You are here:

Cats/hair pulling

Advertisement


Question
hello, i have a 15 year old cat who has just recently started biting clumps of hair of his back.hes all white with one blue and one green eye and has no hearing but has allways been a housecat and very laid back and still is nothing has changed in his routine.we have been to the vets hes had blood test and skin scrapings and all results have come back clear so im now thinking its a mental state but where do i start , any advice would be great
thank you
steph

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Biting at the area by the cat shows that he is irratated there. Did you try treating him for fleas yet? Even though you don't see any he may have them. (Cats are real good at getting the buggers) Even if he is an indoor only cat fleas can hitch a ride with something else until they find a home.
Did your vet test specifically for Hyperthyroidism? This could also be a reason for the shedding. But if he is biting I would look for an external cause. I'm more inclined to go with the flea irritation. Try using something like Advantage for Cats or Frontline. See how that works . Write back and let me know. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.