Fuzzy Wuzzy Isn't So Fuzzy...

[Bradley]

Hi! I have an 18 month old cat named Jake. Over the last three months or so, my wife and I have noticed that Jake is developing a couple of thinning patches in his coat. His build is what I'd describe as "wirey" or thin, but he is at an appropriate weight for his age. He is healthy, eats well, is playful and active. He is not bothered by pests such as fleas and doesn't scratch. But these areas are really starting to become obvious. I haven't taken Jake to the vet because he has been shedding his winter coat and with the early Spring, we can't decide if the thinning is just because of the overly warm weather we've had so early in the year. Has anyone else had a cat that experienced an unusually thinning coat? Is there anything that we could do? It doesn't seem to bother him and none of the other cats have the issue...but it concerns us for him. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas? Thanks!

[CarolC]

Hi Jake,

I didn't have a clue, but I tried to look it up. There seem to be a mind-boggling number of possible causes, probably only a vet could figure it out.
Here is some information, but I'm not sure it will really help you narrow it down any.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... 41&aid=195
http://www.cat-world.com.au/hair-loss-in-cats

[Bradley]

Thanks Carol!

By the way, Jake is our cat...my name is Bradley! (LOL)

I followed the links and read carefully, however, the page with the various causes paired with descriptions of appearance don't match Jake's appearance. There are no apparent lesions or red, irritated looking areas...just pink, healthy looking skin. His coat is not oily or dry and rough. He doesn't scratch at the spots and they are varied in location: thighs, abdomen, and just inside the top of his front leg. As I stated above, he is eating normally, he's using the box regularly, he's playful and social and none of our other cats have any similar problem - they bath each other and nap together. It doesn't seem to bother them or him...but it is starting to make us worry. I suppose I'm going to have to give in and take him to the doctor. Jake just can't stand going and it traumatizes him every time we take him. He's just like a child that knows he has to go to the doctor and might get a shot or something (ha!). I'll try to update this thread when we have some answers. Thanks!!

[critters]

My guess is either an allergy or a hormonal thing (I've only had the "hormonal thing" happen to male cats). The hormonal thing (and I can't be more specific because the vets haven't ever told me more than that) is just cosmetic. With an allergy, the ends of the hairs are blunted because they're licked off, so the short hairs feel more spikey. The hormonal thing is just bald.

If there's no rash, scabs, etc. I'd just keep an eye on it.

[Christine]

Hopefully, the doctor will do a blood panel. As Carol said, it could be so many different things. The first thing I thought of was a thyroid condition. Glad it does not affect him, but sure wonder what the reason is. Take care.

[SandyNY]

my grandmother's cat gets hairloss and crusty like nodules on her skin at times. i think it may be from within her system (like autoimmune) . My mother now cares for this cat and she has tried bathing with different things- cat does not mind the bathing! groomer told her to use head and shoulders people dandruff shampoo for another cat with at times flakey skin- which surprised me, but it worked wonders. will check with her but am pretty sure last bout she bathed the grandmother's cat with some hydrogen peroxide. will check what things she actually tried and worked. mother felt the cat was getting the condition from the environment; being in basement, being around papers, - they also have a cat whom vet told them cannot have fish for some reason or another so they buy wet and dry foods with no fish... but i tend to be skeptical of the food allergy cause...