Cat won't stop pulling out his fur

Cat won't stop pulling out fur

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I posted this in the wrong spot before, hope someone here can help.

Some of you know me as the new dad to a recent stray named Big Head, I have his pics on the feral forum, this pic is more fore medical/behavior advice needed.

This is about one of the four other ferals my wife and I rescued. All of these four boys have been to the vet, all neutered and with all shots, none are sick or have any diseases. All these cats made the transition as outside kittens to indoor happy cats.

This one cat named "Batty" bit me back in December putting my in the hospital. Since then he had become more friendly, does not hide anymore and is a big part of our happy family, he even lets us pet him and joins us on the bed for naps, and treats in the evening. None of these cats go outside and none have had any other contact with other cats including Big Head.

In the past two weeks we noticed that Batty is biting out his fur and pulling it out. We found lots of hair around our house and his back is losing his hair. We can see no cuts, we thoroughly cleaned for fleas even though we have seen no evidence of fleas. But Batty continues each night to do it.

THe big problem is that he still will not willingly go into a cage, in fact he still won't let us pick him up. And grabbing him and forcing him to the vet will most certainly traumatize him and set him back months.

Does anyone know what could be wrong? Why is this cat doing this? Is it a huge concern? in all other ways Batty seems great, more relaxed, and happy.

Please any advice would be appreciated.

I had a friend whose cat did this same thing, and she could never quite figure out why. There are quite a few hypotheses floating around as to why a cat might do this:

1) It could be a kind of neurosis brought on by anxiety or stress. Just because he doesn't seem anxious or stressed doesn't mean he isn't. Maybe the adjustment has been more nerve wracking on him than the others.

2) It could be food related - ie. he could have suddenly developed an allergy to his food, and may need it switched.

3) It may be dry skin - try adding some fish oil and vitamin E to his food.

Hope this is somewhat helpful!

I have a friend whose cat did that. In her case she started using a monthly flea treatment like revolution, advantage or frontline and the hair loss stopped. She was sure she had no fleas in her house nor on her cats. We can bring fleas into the house on our shoes from what I understand. All it takes is one for those who have allergic reactions from fleas.

Another thought would be to look at any cleaners or carpet products that he may come in contact with.

Have you changed anything lately? Food change like a different dry or canned food, a different treat, anything new brought into the house, etc.

Maybe you can call the vet office and ask for suggestions as to what to look for that may be causing it before you have to try to take him in. I totally understand not being able to handle him and get to the vet. I have four feral rescues and two were adults when I got them. They are happy great cats but holding them is not gonna happen.

I hope you find the source and it gets better soon.