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#11
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"cybercat" wrote in message ... "Allan Smith" wrote in message ... cybercat, Get your **** straight before you comment on things you know too little about. Apartments are not houses. The Vet treated the problem appropriately. If you don't like that, go after the Vet. Indoor cats certainly do get fleas, especially if they are already there, which is typical of self-barbering on entry of new quarters. And, you can bring them in on your clothes if you garden or work in the yard in the warmer climates. Why don't your research Psychogenic Alopecia before attacking the messenger? You might start here on the list of priorities to rule-out in differential doagnosis. Allergies are the last on the list. I noted the Vet did not prescribe allergy treatments in the form of oral steroids - he simply took action to rule out the first three differentials first. http://www.petplace.com/cats/psychog...ats/page1.aspx Yours is called and "ad hominem" attack btw. A.k.a., shoot the messenger if you don't like the message or if it is different from yours. Usually caused by resentment of new information or knowledge. Otherwise known as a "self-inflicted learning disability". Get over your ego. Learn new things. You're an idiot. Now *that* is an ad hominem attack. You stated that stress is not a likely cause of the excessive grooming that causes fur loss. This is horse ****. You just got here, but we've been discussing topics like this--and this particular topic--for years. Stress certainly can be a factor and in this case with the recent move more than likely the cause. The vet took care of another possible cause when he treated for fleas. I haven't personally ever seen a cat yank out clumps of fur because of a flea infestation however. I have seen hair loss associated with stress, allergies and pain. I tend to start with the most obvious cause first so would guess this is a stress issue. Perhaps there was an animal living in the apartment previously and the smell is upsetting the cat or it's just the new location that's doing it. They could try feliway as that can take the edge off (keeps my guys sane with kitties coming and going in my foster room). A really thorough cleaning and shampooing of carpeting might help but using unscented products as adding yet one more new scent could only exascerbate the problem. W |
#12
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"Nel" wrote in message
... Jan 11, 2010: Hello, question for folks; any input on what this issue could be? My daughter and her BF moved to an Apt, and they brought his 4yr female cat. Prior, the cat lived with the BF parents, while he was in college. Now, "Enzo" seems to be licking & pulling at her fur; my daughter reports tufts aroudn the apt and some bare spots starting. They just took her to the Vet, and they have changed food (from MeowMix to something different), and even though she did not have fleas, they gave her "Advantage" flea topical medicine. Any ideas what may cause her to do this, & 'solutions' (beside, "Get Her a Friend"...) Thanks... How long ago did your daughter move into the apartment and when did she see the vet. Whereabouts is the cat pulling the fur from and are there any scabby bits? Your vet first has to rule our any allergies before treating for stress. Cats can be come highly allergic to a single flea bite and their diet can cause allergies. The cat will have been affected emotionally from the move so a Feliway diffuser will help relieve her anxiety. Alison |
#13
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
Suddenly, without warning, Allan Smith exclaimed (1/11/2010 3:31 PM):
Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. The new quarters probably have a flea infestation (it may be that the former tennants moved away from them). For some cats, it only takes one single flea. Wait the flea medicine to work. Advantage is an excellent choice. Does your daughter have itchy lesions resembling mosquito bites, especially on the legs or lower torso? It is highly unlikely that a remakably-sudden food allergy is the cause, and it is also highly unlikely that stress is a factor. That is not the way cats react to stress. Actually, both statements are incorrect. Humans and cats (and other animals) can develop allergies to anything, at any time. And, cats quite often react to stress with self-destructive habit. My cat did - it's called fur-mowing. Mine developed a naked belly from over-grooming. She had no fur from as far as she could reach on her chest, down to near her belly button. To answer the OP, treating for fleas and trying new food are usually the first things vets will try if a cat is fur-mowing. They might also suggest a change in environment, if that's possible. If none of those have any effect, they can put the cat on drugs for a short length of time - they tried my cat on ClomiCalm first, which she reacted badly to- made her so logy she couldn't function, so she was switched to Amitryptyline (sp). The Ami worked, so we kept her on it through our overseas move, until she'd settled in here. Not only did the fur-mowing not return, but she recovered from the stress of traveling much quicker than on previous overseas moves. jmc |
#14
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
On Jan 11, 12:24*pm, Nel wrote:
