LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Fur Loss Advice

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. I have a fifteen year old and her name is Caitlin too. We just spell it a tiny bit different.

It sounds to me like your cat might have fleas, which would explain the scabbing. Although stress can cause fur loss, it is typically from the cat overgrooming and biting out her fur. If you have not noticed this, then my first guess would be fleas.

Even if the cat doesn't go outdoors, she may have picked them up. Fleas and ticks were very bad in many parts of the country this year. They can hop a ride on a human's socks and come indoors, for example.

I would start by treating her for fleas. You can either take her to a groomer or to the vet and have her dipped (your best bet), or you can purchase some medicated flea soaps, shampoos and powders at just about any pet supply store or places like Wal-Mart. Be sure to read the directions carefully. If the fleas are in your furniture or carpet (you will likely see them jump onto white socks when you walk in the room), then you may need to bomb the house for fleas as well. Hopefully, it isn't that big of a problem, though.

Follow up with a preventative flea treatment to avoid reinfestation. If this does not clear up the problem, then I'd go ahead and take the cat to the vet and find out what is going on. If it is stress causing the fur loss, then the vet can prescribe some temporary remedies to calm the cat.

Please feel free to come back here any time you need additional advice on your cat. - posted by:LoriSoard

Thanks for the very detailed description. It helps us to try to help you pinpoint what might be going on and you can then confirm with your veterinarian at your next regular appointment.

Your cat sounds absolutely gorgeous and like he has a very unique personality.

I actually don't think this is anything to be overly worried about. Since his skin does not show any redness or irritation, and because you use prevention, it isn't likely to be any type of parasite.

It doesn't sound like he has the opportunity to pick up some of the contagious feline diseases like Cat Flu, although if a cat does go outdoors you should never completely rule that out, particularly if his symptoms ever worsen.

However, it doesn't sound he is left unsupervised. I really think he is likely having some type of allergic reaction. I doubt that it is stress from your description.

Now, the problem is going to be in figuring out what on earth he is allergic to. Cats can be allergic to the same types of things that humans are. He may even be allergic to that lime tree, which he loves so much.

You can start by eliminating or changing likely culprits. Examples would be fabric softener and detergent, because he likely lays on bedding. Changing his food. Removing any recent plants or potpourri you've brought into the house.

If that does not clear up the problem, then you may want to not let him go outside for a few weeks and see if that is the culprit.

You can also have a skin test conducted, which can tell you exactly what he might be allergic to. As I said, I don't think this is anything too serious. It may even just clear up on its own. - posted by:LoriSoard

I'm so sorry your cat is going through this. The good news is that the fleas are gone, so he should start to heal. The bad news is that the combination of the dip and the flea treatment may have been a little much for him or may have stressed your cat and caused some fur loss. He may also have been biting and scratching before you rid him of fleas.

If he hand the mange, you would see a flaky crust on his skin or sores. As long as the bald skin looks healthy and has no sores or flakiness, he is likely just fine.

It may take a while for the fur to grow back in that spot, but it should come back over time. Just watch him carefully and also keep an eye on your home. If he had fleas that bad, he may have carried them into your house, where they can hide in the carpet and furniture. This can reinfect him and cause the whole cycle to start again.

In fact it may not be a bad idea to go ahead and bomb your house a couple of times at two week intervals (this takes care of any leftover eggs). Make sure anything living is out of the house for the required time listed on the can and you typically use a bug bomb can for each room of your house (not including bathrooms and very small areas).

Hope this helps and he heals up soon. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Some cats do start to lose hair as they get older, but twelve while not a kitten is not elderly yet either.

One thing that can help is changing to a very high quality cat food that is formulated for older cats and/or sensitive skin. I would recommend talking to your vet about some options in this area and getting recommendations on the best food for your particular cat's health. He may tell you to find a food that is high in Omega-3s or to give the cat some supplements as well.

Some other things that can cause fur loss include:

• Stress
• Illness
• Fleas

Problems with the teeth can cause excessive salivating. Many cats have dental problems as they start to age. Regular cleanings are extremely important and can typically be done in your vet's office during your regular yearly checkup. If there is a lot of plaque built up, occasionally a cat will have to go under anesthesia and undergo a deeper cleaning. You may want to try to examine his teeth and see if there are any broken teeth or other obvious problems.

