my cat is licking herself so much that her hair is coming out, what can i do?

Answer 1

Cats are suppose to clean themselves but not to the point that their hair is coming out. I have a cat with that problem. He's had a few shots before (can't remember what it was). They can't have it all the time throughout their lives because it can eventually cause diabetes but it's ok every now & again. Ask you vet. It could be a food allergy is what my vet told me. Science Diet Sensitive Skin is a food I'm going to try. He also will be starting Vetalog pills on Saturday, which is suppose to help prolong the helpfulness of the shots.

He even gets our other cats to lick him in areas he can't reach!!

Answer 2

If this is a new behaviour consider any changes you may have made to her routine/environment. It could be stress. Check her skin for any rashes or bumps in case of an allergic reaction (which then means considering any thing you may have changed from her food, to treats, to your laundry detergent) It could also be fleas.
My cat will break out and lick herself bald if I use any laundry detergent other than Tide, and is allergic to fleas (more common than you'd think!) One bite and I am well on my way to a bald kitty...
In the meantime, give her a flea bath then get some Teatree oil spray (try a petshop or your vet) which soothes the skin. If the irritation subsides she may leave it alone. Another thing you may want to consider is some new toys and playing a little more..a kitty will often begin to compulsively groom out of boredom.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Sounds like your cat is overgrooming. This is usually a sign of stress. Or it could be a new habit. With cats, it's sometimes hard to tell. I have a cat that overgrooms as well and I found that what helps is a taste deterrant, such as bitter apple (enter it into a search engine) The solution is harmless to the cat, but tastes awful so the cat won't lick it while it's on.

Answer 4

I would suggest taking your cat to the vet to see if there is any chance that the problem might be a small flea infection. They could be small enough that you can't see them, but still cause a lot of irritation to your cat. A few doses of "Advantage" or possibly "Frontline" will probably do the trick, but over the counter medications simply aren't good enough. Only the vet can get you a prescription (and can almost certainly fill it too). This happened to my cat and after just a few days she was fine. Now her coat is full, shiny, and healthier than ever.

Answer 5

I have a male cat who licks himself so much he too takes his hair out. I got something from the vet to put on the bald spots. That what I would suggest. Your vet would know best. Good luck.

Answer 6

If there is a specific area where she is doing this until making a bal spot, you could buy some Bitter Lime spray to put in that one spot only (not all over because that would be mean and she would be left with no way to clean herself). You can buy it at Petsmart. It is 100% safe to consume, just tastes bad.

Answer 7

When you say hair is coming out, I am assuming you mean and leaving a bald spot? Your cat might need kitty prozac. I would take it to a vet. Best wishes!

Answer 8

Vets in order! Your cat probably has allergies. Take the cat to the vet to find out what the proper treatment should be.

Answer 9

Have you been putting some smell good on her? Something you like and she doesn't? Do you use the powder carpet freshener? Animals are found to be allergic to the powder fresheners. Time for the vet.

Answer 10

She is probably allergic to flea's or she might have a skin problem.... As long as she is eating and using her litter box ok...Take her to the vet soon. If you let it go on to long she might loose her hair in that spot for good... :(