I noticed a week or two ago her nose was raw. She's mostly an outdoor cat and I though she's got her nose swiped by another animal but it doesn't seem to be healing. Perhaps related, for at least a couple of years I have noticed occasional bouts of hard sneezing that last a minute or two. The nose doesn't seem to bother her and no sign of other distress.

She's an accidental cat that adopted me and I can't really afford a vet but could you tell me if there is an OTC medication I can afford or if this is something I just need to wait out.

 

Neosporin (a generic version works fine) would help, but how to keep the cat from licking it off would be a problem.
Antibiotics are fairly cheap, but don't know if a vet would give them to you without a visit.
Sorry, not the best help.

 

Just curious if it has something to do with allergies Ray. One of our dogs begins having allergic reactions to some form of pollen every year almost exactly on September 1'st. She scratches and licks at herself until she's raw and starts removing fur. Just a thought. Have you noticed the cat rubbing it's nose at all?

 

No nose rubbing but since I sealed the hole she originally came in through (possums were driving me nuts) she has mostly only been staying in long enough to eat then leaves. Most times when I check the yard she is asleep. Allergies was my thought too. Her poppa believes in an all natural yard and not wearing out the lawn mower. Her fur does seem thin but no raw spots.

Becky, after I saw how well she can lick her nose I wasn't sure how well neosporin would work and was worried about reaction to ingesting it.

Thanks all.

 

You could try some A & D ointment. The carrier is petroleum jelly which is also the major ingredient in Petromalt hairball remedy so ingesting it won't be a serious problem.

I'd rather you take her to the doctor but I understand about the expense.

 

Hmm, well we're pretty sure our dog is allergic to golden rod. Vet gives us Vanectyl (after a $100 vet visit + cost of pills), seems to cure the problem of scratching/itching. However, side affects include leaking urine (she can't help herself, it just drips out all the time) and long term negative affects to liver/kidneys.

Basically the problem lasts until a few good frosts, then whatever plant it is ceases to be a problem.

 

"...after I saw how well she can lick her nose..."

That might be the cause of the raw nose. If you've ever felt a cat's tongue, you'll know it is like sandpaper. She might have a runny nose from whatever reason and keeps licking it.

 

Yes that is a possibility.

Good idea and since she refuses to take hairball medication off my finger might have a secondary good use.

 

You might also check if you have a low cost spay and neuter clinic or a pet rescue nearby. They will often let you bring a pet in when the vets are in house for a quick look. No tests or anything of course.

Neosporin ointment won't really hurt their digestion like you might think. It too is mostly petroleum jelly and the small amount they ingest is pretty much taken care of by stomach acids. It's not like a coated pill that passes to the intestines and starts causing diarrhea.

No real reason for the antibiotic unless it seems to be oozing and swollen which would be a sign of infection.

OT to Wildbill....turns out one of our cats has developed asthma after almost 4 yrs. Possibly caused by the rain knocking loose the pollen, we've had an odd year for rain showers. It was either shots and a visit every month or build her a nebulizer box. I went with the nebulizer. $30 in parts and a $5 prescription til the weather changes.

 

Well, accidental cat or not, it does sound like a trip to the vet is actually the best move. If she's outdoors only, it is more than likely a bite/scratch/injury, and could be infected. It could also be a symptom of an infectious disease. Topicals simply don't work well on cat noses...

I suggest you look into your local Humane Society or ASPCA as often they have programs to help with Feral (stray) cats for veterinary costs and free spay/neuter programs as well.

I wish I could give you better suggestions, but with a nose and a cat...the vet is where I'd head. Maybe call around to find the cheapest office call if your local shelters don't offer Feral Cat programs.

Do keep us posted...