Expert: Becky - 8/12/2004

Question
My cat is about 10 years old.  About 2 months ago she began losing her fur at the base of her tail and has progressively moved toward the tip.  She tends to pull the hair out when grooming.  She is a long hair (fur) cat so now she looks like a poodle, with a big tuft of hair at the end.  Her fur also is thinning around the base of the tail.  Can you suggest anything?

Answer
Hi Bill,
I have seen other cats do this.  There are numerous reasons as to why, you just have to figure out which one!  The most obvious is fleas.  Some cats are very allergic and one single flea will cause them to bite themselves in a frenzy.  If you are positive that there are no fleas, then it may be a psychological one.  Believe it or not, cats do have "nervous" problems.  Stress can cause this.... anything from moving the litter box to a new place, to adding a new pet, or even a move can trigger this behaviour.  Another possibility is that she is allergic to something..... such as her diet,  the carpet,  her bed... who knows?  It's very very difficult to figure out a cat!  LOL   Your vet can give you meds that will alleviate the constant pulling out of hair, which may be your best bet.  (kinda like prozac for people).  
Good luck!

God Bless,
Becky