I've just face-timed Tom and he showed me both the cats play fighting and chasing each other about. He seems his normal playful self apart from the sickness and fur pulling. He's outside exploring most nights now, no plants in the house.

I'll change his food and see if that helps, we've been feeding them using a ball treat dispenser so that he doesn't rush his food down as we thought that was what the problem was previously.

If you allow Merlin outdoors, it's possible he's gotten into something from outside that is compounding the situation.

Hi everyone, I have not been around in a long long time, perhaps more on that later.

My Leo has been over grooming for some time now. I have finally taken him to someone who I think is a reliable vet and feel I can place my trust in her.

I was told in the past that Leo was suffering from Hyperesthesia, but believe now that is not the case

It has been just over a week now that Leo has been on a strict diet of Hill's Prescription Diet D/D both wet and dry Duck only for skin/food sensitivities. He was also started on 1/4 and is now up to 1/2 tablet daily of Zyrtec (yes the common people's allergy pill). He doesn't get treats, or scrapes or anything that is not these two foods, well except a little coconut oil.

Leo sneezes a lot, too. The Zyrtec and food seems to have helped, fewer episodes of ripping his fur out, the sneezing is better although still a little sneezy especially just before it is time for his pill. I am hoping this is the answer to Leo's obsession with fur pulling.

I wanted to let posters know that Zyrtec is considered safe for cats as I had not seen any mention of it for allergies, although you should discuss any course of action with your own vet.

I hope you are able to come to a quick conclusion on what is ailing your little Merlin and that he gets better soon.

Kris

Jagger is prone to eating too fast and then throwing it straight back up as well, especially if he's been eating grass. It happened tonight actually. There is a definite trend that if he's been out longer than usual, he comes back starving and then bolts his dinner. Generally he's a grazer so I don't think his tummy can take it. I then give him small portions over the rest of the evening so he doesn't do it again.

it is a problem when they go out as you just don't know what they are eating - I'm always worried my two will eat the stuff one of our neighbour's puts out for the foxes, particularly as Hendrix has a sensitive tummy. Fortunately they are both fussy!

Got my fingers crossed for you (and especially Merlin) that everything is sorted soon.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK