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Cats/extreme shedding

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Expert: - 9/23/2007


Question
I have an 8 (almost 9) year old female cat. I noticed about a week and a half ago that she had pretty bad mats starting on her back and sides. I didn't think anything of it but now the mats are coming out on there own in HUGE chunks. One side of her is almost bare in spots. Nothing has changed in her diet or environment for months. She had fleas but I put frontline plus on her about a month ago and it worked. There are chunks of fur all over my house. I don't know if this is common or if there is something seriously wrong with her. Do you think its serious?

Answer
Hi Megan,

Yes, something like that isn't normal. Get her to the vet to be checked out. It could be something as simple like a flea allergy. Keep up with the Frontline. Make sure that when you vacuum the rugs to put a flea collar in the bag area. This kills any larvae and eggs. Just one bite can set an allergy off. You need to get rid of any fleas in the house. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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