Jan 11, 2010: *Hello, question for folks; *any input on what this issue could be? *My daughter and her BF moved to an Apt, and they brought his 4yr female cat. *Prior, the cat lived with the BF parents, while he was in college. *Now, "Enzo" seems to be licking & pulling at her fur; my daughter reports tufts aroudn the apt and some bare spots starting. They just took her to the Vet, and they have changed food (from MeowMix to something different), and even though she did not have fleas, they gave her "Advantage" flea topical medicine. Any ideas what may cause her to do this, & 'solutions' *(beside, "Get Her a Friend"...) *Thanks... -- Nel Maybe he needs a bath...? Or maybe your homes is not very clean. Do you suffer from bedbugs? Because if you do you should know… they will also attack your kitty there. Maybe you have a German cockroach problem. Sometimes I’ve heard that they will lay eggs on sleeping pets. They also chisel at your eyebrows while you sleep, too. It sounds as though your boy is suffering. Try a bath once in a while, and keep the outside door totally closed at night. That’s what I would do if my cat was tearing at herself so… TNMM |
#15
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"jmc" wrote in message ... Suddenly, without warning, Allan Smith exclaimed (1/11/2010 3:31 PM): Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. The new quarters probably have a flea infestation (it may be that the former tennants moved away from them). For some cats, it only takes one single flea. Wait the flea medicine to work. Advantage is an excellent choice. Does your daughter have itchy lesions resembling mosquito bites, especially on the legs or lower torso? It is highly unlikely that a remakably-sudden food allergy is the cause, and it is also highly unlikely that stress is a factor. That is not the way cats react to stress. Actually, both statements are incorrect. Humans and cats (and other animals) can develop allergies to anything, at any time. And, cats quite often react to stress with self-destructive habit. My cat did - it's called fur-mowing. Mine developed a naked belly from over-grooming. She had no fur from as far as she could reach on her chest, down to near her belly button. To answer the OP, treating for fleas and trying new food are usually the first things vets will try if a cat is fur-mowing. They might also suggest a change in environment, if that's possible. If none of those have any effect, they can put the cat on drugs for a short length of time - they tried my cat on ClomiCalm first, which she reacted badly to- made her so logy she couldn't function, so she was switched to Amitryptyline (sp). The Ami worked, so we kept her on it through our overseas move, until she'd settled in here. Not only did the fur-mowing not return, but she recovered from the stress of traveling much quicker than on previous overseas moves. jmc Cats can get psoriasis too. And this is as hard to cure in cats as it is in humans. |
#16
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
Suddenly, without warning, Bill Graham exclaimed (1/13/2010 12:50 AM):
"jmc" wrote in message ... Suddenly, without warning, Allan Smith exclaimed (1/11/2010 3:31 PM): Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. The new quarters probably have a flea infestation (it may be that the former tennants moved away from them). For some cats, it only takes one single flea. Wait the flea medicine to work. Advantage is an excellent choice. Does your daughter have itchy lesions resembling mosquito bites, especially on the legs or lower torso? It is highly unlikely that a remakably-sudden food allergy is the cause, and it is also highly unlikely that stress is a factor. That is not the way cats react to stress. Actually, both statements are incorrect. Humans and cats (and other animals) can develop allergies to anything, at any time. And, cats quite often react to stress with self-destructive habit. My cat did - it's called fur-mowing. Mine developed a naked belly from over-grooming. She had no fur from as far as she could reach on her chest, down to near her belly button. To answer the OP, treating for fleas and trying new food are usually the first things vets will try if a cat is fur-mowing. They might also suggest a change in environment, if that's possible. If none of those have any effect, they can put the cat on drugs for a short length of time - they tried my cat on ClomiCalm first, which she reacted badly to- made her so logy she couldn't function, so she was switched to Amitryptyline (sp). The Ami worked, so we kept her on it through our overseas move, until she'd settled in here. Not only did the fur-mowing not return, but she recovered from the stress of traveling much quicker than on previous overseas moves. jmc Cats can get psoriasis too. And this is as hard to cure in cats as it is in humans. I wasn't aware of that, fortunately it wasn't Meep's problem. Her belly fur grew back and she's had no problems since. |
#17
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"Allan Smith" wrote in message ... Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. Nonsense. Psychogenic alopecia is hair loss caused by excessive grooming for which no medical cause can be found. IOW, the cause is psychological rather than physiological... that's why its called "p-s-y-c-h-o-g-e-n-ic". Psychogenic alopecia is almost always caused by *stress* not fleas. Alopecia due to fleas or flea allergic dermatitis or food allergies or some other hypersensitivity are physiological causes. Btw, the OP did say the cat does not have fleas. 'guess you missed that part. |
#18
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"Phil P." wrote in message news "Allan Smith" wrote in message ... Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. Nonsense. Psychogenic alopecia is hair loss caused by excessive grooming for which no medical cause can be found. IOW, the cause is psychological rather than physiological... that's why its called "p-s-y-c-h-o-g-e-n-ic". Psychogenic alopecia is almost always caused by *stress* not fleas. Alopecia due to fleas or flea allergic dermatitis or food allergies or some other hypersensitivity are physiological causes. Btw, the OP did say the cat does not have fleas. 'guess you missed that part. This is what I meant when I told Allan, "you are an idiot." Thanks Phil. |
