Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/24/2005

Question
my cat has lost a circle of hair on her belly...now she has lost a small patch next to her tail...her food is the same and she acts normal...no pain when areas are touched...its like someone shaved her...no rash or irritation near areas of hair loss...can u please tell me what this can possibly be ?
                            thank u

Answer
This hair loss pattern is typical of itchy skin disease in cats.  This is called "barbering."  If you look carefully, the hair is in the follicle, but it has been bitten off at the skin level. Cats will do this at night while you are sleeping. Ask your vet to treat the cat for allergies.