LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

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Hi DGlenn,

If your cat seems otherwise healthy, I don't think you need to rush him to the vet just for a little fur loss. While it can be a sign of underlying problems, because of where it is located, my first thought is that he might be allergic to a flea collar or the material in another collar. You may also want to consider switching his food.

Be very, very caution with any over the counter medications as many things are extremely toxic to cats.

If the condition doesn't clear up, just mention it on your next routine vet visit. Hopefully by the time that rolls around, you'll have found another job, so it won't be such a strain on your budget.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi Hemi's Mom,

I think the fur loss is most likely from stress and overgrooming. It sounds like there really isn't any way she could have fleas. However, there have been some really big changes in her life recently with the new pets, going outside etc. Now that she seems less stressed, I think the condition will likely clear up on its own. I would watch her for a bit. If it doesn't start to clear, then try switching her to a different food. If that doesn't work, or the condition worsens, the vet may be able to offer some ointment or medications, but I don't think you're to that point yet since she is otherwise healthy. I also do think the condition will clear up on its own.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My hemmingway (her name is Hemi) is only about 3 years old. Last summer we introduced a new kitten, she was fine. Then about a month later we brought home a puppy, at this time she showed signs of being stressed out. Our solution was to spend more time with her and give her special treats.She continued to pull away from us. At this time Hemi was strictly an indoor cat. Towards the middle of this past winter she began getting little scabs here and there then they started going away for quite awhile. This spring after refusing and refusing to let her outside I finally let her out. Now we are at the end of summer. We have treated for fleas with all 3 animals ( dog is allergic to fleas ). At this time Hemi now is completely hairless underneath her chin and balding in other areas. The funny thing about it is now she has come around again and seems to be comfortable with the other 2 pets. I can't find any fleas and I check daily because of the dog being allergic. What do you think? She has also lost alot of weight but is eating normally and seems to go to the bathroom normally.

-- Contributed by: Hemi's mom

i am having problems with my cat of two years losing his fur right on the underside of his neck. its a big bald spot where he cant lick due to it being under his head. any thoughts on what to do for my kitty? I love him, but i just lost my job and cant afford to take him to the vet. any otc meds would be ok, i could get money for that....ill sell something if i need to. he is my world!

-- Contributed by: DGLENN247

Hi Hayley,

Check her for fleas and ear mites. It's possible that the fur loss is caused by a parasite of some type. Even though the shelter will treat cats for these maladies, there are still occasions where they will pick the parasite back up before leaving the shelter.

If she is flea free, then it may just be caused by the stress of being in the shelter and then moving to a new home. The condition would likely clear up on its own in time.

I had a cat that had thin hair like this around her ears. The vet tested her for everything possible and found nothing. We finally concluded she just has some minor balding in that area. However, the red spots tend to make me think it is very likely parasitic.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My kitten is only about two months old, she is a black long haired cat, we picked her up at the pet shelter a few weeks ago. When we first got her noticed that they hair between her eyes and ears was a bit thin, but didn't think much of it, but now it is noticably thinner and we can see that a bit of the skin is red. What is wrong with her?

-- Contributed by: Hayley

Hi Jamie,

I'm sorry your cat is going through this. The most common cause of this type of thing is parasites. You may want to start by treating him for fleas. The sores are likely just from his biting and digging at the spots.

If that does not take care of the issue, it could be caused by anything from allergies to stress and overgrooming. At that point you probably need to go ahead and take him to the bet and see if you can get an evaluation of what might be going on.

Hopefully it is just something minor, like fleas. I hope he feels better soon :)

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My handsome 8 year old male tuxedo cat has been losing his fur for some time now. But now its not only that he is losing it on his back legs and tummy (TUMMY IS BALD)...now its his front legs, ears, and paws. He is ALWAYS grooming him self! it seems like it is none stop. And he is always scratching his ears (insdie them and right above his eyes). But today i noticed 3 scabs on his back leg, 2 on his tummy, and one in his ear. He bites his paws a lot i also notice... Keep in mind he has no claws on front or back feet. The people i got him from got that done when he was just a kitten. i have had him for 4 years now. i dont even know if this is where im supposed to submit my question....thank you -Jamie

-- Contributed by: Jamie
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