Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/15/2010

Question
My 5yr old male cat is pulling out his hair on his abdomen
and inner thighs. He does not have fleas or ticks.Eleven
monts ago I took him to the vet with the same problem and he
was tested for FIV and Tick fever..negative.His fever was
high and after giving him anti biotics he recovered (all his
hair grew back)how ever a mont ago he started doeing this
again. My cats spend most of the time outdoors and this cat
cathes birds regularly. Can this be an allergy problem?

Answer
This is most likely an allergy problem.  Allergens such as mite antigens, molds, trees, grasses, and weeds all contribute to the itchiness you are seeing.  Ask your vet if your cat an have a shot of DepoMedrol to see if that takes away this "barbering" of the hair and relieve the itching.