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Hair Loss in a Cat



QUESTION

Hi it's me again,

I forgot to ask you about hair loss. My male cat has been experiencing hair loss. It started on his front paw, everytime you pet him he starts licking his front paw. He's been doing this for a long time but now he is starting to have hair loss on his other legs too. There is no rash and it does not bother him when I touch his legs. What should we do. He also has had dandruff all his life he is black so it is very noticable the vet did blood work and said that he had sensitive skin and there was nothing he could do for him. Also we put him on a diet apx. 8 month ago because he weight 19 pounds. He has lost 5 pounds looks great and is happy and active. I was just wondering if the hair loss could have anything to do with the diet.

Sincerely,

Tina




ANSWER

His type of hair loss is almost always due either to allergy or excessive grooming from anxiety. It's usually the first. When it involves paws or face, the allergy is often to food.

Dr. Neely



Comments for
Hair Loss in a Cat

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Apr 26, 2009
hair loss
by: Nate

My cat has begun to lose hair around her spay incision site. She is 10 yrs. old. I have been tinkering around to w/ her toys, food, etc. to try and find anything she may be having a reaction to.


Certainly the most common cause of that in a cat is allergy. Cats can be allergic to practically anything. Fleas are the most common cause. However, grasses, trees, house dust, dogs, litter, food, just about anything can be the cause. If you can't figure it out yourself, your vet has allergy tests that can be performed.

Best, Dr. Neely

Sep 21, 2008
hair loss: need more info...
by: Anonymous

what types of food usually cause allergies which lead to hair loss, and if the hair loss is due to anxiety, could it be from the introduction of a new baby to the family?


ANSWER:

Any type of food, any ingredient in any food can be the culprit. Beef, chicken, pork, wheat, barley, corn, fish, etc. absolutely anything.

Yes, a new baby in the house can absolutely be very stressful!




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