Drooling can also be caused by some diseases such as feline Herpes, but there are other symptoms that go along with these that it doesn't sound like he has. You may want to go ahead and take him in for a checkup with your vet, however, just to be on the safe side. - posted by:LoriSoard

Since he has no other symptoms, I think this is probably something very minor. First, some brushes can cause hair breakage and make hair feel brittle, so you may need to get a new brush for your cat. Your local pet supply store should be able to help.

Cats have natural oils in their skin, which is distributed when they groom or when we brush them. I would just pay extra attention to that area during your regular grooming and see if it helps. You can even try rubbing a little moisturizing vegetable oil. I wouldn't use very much as the cat will likely ingest and you may wind up with a mess of loose stool. Just a tiny drop or two rubbed into the skin is all I would use.

There are also dry shampoos you can purchase that may help as well.

If you notice any additional symptoms or the condition worsens, then I'd go ahead and take him to the vet, but for now I really don't think it is anything to be overly concerned about. - posted by:LoriSoard

Stress can cause hair loss. Moving is very stressful to cats, even though some show it more than others. Since you've moved from so far away, the move may have been particularly stressful.

Since she seems otherwise healthy, I'd give it a few weeks and see if the problem clear up on its own. In the meantime, try brushing her daily to reduce the shedding and keep her on a high quality cat food.

If the hair loss does not stop in the next few weeks, then I would go ahead and take her to the vet for a check-up, but I really think this is just from stress. - posted by:LoriSoard

Since she is eating and acting normally, I wouldn't be overly concerned just yet. Double check her for fleas, since they can sometimes be carried in on socks and such. One flea can create havoc. Parasites are the most common cause of fur loss.

If that is not the culprit, then you may want to look to potential food allergies. These can develop later in a cat's life and are another common cause. You may just need to switch her to a brand for sensitive skin and feed her separately, for example.

Hope these ideas help. If you notice any major change in her behavior, then I would go ahead and take her to the vet. - posted by:LoriSoard

Ear mites could cause the cat to scratch and dig, which would likely cause some fur loss. There are over-the-counter ear mite treatments, which can be purchased at Wal-Mart or any pet supply story. When looking at the cat's ears, mites will make the inside look dirty with tiny black specks.

There are many other things that can cause fur loss, but the most likely culprits are parasites, so I would probably treat that first and go from there. - posted by:LoriSoard

Has he lost any additional fur? I would be worried about the lethargy and change in behavior more than the hair loss. Mange and mites would not likely cause that type of reaction. I would go ahead and take him back to the vet for a check-up. Be sure to tell the vet all of his symptoms for a proper diagnosis. You will also want to take a fecal example, so the vet can test it for any parasites. - posted by:LoriSoard

Some cats tend to just shed more than others. There are a few things you can do that may help reduce the shedding, however. First, get her on an excellent food. This will cost you a little more but will save you a lot in aggravation and in the health of your cat. Look for a food that uses human-grade meat, and whole foods with a healthy balance.

Also, I would go ahead and brush her everyday with one of the new shed prevention combs on the market.

These two things combined will help some, but she will continue to shed some. Hope this helps. - posted by:LoriSoard

One of the most common causes of fur loss is fleas or other parasites. Since she is outside a lot, this would be my first guess. I'd treat her for fleas (she may have to be dipped) and your home (bug bomb, but be sure to get all living things out of house first) and then keep a good preventative treatment on her. - posted by:LoriSoard

There are several reasons why a cat might bite and pull out his own fur, such as:

• Hot spots: These are typically caused by low quality (cheap) pet foods or incorrect grooming/bathing. While more common in dogs, cats can get these as well. There are several thoughts on how to relieve the hot spots, from placing a cool cloth on the area to wiping the pet with special pet wipes. However, I have found the best method is to switch to a very high quality food for sensitive skin. Look for one with no by products or fillers.

• Stress: Cats can become stressed about the same types of things humans become stressed over. Many cats will overgroom when stressed and/or bite out their fur. Look around for any major changes or environment changes that might be causing stress.

• Parasites: Fleas or other parasites are the most common causes of fur loss. You may want to have him checked over by a vet if the behavior persists.

• Dry Skin: If your house is particularly dry in the winter, a cat's skin can become dry and itchy. A humidifier can greatly reduce this problem and as a bonus will make your skin more hydrated as well.

• Allergies: Cats can be allergic to food, carpet, pollen and just about anything humans are allergic to. Look around for anything new or that may have changed, such as laundry detergent or cleaning products.

