Expert: Jessica - 5/23/2011

Question
My cat is a 12 year old indoor cat and the fur all over his back has become extremely clumped together. He has also been peeing in places besides the litter box and has recently begun loosing all the fur around his neck. The other day i found brown urine on the floor. I would appreciate your input on what could be wrong with him before he goes to the vet.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Brown urine can be a sign of dehydration or a urinary tract infection/crystals. He should see a vet right away. A urinary tract infection or crystals, especially, will explain why he's peeing outside the box, and treating this should resolve the issue. But ignoring it can be deadly, because males can become obstructed if crystals or blood clots block the urethra.

Losing the fur around his neck can be the result of bad matting (mats are those fur clumps you have described). Mats are uncomfortable, and cats will pull them out at the roots once they become too painful. Fur loss can also be caused by parasites or allergies. Your vet can help you determine the cause of this.

Matting typically occurs in cats due to lack of grooming or excessive shedding. Angoras usually have sleek hair and don't shed enough to mat badly on a regular basis. This suggests that he probably has not been grooming as usual, often a result of feeling poorly. Oils, dirt and dander (skin flakes and dead hair) build in the coat and begin to clump together. If not brushed out, the mats become impossible to remove and must be shaved out. Removing them is important because not only are they extremely uncomfortable, but because air flow is restricted underneath them and moisture is held in, bad infections can occur. You should see if your vet can shave out the mats for you. If the matting is widespread, a groomer can give him a stylish haircut.

I hope he's feeling much better soon!

Jessica