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Cats/my cats hair is not growing back help!
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Question
About 9 months ago my cat got a wound on the back of her neck. I have 2 cats and they both remain indoors. I took her to the vet and they said it could possibly be that when the cats were playing she got scratched or bit and it got infected. They gave her antibiotics for the wound, and she would continue to scratch at it, so we cut up a sock to put around her neck and created two holes for her legs, in order to keep her from scratching at it. The wound is healed but it is just now a bald spot behind her neck, and it has been 9 months. Is this normal to take so long for the hair to grow back?
Laura,
This kitty's hair loss may be permanent as a result of scarring since she did have a significant wound that became infected. There are antibiotic medications that might cause hair loss in cats (injectable Baytril is one that comes to mind, my eldest kitty has a bald spot where she received injections of this drug for a suspected kidney infection several years ago). In short I can't tell you for sure if this kid's hair loss is permanent, that's a question for your vet. It's probably not a bad idea for the vet to recheck her just to be certain that there's no other reason for this kitty's hair to not be growing back - she may have thyroid issues or other health concerns that may show up on routine blood work. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything that I've provided for you in this answer, please feel free to contact me again and I will do my best to help you out.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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