Hopefully, some of these ideas will allow you isolate the cause of your cat's condition. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

The most common causes of fur loss are:

• Fleas
• Other parasites
• Diet
• Allergies

However, stress can often be a culprit as well. Typically, the cat will overgroom to soothe herself. Because a cat's tongue is so rough, this can lead to skin irritation and fur loss. I would keep an eye on this issue for now. Since she otherwise seems fine, it's probably okay to wait and see if it clears up on its own. You will want to mention to your vet at your next regular visit. Also, if you notice any of the following symptoms, get her to the vet right away:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Increased or decreased thirst
• Litter box habit changes
• Scabs or sores - posted by:LoriSoard

It sounds like your vet is ruling out some of the most common causes of fur loss. My first guess would have been similar to his.

Since you mentioned the swollen, hanging mammory glands, I went and did a little research on this topic and consulted with a couple of veterinary friends.

That seems to be something to be more concerned about than the fur loss. The fur loss can be unsightly and the sign of an underlying problem, but it sounds like you've already ruled out the most common causes.

Swollen mammory glands can indicate a couple of things. Cancer is one culprit, but it sounds like the cat is otherwise healthy, so until you rule out everything else, I wouldn't be overly concerned in this area.

A likelier cause is an infection somewhere in the cat's body that has spread through the blood stream to the mammory glands. Infection (mastitis) in the mammory glands can also be caused by nursing kittens, but if your cat is not nursing, then that is not the cause.

Has your vet done any bloodwork on your cat? You may want to visit a vet that specializes in cats or in mammory or infections. Each vet has his own specialty area, so don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

Also, fur loss is often a symptom of another illness, so if the cat has an infection it could show up in this way. It's not necessarily that your cat is stressed emotionally, but that the cat's body is stressed by the illness.

If the vet rules out any type of infection and the glands aren't actually swollen, then you may want to try purchasing a humidifier. Some cats get dry skin in the winter months, which makes their skin itchy. The cat then grooms more, causing fur loss.

I know I threw a lot of ideas at you, but I'm hoping to cover an area the vet has not thought of yet and find a solution to your cat's problem. Please don't hesitate to ask other questions if you need further help. - posted by:LoriSoard

I'm sorry your cat is having this problem. Since his appetite has not changed and he seems otherwise healthy, I don't think this is going to be a major illness. He very likely does have some type of allergy. You don't mention how long it's been since you switched back to the old laundry detergent. It can sometimes take several weeks or even months for issues like this to clear up. It is also possible that your cat is allergic to something else, such as his food, which is another common allergy.

I would try the following:

• Keep using the detergent you think he is not allergic to.
• Consider changing his food to the highest quality food you can afford, preferably for sensitive skin.
• Look around your home to identify any other changes, such as new carpet or furniture.
• You may also want to consider the type of cat litter you are using.

When you say he is growing, I wasn't sure if you meant in size or that his fur was growing. If the fur seems to be growing, it is likely coming back in.

Also, stress can cause fur loss, so you may want to consider that as a possible source too. Any major changes in recent months?

Hope this helps! - posted by:LoriSoard

There can be many different reasons for fur loss. Here are a few:

• Stress
• Allergies
• Poor diet
• Parasites (not just fleas)
• Nervous habits, such as overgrooming
• Illness

I would start by looking at any major changes that could have stressed your cat. These might include a new animal in the home, someone moving in or out, or a move to a new home. If you can't locate any sources of stress, then I would turn to food as the next, most likely, culprit. Try to switch her to the highest quality food you can afford. Many health food stores carry some excellent, organic foods for cats and are happy to answer your questions about quality. Remember to switch her slowly, giving her 25 percent of the new food to 75 percent of the old food for a few days. Then, give her 50 percent and 50 percent for a few days and so on, in 25 percent increments, until she is on 100 percent of the new food.

If you notice the condition worsening, or she stops eating, drinking or using the litter box, get her to the vet immediately. - posted by:LoriSoard

Fur loss can be caused by both stress and diet. Since there are no scabs, this is a good sign. You may want to try switching your cat to a high quality, organic pet food. Remember to switch gradually, by giving the cat 25 percent of the new food to 75 percent of the old food for a few days. Then, 50 percent and 50 percent, and so on until the cat is on 100 percent of the new food.

If the condition worsens, you may want to go to the vet. Here are some serious problems to watch out for:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Increased or reduced thirst
• Increased or reduced urine output
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

If you notice any of those symptoms, I would always go ahead and take the cat in for a visit. - posted by:LoriSoard

I need a little more information from you. Does the "flea dust" look like little white flakes? Or is more of a grayish/yellow looking crust?

