My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it ei

We just moved into new house. Cat has started pulling out hair on one side of his body. Never did this before. He is 3 yrs. old and healthly in all other ways. Vet was no help with this. We have 2 dogs, but we had them before the move, so can't figure this out. He has been doing this since Dec. '06.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

Alopecia (pulling out fur) - There is no specific treatment for alopecia. Instead, treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the problem.

Did you vet take any urine/or blood tests? If not, you may want to have some tests taken. Negative results will narrow out cystitis, thyroid problems, liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and other disorders or deficiencies (vitamin B or fatty acids) that can cause a cat to pull it's fur out (systemic cause).

I don't think it would be fleas or parasites, as your vet should have noticed this. Did he/she take skin scrapings, fungal culture, biopsy of the skin? If you do not have faith in your vet, you may want to choose another/or make suggestions to your vet?

After tests come back clear, I would say you probably have narrowed it down to stress or allergies. Both of which your vet would be able to prescribe something for. Hope this helps!

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

My cat sheds big clumps of hair about every three years. She should be fine.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

Sounds like a nervous kitty. Get 'em some catnip and give it extra attention.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

Maybe it's just a behavioral thing... I have also just moved and my cat is acting funny as well. I would give it a couple of months or see a new vet if your still worried!

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

It sounds like he is stressed about something maybe this move was different for him because cats as well as dogs are territorial and maybe he will settle down soon once he gets comfortable.GOOD LUCK!!

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

Your cat is stressed.

Over-grooming is a stress-related disorder, and can be classified as obsessive compulsive behavior. Self grooming is relaxing to the cat, so it seems quite natural that when the cat becomes stressed it attempts to calm itself down by pursuing a relaxing activity such as grooming. Over-grooming may start out as a result of an environmental change (new member to the household, moved house etc.,) but over time this behavior becomes compulsive, even if the original cause of the stress is no longer around.

This behavior may take the form of excessive licking at the fur or pulling out tufts of fur. The most commonly affected areas are the inside of the thighs, and nearby abdomen and groin.

What should I do if my cat has bald patches?

The first thing you should do is take your cat to the veterinarian. It is important to rule out a medical reason causing either the over grooming or the baldness. There are several medical conditions which can also result in bald patches, such as; hyperthyroidism, allergies (food or inhalant allergies), bacterial pyoderma, fleas or flea bite hypersensitivity, mites, Eosinophilic granuloma complex %26amp; feline ringworm.

Your veterinarian may take skin scrapings from the damaged area(s) to rule out skin parasites %26amp; fungal infections, flea comb the coat %26amp; may perform complete blood testing.

How is over-grooming in cats treated?

Your cat may be put on a trial diet to rule out food allergies.

If the cause is an underlying medical condition or parasitic infection, treatment will hopefully result in the behaviour stopping.

Finding the cause of the stress %26amp; eliminating where possible. This may not always be possible, as has been stated above, the behavior may have started in reaction to a stress, however it has become compulsive behavior now, even though the reason for the original stress may have been resolved.

Keep your cat's day as routine as possible. Make sure you feed, play, exercise your cat at the same time daily. Cats like routine.

Provide your cat a rich %26amp; stimulating environment. If you are out for long periods of time you could consider a cat video or a fish tank for your cat's viewing pleasure. When you are home, set aside a play date with your cat every day.

Drug therapy: If it isn't possible to bring the cat's behavior under control by changing the stress %26amp; environment then it may be necessary to try medications such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. The goal is usually to give this medication until the behavior decreases, and then gradually taper off the medication.

If you do see your cat engaging in over-grooming behavior don't punish him/her, rewarding this behavior should also be avoided. Both punishing %26amp; rewarding can quite possibly make the problem worse.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

First of all go to a new vet any one that doesn't know is not a good doctor have the cat checked for lice or it is alergic to something in this new house you never said if the house has carpet you can also have a test done to see if the cat got ring worms they live under the skin and beleive it or not they come from the dirt out side.go find a real vet not some fool that just wants your money thats becoming bing latly with vets all about the dollar not about the health of the animal

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

When cats have are upset about something (moving to a new home) they can to do odd things like chewing everything in sight or self mutilation, You get books by cat psychiatrists, which will be able to tell you what you can do for your cat. Some vets who are not able to help will refer your to a cat psychiatrist.

Try and make your cat feel safe by feeding him in a safe area and make sure he has a cat box of his own so that he does not have to go outside and pee if he is too scared. Play with him more often as well.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

If the vet found no medical problems, this is a stress-related behavior. The key is to get him to be comfortable in his new home.

Keep as normal a routine as possible. Knowing what is going to happen when makes cats feel secure.

Spend some extra time each day doing something with him that he finds relaxing. Whether it's petting, massage (excellent for stress relief - books are available on pet massage), grooming, or even reading to him, work in at least five minutes a couple times a day.

Increase his daily play time, as well. Not only does he need more soothing, he also needs more fun time in order to acclimate.

Comfort Zone is great for stressed cats. It uses a synthetic pheromone to to reduce anxiety. Most pet stores sell it.

Rescue Remedy or another herbal mixture for stress is also a good idea.

If none of the above help within a couple of weeks, consult the vet (or a different vet?) about using an anti-anxiety medication.

My cat has been pulling out clumps of his hair on one side of his body. Vet can't explain it either.?

Hi there, I hope that i can help with this situation, my friends cat whom was really old when she passed away, used to pull her hair out , and noone really knew what it was.. we chalked it up to nerves... it was a nervous issue.. and something in her environment that was bothering her.. in her case, it was the change of environment. , she changed owners and in her new home there was a dog, which may have contributed, but i think it was just something about her new environment as well.... she just stopped on her. own.. it could be habit as well or maybe she is allergic to her cat litter, if you use scented.. that happened to another friend of mine and she changed from scented to unscented and she stopped.. interesting .. they are just like humans so if there is something in the environment that could bother you, or stress you out, it could be doing the same for her too... good luck and i hope you figure it out.. sometimes i wish they could talk....