Elderly Cat Losing Fur

[lainiej]

My 16yr old cat has developed bald patches mainly on her shoulders, back and hind quarters. She is otherwise in good health. Any ideas please?

[wolf63]

I think that there is a trip to the vet in your future. Old cats, like humans, are prone to many ailments that can make their coat look neglected and unhealthy. Have a look at this cat site and see if anything looks familiar.

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/hyperthyroidism-overactive-thyroid-gland#signs

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/life-stages/geriatric

Good luck

[ladybirder]

Does she still groom herself Iain?

[boxtops]

Yes, please take her to the vet - a simple blood test will confirm whether she has any deficiencies - e.g. thyroid, which can be remedied. Have you checked for fleas or lice? They can affect the coat, too.

[lainiej]

Sorry, I should have said that she has been to the vets and had her bloods checked. No problems, including thyroid and liver function, apart from possible slight lack of kidney function. The vet didn't make any comment about the bald bits which appear to have got worse since the appointment. I'd given her a good combing with a flea comb al times but she is clean as a whistle! Yes she still grooms herself

[ladybirder]

Well that sounds good then if the vet says her thyroid and liver are OK. The reason I asked about the grooming was because my cat who died last October in her 21st year had thyroid and kidney problems and used to groom herself by pulling her hair out in chunks. She then stopped grooming herself completely so I did it for her with a brush. So are the patches just appearing or is she pulling them out herself? And if she's pulling them out are they clumpy?

[lainiej]

I haven't noticed her pulling any out at all and there's never been any fur left behind her

[ladybirder]

If the vet has seen her recently then I would give him/her a ring, or the veterinary nurse, and see what they have to say. It could be fleas, alopecia, stress, over-grooming, an allergic reaction to something (any changes recently in food, washing powder etc?).
Have a look at this link and see if any symptoms ring a bell. I do hope you get it sorted. May well be a process of elimination. Good Luck and hope she's OK.
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/diseases-hair-loss-cats

[lainiej]

Thanks ladybirder. I've check out that site and none of the descriptions seem to apply to Minnie. She seems pretty content, not scratching and has a great appetite. Maybe just the ageing process!

[CatGirl4]

The first thing i thought of,was problem with the kidneys,the second was being allergic to the washing powder,good luck with finding out.