Feline pet advice!!!!!!?

Question

Our cat is 11 years old. She has never had a health problem but recently, she is literally eating the fur off of her legs. She looks terrible but is very vibrant. We use organic laundry soap on her bedding but had one stint of using another brand laundry soap for her blanket she lays on. We wash here blanket every month so this turned out to be no factor. We feed her Purina One Total.
Although she hates it, my wife bathes our cat once every three months and has been doing so since she got her. I would like to know what is happening with her? What can we do?

Answer 1

Hi there... fur loss could be a result from several possible disorders such as feline miliary dermatitis or Notoedric Mange. Feline miliary dermatitis includes skin fungal (yeast) infections, parasitic infections, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities/allergies to foods they eat which usually contain the ingredients corn, corn meal, byproducts, etc. All requires an evaluation by a veterinarian in order to be treated respectively.

Feline Miliary Dermititis: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1332&articleid=150

Answer 2

I have a 13 year old female that does the same to her hind legs and it's a stress reaction. Sort of like obsessive compulsive people who wash their hands 50 times a day, the cat likes herself to balding.

I would take your pet to the vet none the less, just to make sure there isn't an underlying issue and to question what to do in case of an over abundance of hair balls.

Answer 3

Your cat may have developed a "food" allergy. Not that uncommon in the senior cat. Try her on a Science Diet. It is hypoallergenic. If it continues to be a problem, I would definitely take her to the vet before she continues to bite at her wounds. She is a little older and you don't want a secondary infection to form with her continuing to bite at it. If that happens, it will only cost you more money. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I think you need to get her into the vet and have her checked for underlying health problems. This could turn out to be emotional. Has there been an addition to the family (human or animal)? My older cat has developed a myriad of emotional prolems due to my new kitten. He also pulls his hair out, but not to the extent that yours does.

My vet ruled out medical problems, so it's all in his head. I have to keep him locked up away from the kitten most of the day.

Answer 5

hi there

6. Why is my cat pulling out her hair with her teeth? There are several reasons a cat might pull at their hair. If a cat has an allergy they may attempt to pull out their hair. In other situations skin irritation from parasites might cause itching and subsequent hair pulling. In some cases if a cat is extremely anxious they may pull out their hair as well. Finally, if there is a skin infection it may cause irritation and hair pulling. Your veterinarian would likely be able to determine what is causing the hair pulling and then prescribe appropriate care for your cat. take her to a vet be well be safe

Answer 6

OK this year has been very bad for skin allergies. Get her a very good food. Use a medicated shampoo or oatmeal as it sooths the skin. You may want to increase to
more baths. I use hydracortazone when it gets real bad.

Answer 7

I would take your cat to the vet because sudden behavioral changes are often indicators of underlying problems.

Answer 8

You should switch foods. Your cat is eating her fur because she think that it tastes better than her food. Trust me. That has happened with my cat. Try feeding her Fancy Feast. My cat stopped this when she was fed Fancy Feast. Good luck!!

Answer 9

MY CAT WOULD LICK AND CHEW THE FUR OFF THE INSIDE OF HER FRONT LEGS TOO. IT CAME FROM ANXIETY OR LIKE A NERVOUS TICK; HAVE YOU RECENTLY CHANGED YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE? OR SHE MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH ACTIVITY IN HER LIFE (LIKE PLAY) AND SHES BORED.

Answer 10

I would take her to the vet but It sounds to me like she might have some kind of rash....