fleas or dandruff. Treat your cat with advantage or frontline and try brushing her alot. One of those things should help her. I know its kind of funny, but I bet it is really itchy for her.

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Posts: 2
From:ottawa
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-28-2003 04:15 AM         

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Thanks for all the answers!

My cat has a cronic case of dandruff right at the base of her spine. Probably right about the ichy. Seems her skin dries out first right there. It's not so bad during the summer, but in our Cold, Dry Canadian winters, i can see why she'd be more enthusiastic.

Next time i'm at the vet's, i'm going to have him take a look, just in case.

BTW Anyone know anything i can put in their food to avoid dry skin and dander?

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Posts: 145
From:Toronto, Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-28-2003 07:13 PM         

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To help with dry skin you can put some cod Liver oil on her food. I usually buy it in gel capsules from the drug store; puncture the capsule with a safety pin and squirt it on. It works well and most cats like it.

My cat reacts the same to the same spot you were talking about and there is absolutely nothing wrong I always thought it sexually arroused her or something.

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Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-29-2003 03:38 PM         

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Buy a food that has fatty acids in it. Nutro Maxx worked great for my cats fur. Natural Balance and Authority are also good.

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Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-30-2003 05:45 AM         

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Tom our rescue does this too. We've taken him to the vet and he say's he's fine, no dandruff or any skin problems. When Granvel pets him right on top of his tail he starts to lick his legs and arms or what ever is closest to his mouth.

He lets me scratch him in the evenings now and he licks my feet and toes the whole time. Its aggrivating yet cute. He doesn't crave to be petted or scratched there but defianately loves it. Of course when we took him to the vet he wouldn't do it. (go figure) so the vet thought we were nuts.
But its true!! Glad to see my kitty isn't the only licker in the bunch!!

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