#19
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
Phil,
Yes, it is idiopathic. That's why there are differentials for diagnosis (your "no other medical reason"). It's under "Conditions to rule out". Read them in the referenced article. That's why I referenced it. Or maybe post a reference that says something else. Don't be afraid of reading references. You can learn things. Allan -- One asks, many answer, all learn -- Plato, on the 'Forum --- True civility is when every one gives to every other one every right that they claim for themselves. "Phil P." wrote in message news "Allan Smith" wrote in message ... Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. |
#20
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Cat Pulling at Fur; Bare Spots
"Allan Smith" wrote in message ... Phil, Yes, it is idiopathic. That's why there are differentials for diagnosis (your "no other medical reason"). It's under "Conditions to rule out". Read them in the referenced article. That's why I referenced it. Or maybe post a reference that says something else. Don't be afraid of reading references. You can learn things. Perhaps you should follow your own advice. *You* posted the bogus information- not me. I was simply correcting your erroneous statement. Apparently *you* need to learn things- especially if you intend to grandstand in this newsgroup and educate all us ignorant cat folk...... In your reply to Nel you said "99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas." -- which is blatantly *false*. Psychogenic alopecia is *never* caused by fleas. Its origin is *psychological*- hence the name "psychogenic"- in case you're wondering why its called "psychogenic alopecia". The veterinary medical term for the condition is "neurodermatitis" "Neuro" -- refers to nerves not fleas- get it? I'm surprised you suggested I post a reference. I have a reference or two- but I don't think you'll like them because they both prove your statement wrong. You know the saying: "be careful what you wish for" FELINE PSYCHOGENIC DERMATOSES Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology 6th ed. Chap 15; Pg 1055 "Psychogenic Alopecia and Dermatitis Psychogenic alopecia or dermatitis (neurodermatitis) is an alopecia or chromic skin inflammation produced by constant licking. When dermatitis is not present, the complaint may be of excessive grooming. The dermatic form results from more severe grooming. CAUSE AND PATHOGENESIS The primary abnormality is thought to be excessive grooming that may result from an anxiety neurosis. The anxiety may be caused by psychological factors such as displacement phenomena (e.g., a new pet or baby in the household, a move to new surroundings, boarding, hospitalization, loss of a favorite bed or companion, or competition for a social hierarchy position with other pets in the household or in response to other cats entering the affected cat's territory). There is a breed predilection for the more emotional breeds, such as Siamese and Abyssinian, although all the Oriental breeds may be predisposed. *Feline psyclrogenic alopecia has been proposed as an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Feline psychogenic alopecia and dermatitis may be expressed in many ways. Some cats lick vigorously at a particular area until the sharp barbs of the tongue produce alopecia, abrasion, ulceration, and secondary infection. Other eats lick and chew more gently or over a more widespread area so that alopecia is the predominant lesion. Some cats actually chew at their hair or skin, whereas others chew and pull their hair out. It has been proposed that the stress may induce an elevation in the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and melalxocyte-stimulating hormone, which then causes increased endorphin production. The endorphins protect the animal from abnormalities associated with chronic stress. However, their narcotic, addictive-like effect may act to reinforce the abnormal grooming behavior. Agents with dopaminergic or opioid effects may decrease excessive grooming." Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide. Medleau & Hnilica Miscellaneous Cutaneous Disorders of the Cat Chap. 15 pg 252 Feline Psychogenic Alopecia (neurodermatitis) FEATURES A self-induced alopecia from excessive grooming (licking, chewing, and/or pulling hairs out). The overgrooming is a manifestation of anxiety, but the owners may be unaware of this behavior if the cat does not do it in their presence. Uncommon in cats, with Siamese, Burmese, and Abyssinian cats possi*bly predisposed. Alopecia is produced when the cat grooms hard enough to remove hairs but not vigorously enough to damage the skin. There is regional, multifocal, or generalized hair loss. The alopecia may occur any*where on the body where the cat can lick, but it most commonly involves the medial forelegs, inner thighs, perineum, and/or ventral abdomen. The hair loss is often bilaterally symmetrical, but remaining hairs do not epilate easily. Close inspection of the alopecic skin reveals that the hairs have not actually fallen out; they are still present and broken off near the surface of the skin. Rarely, overly aggressive grooming may result in an area of abraded skin. Hair in the feces and/or vomited hairballs may be seen. Nope- Nothing about fleas..... HAND "Phil P." wrote in message news "Allan Smith" wrote in message ... Nel, 99% of the time, Psychogenic Alopecia (self-barbering) is due to fleas. |
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