My cat has been "plucking" his hair out

My cat has been "plucking" his hair out for over a year now.  Multiple vet visits, tests, change of food, and nothing has worked.  We have follow up visit scheduled with dermatology specialist scheduled, but just wondering if anyone else out there has any experience with this.  He is basically now hairless on a large portion of his left back and part of his tail.  Skin underneath is fine and not at all irritated.  running out of ideas and now thinking it is behavioral.  He otherwise acts perfectly normal...

Hi michyj!

I'm going to ask the moderators that your post be moved to its own thread so that you'll get more replies.

Welcome to TCS!!

I am going through this with my Wellington for over 6 months now. He has had a number of tests, including for allergies and parasites and a skin biopsy, and we are all stumped. He is bare on his tummy and inner thighs. Right now I have resorted to him wearing a cut-down baby-gro that stops him reaching his tummy, to at least let the hair grow back and maybe break the habit, if it is behavioural. Has your cat been under any stress? That can cause over-grooming.

Stress can for sure be a factor (one of my cats became a compulsive belly licker after his brother died). But I wouldn't rule out a food issue just yet. What foods have you've tried (wet, dry, brand, flavour) and what is your kitty eating now? If all the foods have been kibble, sometimes just switching to a quality grain-free wet food does the trick. Or perhaps you need to try a simple, novel protein diet (not one of the prescription ones), or even a raw diet. 

Compulsive grooming disorder can come from many factors. Do you have a tense household? Have you recently moved? Do you have other pets within the home? You may want to observe the feline and when the behavior strikes. Perhaps she starts licking herself  when things get loud within the house, or when you're about to go out. If she does this when you're about to go out, this is obvious separation anxiety, which will cause the compulsive disorder.

My cat began plucking fur from one side of her lower back about 6 months ago. We too have had all the vet checks, skin and flea examinations. We even had a "happy cat hormones" vaporiser for two months to try and address "stress". While I could imagine that the problem may have STARTED with some stress (there was a lot of noise from a construction area next door) I have absolutely no doubt that it is now a habit - along the lines of obsessive compulsive behaviour. There is no evidence of any medical issue, and she does it when she is happy and calm. Eg: she just came in from a nice day lying in the sun, had a lovely cuddle, and then sat beside me and pulled out six great tufts of hair. I am wondering if there is any cream or potion I could put on her fur to put her off it. Perhaps I will have to try clothes as well (urk!)….

http://www.petalia.com.au/templates/storytemplate_process.cfm?specie=cats&story_no=1547 

I've just found this article which discusses OCD in cats - I am convinced this is what my cat has: she has other little "routines" (or rituals) she performs at feeding time, sleeping time etc. She has very fixed habits and I think the plucking has become one of them. AAggh!

How old is your cat and has a thyroid check been done?

Your cat might be stressed out. Do you have kids? Are you moving? Have a new baby? Moved a piece of furniture?

Almost any little change can stress a cat out. Otherwise, I really don't know. Sorry.

Our cat Elvis is a year old and has been plucking at a few white hairs off his tail for the past few months. Now he plucks more often and more white coarser hair have come in...he's such a laid back cat...does not seem stressed.