[northfifeduckling]

my cat is around 14 years old and over the last few months she gradually lost her fur on her belly, just some thin fluff is remaining. The area is now getting larger moving onto her legs. She seems to be fine in herself, no change in eating patterns. Has anyone come across something like this or knows if it could be a deficiency of something - before I take her to the vet ? 

[little blue]

Have you noticed her washing excessively? Ie has she done this herself, maybe a skin irritant, or even boredom if shes not getting out and about as much (like caged birds feather stripping).
Have you washed her bedding in something different? (happened with my mates dog!)
Could be a mineral deficiency, give her lots of fish!
See if your insurance or eg pedigree petfood or something have a phone help line and could advise..
Try www.allaboutpets.org.uk
Good luck.  I love cats!

[northfifeduckling]

thanks for your feedback, LB. She's always out, a brilliant mouser. She sleeps wherever she wants in the house, not in her own bedding. No insurance, as she was over 10 when we gave her a new home...
I'll start with giving her more mineral treats, she loves them. 

[doganjo]

no sign of ringworm or beasties I take it?

[northfifeduckling]

she just had the spot on a few weeks ago - should have dealt with all that?? No other beasties visible either 

[sabrina]

Could be she has a thryoid problem which is common in older cats 

[lab7]

Hi, The commonest reasons for fur loss on the abdomen are fleas (makes them itchy so they overgroom and remove the fur themselves), or in an older cat, hyperthyroidism. Is she losing weight as well?
Mary

http://www.vetsinperth.com/

[northfifeduckling]

Thanks! No sign of fleas, but she is very thin and seems to object to touch a bit more than she used to. Will she need a blood test? 

[little blue]

Yes, I would think so.
Research possible causes to discuss with vet - it might help keep costs down if you have some idea what it is (or isn't)
Does sound like thyroid. Or has she any lumps or bumps?

[acorn zwartbles]

could be the spot on? I have seen a couple of cats have reactions to them from time to time. I breed pedigree cats and also have a large boarding cattery.

Laura

[doganjo]

My young dog has just recovered from a similar reaction to pet shop bought spot on. He was very upset.

[little blue]

poor fella.  can I ask which brand?
We used a well known one on Sheba, but it didnt kill all the visitors - probably a combination of very thick GSD hair, and the fact she has a shower every day....

[doganjo]

Why in heavens name does your dog get a shower every day!  That will really dry up her coat!  Takes all the natural oils out - does the same to humans!  Dogs don't need baths unless they have rolled in something their owners don't like.

The shop preparation I used didn't kill all the little beggars either, nor the flea collars they'd all four of them had on for weeks!

[northfifeduckling]

I took her to the vet today and she gave her a sound check-up and doesn't think it's serious. Kitty had shots for worms and other parasites and one to stop the itching. She said it could be stress related, but that can't be it. No other cats around and she can do as she pleases and has a good feeding routine...We are to go back if there is no improvement in a few weeks time, fingers crossed! 

[little blue]

Why in heavens name does your dog get a shower every day!

She's a very bizzare rescued GSD, she sleeps in the bathroom as the door is the most secure to keep her from eating the cats.  The first morning after we had her, I kept her in the bathroom with me, and she decided to join me in the shower... I wasn't going to argue with a 30 kilo dog I didnt really know, who was having the most fun she'd probably had in her life!
Her fur is still shiny, and waterproof, she never has shampoo or anything on it, and gets dried and brushed every day.  And if she has to wait too long after being let out in the morning, she just goes up and sits in the shower waiting for it to be turned on. 
She really enjoys playing in the water, we wonder if it was her entertainment when she was chained up as a puppy in the rain or something, as she obviously had very little play, just abuse.