On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 22:16:12 -0400, "Mary" wrote:


"Justin L" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 19:47:52 -0500, Karen wrote:

in article , Justin L at
wrote on 4/29/05 7:11 PM:

Hi,

My cat Jake has small patches of his fur missing on both of his sides.
Missing may be a bad description, I would say the fur looks thin, if
that makes sense to anyone...

I am bringing him in tomorrow morning to have the vet take a look, as
I cannot tell if this is serious or not.

Any ideas what this could be?

I was thinking maybe he was shedding, but there seems to be too much
fur missing for that. e gets upset if I try to pet him there, and
tries to bite me. Does this sound serious enough to rush him in
somewhere? He acts pretty normal otherwise, very playful, good
appetite, etc.


Justin - worried

No idea. Allergies of course may be a problem, but is it irritated? Or
does
he not like his sides touched (some cats don't). Vet is the best answer.
Please keep us posted. I hope it is nothing.

It doesn't seem to be irritated, and he really doesn't seem to like
being petted too much.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow.


Bet you five bucks it is overgrooming as a result of stress.


Heh, good thing I didn't bet! (I had a feeling this was the prob too)

The vet says something may be stressing him out. He gave him a steroid
shot, and said to keep an eye on him.

He said it could be any number of things stressing him - a female in
heat outside he can smell, just wanting to go outside, or something
with him and Elwood.


Justin