Also, have you noticed any other symptoms? Loss of appetite? Increased thirst? Lethargic? - posted by:LoriSoard

You are correct that mange is contagious, but are you certain that is what is going on with this kitten? Hair loss typically starts on the face and ears with mange, but it can spread to other areas, such as the feet. Some of the symptoms of mange include:

• Itching and scratching
• Thickened and wrinkled skin
• Grayish/yellow crusts

It is most likely that the hair loss is from where the kitten had fleas or from the stress of moving to a new home. However, without proper diagnosis from a veterinarian, it is impossible to say for certain.

My advice would be to try to locate a new home for the kitten. Kittens need shots, spayed or neutered, and many other treatments from a veterinarian. It might be better to find her a new home, if this is going to put a strain on your household budget. I'm sure your friend will understand.

Hope the kitten is okay and that you're able to work this out. - posted by:LoriSoard

Is the liquid foul smelling? It sounds as though your cat might have an anal sac impaction. The other possibility is some type of parasite.

I would call the vet and make an appointment for as soon as possible. Leaving an anal sac infection untreated can create additional problems. When you go, also take a fecal sample, so that the vet can test for parasites.

If the cat's anal sacs are infected,the vet will likely expel them or possibly irrigate them. He may also prescribe some medication to help clear up the infection.

Hope your cat feels better soon! - posted by:LoriSoard

How long has it been since she had the fleas? The effect can last for a bit, or she may have had a reaction to the strong flea dip, even though it was necessary. Also, cats often get stressed when they are moved to a new place, and stress can cause fur loss. I wouldn't worry just yet, but here are some things you should look for:

• Additional fur loss
• Any scabbing or flaking of the skin
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of thirst
• Change in litter box habits
• Sneezing

If you notice any of these symptoms, go ahead and take her back to the vet and make sure there isn't an underlying health issue. Otherwise, the problem will likely clear up on its own. - posted by:LoriSoard

Fur loss can be caused by a variety of things. Since you rescued him, I am going to assume that you've taken him to the vet and had him tested for Cat Flu and some of the other stray cat diseases. If not, you should go ahead and do this now and have him vaccinated and neutered.

The fur loss is likely caused from either fleas or stress. Any change, such as a new home, can stress some cats. I would mention thee fur loss when you take him to the vet, but as long as he seems otherwise health, and is eating and drinking normally, it doesn't sound like anything life threatening. It will likely clear up on its own now that he has a good home. - posted by:LoriSoard

There are many different things that can cause hair loss in cats. Here are a few:

• Stress
• Allergies
• Fleas/Parasites
• Illness
• Food

Since she has no other symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much just yet. As long as she is not losing weight, lethargic, or losing her appetite, I'd just mention this at your next veterinary visit.

In the meantime, try to figure out what has changed that may have caused the fur loss.

• Any major changes in your household that could cause stress? New pet? New person? Someone leaving? Moving to a new home?

• Any chance she has fleas?

• Any new items in your home that the cat may be allergic to? Potpourri? New carpet? Change in cat litter?

• Is her cat food high quality or have you changed it recently?

Cat litter can be a culprit occasionally too. I hope these suggestions help. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Stress is one cause of fur loss in cats. It can also be a sign of fleas and the cat digging the area. Talk to your veterinarian about a good flea treatment for a nursing mother cat, since you don't want to use anything that might be toxic to the kittens.

Unless the skin is scabbing, or she is experiencing other symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much. Things to watch for that would indicate a serious illness include:

• Loss of appetite
• Extreme thirst or not drinking water
• Lethargy
• Changes in litter box habits

I would make sure she is up to date on all of her shots and get her spayed as soon as possible. You may also want to consider bringing her and the kittens indoors. There are many dangers outdoor cats have to face that their indoor counterparts do not.

Congrats on the new kitties and hope your cat feels better soon! - posted by:LoriSoard

Lopie and Oogie sound precious. Have you had the vet test their hormone levels and rule out any health problems that might be causing the hair loss?

It sounds initially like Lopie's fur loss is from stress and biting out her own fur. However, now that the other cat is losing fur as well, I would look to other causes.

It could be as simple as the type of cat food they eat. You might want to go ahead and switch to a high quality, organic food, and see if that helps.

Or, it could be an indication of an underlying illness.

The vet should be able to run more tests, such as a skin test, to determine the exact cause. - posted by:LoriSoard