Cat Losing Hair

[derekpara]

My 16 year old cat has started losing lots of hair. She has no obvious bald patches yet but I am finding several clumps around the house every day. She doesn't go out any more and hasn't got fleas. Any ideas, please ?

Thanks.

D

[wolf63]

Take her to the vet - old cats sometimes have problems wit their thyroid levels and this may be what is causing the problem.

16 is a good age - cats usually don't show their age (ie grey hairs) like humans do - it's not fair!

;-)

[derekpara]

Thanks, W. Another expensive trip to the vets, then !

D

[wolf63]

If she has started getting more vocal and demanding that is sometimes a sign of thyroid problems.

One of mines is asthmatic and gets an inhaler twice a day - thankfully he is insured as it would be costing me about £40 a month for those alone.

They are worth it though - sometimes. ;-)

[derekpara]

Thanks, Wolf & Helen. Not complaining really - she is worth every penny.

D

[boxtops]

Good luck derek - let us know how she gets on. If it's any help, my 13-year-old was very poorly 2 years ago and it turned out to be kidney problems - a daily tablet (and 6-month checks) has given him a whole new lease of life.

[sara3]

my cat has an allergy to mites, and sometimes pulls out small clumps of fur in an itching frenzy.

anyway, the vet will tell all :o)

[Piscesbaby]

it's just normal to do when they get old i wouldn't worry about it.

[Hopkirk]

I bet Wolfy's cat struggles to operate the inhaler

[wolf63]

Hopkirk - considering that he is a mere male he does quite well with his inhaler (and a device called an Aerokat). In fact all goes very smoothly - once I manage to corner and catch him.

derek - best wishes. She isn't 'just' a cat she is your best friend in a furry coat.

[derekpara]

Good news about Sparky ! Thyroid level is up slightly, but not alarmingly so; heart rate OK; weight has increased slightly since last check-up - which is surprising for an elderly lady. Hair fall-out is probably due to age, but it was suggested that a small dose of Evening Primrose oil should be added to her food.

So vet was pleased with her and recommended a further check in three months time.

Thank you so much for your concern and interest; I can tell that you are all enthralled by these fascinating and lovable creatures.

Happy New Year to you all.

D