Cat chewing off large chunks of fur?

purrpower

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Hi everyone!

New to this forum. My cat -- 5 year-old Munchie -- has been chewing out her fur for some months. I first noticed it in July and attributed it to fleas and treated that issue hardcore with a spot-on treatment, vacuuming, etc. For a few weeks things settled down a bit. But I recently noticed that her bald patches have grown A LOT -- both sides of the underside of her belly, as well as her back legs near her rear. She bites it almost compulsively and I do everything I can to distract her so that she doesn't lose more fur. I'm still providing the spot-on treat 

ment. Do you have any idea what is going on here? I have scheduled a vet appointment but am always looking for a second opinion in the mean time. 

Other than her fur, nothing else has changed (temperament, energy levels, etc.). 

Thanks very much. I appreciate your help.

Here are a few pics: 

    
 

LTS3

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Maybe a food allergy or sensitivity? Cats can develop a food allergy / sensitivity even after years of eating the same food. You can ask the vet about testing for food allergies.
 

Norachan

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It could be stress related. Has anything in the environment changed? New people, new pets, more noise outside than usual etc? Some cats respond really well to Felliway when they are stressed. This article has some ideas for dealing with stressed cats.

 [article="32758"]You Your Cat And Stress​[/article]  
 

indie-n-button

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I think it could be a food allergy, or is it possible it's an allergy to the spot-on treatment itself? Does she still have the fleas?
 

Sarthur2

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I would stop the spot-on treatment to make certain she is not allergic to an ingredient in the product. Perhaps try a bath in Dawn dish soap as well.
 

SeventhHeaven

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If it's not food allergies it could be a flea allergy you need a good reputable brand of topical treatment

ridding of eggs larvae and flea plus vacuuming continued cleaning indoors it takes time to be completely flea Free.

One flea can send them into frenzied scratching licking  :(   

I use Clays: Diatomaceous earth, Bentonite clay.  I would wash her as sarthur2 suggested with dawn

when dry sprinkle tiny amounts of clay gently rub pat into coat on the parts chewed. Also mix with moist

food daily for a week, (tsp daily) week and half. This rids of any parasites internal/external. Must be Food grade only normally

found bulk food section @ health food store. Very inexpensive works wonders. Bentonite clay works even better externally.

used as a mud bath on problem areas it cleans coat skin, natural safe, helps wounds cuts scratches inflamed skin heal fast.
 
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purrpower

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Hi everyone! Sorry for the late response. Very much value your feedback on this. I switched her food to a higher grade dry and so far her hair has grown back in full and she has filled out a bit more as well. I think that may have been it. Thank you so much!
 

Sarthur2

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Good to hear that your cat is better. Thanks for the update! :)
 
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