What causes patches of hair loss on an otherwise healthy indoor cat?
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My suspicion is overgrooming from itching, either due to a flea or food allergy. Some cats also overgroom due to psychological reasons, sort of an obsessive/compulsive disorder. I recommend getting your cat checked by your vet to see what the underlying problem is and treat accordingly.
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Two things come to mind:
1) Stress licking- this is where the skin itself is pretty normal, but hair is missing. These hair loss areas tend to be underneath or on the outer thigh areas of your pet.
This can be controlled by anti-anxiety medication or pheromone therapy.
a) Feliway plug-ins (may help)
b) Zylkene tabs - online only, UK product, very effective
c) Clomicalm- medication requires prescription from your vet
2) Flea allergy dermatitis- this is where there is hair thinning mostly on the back just above the tail. Lots of indoor kitty's I see end up with fleas, they get in somehow and breed on your pet. I suggest purchasing a flea comb from your local pet store to do a good thorough search of your pet. If there are fleas, treat them. Good products for cats that I really like are Revolution and Advantage multi.
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-
Need to see a vet? Find the best vets near you
My suspicion is overgrooming from itching, either due to a flea or food allergy. Some cats also overgroom due to psychological reasons, sort of an obsessive/compulsive disorder. I recommend getting your cat checked by your vet to see what the underlying problem is and treat accordingly.
You marked this answer as helpful, we appreciate your feedback
You marked this answer as not helpful, we appreciate your feedback