Hi again
I responded to your question on the "Chat" option but I'm not sure if it got through...the chat option seems a little "sensitive". So I'll repeat my answer direct. I apologise if this is causing any confusion for you. I am in a different time zone so that is why my response is delayed.
This will certainly be overgrooming.
This is a very common behavioural problem in cats. Commonly affected areas are the flanks, underside and back legs but it can affect anywhere the cat can reach.
The cause is generally anxiety although it may be influenced by anything that makes the cat itchy, in particular skin allergies. The causes of the anxiety can appear quite subtle to us but can be quite blatant to the cat. The most common cause is the presence of other cats in the neighbourhood or even in your own home. The seasonal nature in your case suggests a cat activity problem, spring and summer being the main time for this.
Often allergy is an important part of the problem and fleas feature high as a cause. Make sure you control fleas well, preferably using one of the very effective and safe topical applications (Advantage, Frontline, Revolution). In addition keep the bedding clean and thoroughly vacuum areas that the cat frequents to clear environmental stages of the flea. It only takes one flea to trigger the reaction in an allergic cat. So the overgrooming can be a secondary issue (to the allergy) or it can occur on its own (due to anxiety). The cat's tongue is very rough and can easily damage the skin. If there is irritation cats can sometimes become quite aggressive in their grooming, tearing the fur out, occasionally producing inflamed patches or sores. So how do we treat the condition? Usually a small dose of cortisone is effective in suppressing the allergy. You will need to see your vet for this. However if the cause persists the rash may return. It can be a seasonal problem (particularly if fleas or pollens are involved). Tackling the reason for the anxiety if that is involved can be difficult, often out of our control. There are two products that can be effective for this problem. The first is Feliway. This product is available on the internet, at pet supplies and from your vet. It is a spray that contains cat pheromones. Cats produce these chemicals from specialised chin glands. You will see them rubbing their chin on household objects, effectively marking these as "safe zones". So you can use the Feliway to mark your home as such. This reduces the anxiety. The product is safe and odourless to humans. http://www.feliway.uk.com/ The other product is Clomicalm. This is an anti-anxiety medication tailor made for this problem. You would need to see your vet to obtain it. If you are in the USA it is not registered for cats (just dogs) but this is a licensing issue. It is used all around the world in cats and most US vets will prescribe it for cats. It must be used for several weeks to have its effect so I generally use it in combination with Feliway. http://www.clomicalm.novartis.us/qa/qa.htm Most importantly, remember that this may be an anxiety based problem. It may not seem like that to you but this is well recognised. I hope I've been of help. Please contact me back if I can assist further. Good luck, Peter
HiI'm Peter, a vet based in Melbourne AustraliaOvergrooming is a very commonproblem in cats. It's purely a physical effect with the trauma of the tongue's action causing the hair loss. It's generally considered to be an anxiety related problem althoiugh anytthing that causes itchiness will accentuate it. The seasonal nature in your cat's case could mean an allergic base (pollens, fleas) but could also reflect anxiety issues with increased cat activity in the neighbourhood.
Have you checked her skin for any signs if irritaion...small sores, red blotches. And is there any fleas? Do you use flea control?
She is an indoor cat. We don't use any flea control. There has been on change in diet or litter. She has no signs of irritation on her skin. The hair loss is symmetrical. It seems worst on her belly, neck and hind legs. Her belly is almost completely bare and the fur that is there is very fine and downy, unlike the rest of her fur which is curly and an not as soft. Any ideas?
HiSorry about the delay in getting back to you….I’m in a different time zone.This will almost definitely be an overgrooming problem.Overgrooming is a very common behavioural problem in cats and is usually related to anxiety. Commonly affected areas are the flanks, underside and back legs but it can affect anywhere the cat can reach.Although the cause is generally anxiety it may be influenced by anything that makes the patient itchy, in particular skin allergies. The most common reason for the anxiety is the presence of other cats in the neighbourhood. There can be other reasons for the anxiety but the seasonal nature in your case suggest cat activity in the neighbourhood.Often the allergy is an important part of the problem and fleas feature high as a cause so just make sure that is under control. So how do we treat the condition? Tackling the reason for the anxiety if that is the cause can be difficult, often out of our control. There are two products that can be effective for this problem. The first is Feliway. This product is available on the internet, at pet supplies and from your vet. It is a spray that contains cat pheromones. Cats produce these chemicals from specialised chin glands. You will see them rubbing their chin on household objects, effectively marking these as 'safe zones'. So you can use the Feliway to mark your home as such. This reduces the anxiety. The product is safe and odourless to humans.http://www.feliway.uk.com/
The other product is Clomicalm. This is an anti-anxiety medication tailor made for this problem. You would need to see your vet to obtain it. If you are in the USA it is not registered for cats (just dogs) but this is a licensing issue. It is used all around the world in cats and most US vets will prescribe it for cats. It must be used for several weeks to have its effect so I generally use it in combination with Feliway.http://www.clomicalm.novartis.us/qa/qa.htmMost importantly, remember that this may be an anxiety based problem. It may not seem like that to you but this is well recognised. Don't do anything that will increase her anxiety.I hope I've been of help.Good luck, Peter
Cat Veterinarian
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne, Australia)