My tuxedo cat is half bald. What is causing it?
Cat with a large area of hair loss that could be due to hyperthyroidism
My tuxedo cat is half bald. It started 3-4 months ago when it was a small bald patch. I have brought her 3 times to the vet, the first one said it might be caused by fleas or parasites so I got her treated for fleas, but the balding became worse and the bald spots grew larger.
The 2nd trip to the vet, I was told that it might be allergy to food, so I changed her diet to Royal Canin Skin Care.The first few weeks her fur looked less white, but then she’s started to go bald again, and even worse than before.
I have her treated with fleas every month, and she is still eating Royal Canin. She has also been showing signs of discomfort (running all around the house and excessive meowing). What might be the cause of this problem? If it is stress, what can I do to relieve it?
Mysa
Hi Mysa, thanks for visiting and asking. The vet is the best person to diagnose. As you have tried and failed thus far I’ll make a suggestion but I am not a vet. This response is a discussion point. What you could do is try a different vet. Some are better than others. That sounds obvious but it can make a big difference.
I don’t think this is due to fleas because a flea bite allergy causes itching causing overgrooming, causing localized hair loss. Also, you’ll probably see red patches (blisters) on the skin which is a symptom of an allergy.
Your cat has a large area of even hair loss and it is not due to overgrowing.
Another sign you have mentioned is:
She has also been showing signs of discomfort (running all around the house and excessive meowing)
This second sign indicates to me hyperthyroidism (excess production of the thyroid hormone). The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- hair that pulls out and hair loss
- greater activity from the cat (you say she is running around the house)
- increased appetite
- weight loss
She may not have all these symptoms but she appears to have one of them: increased activity. The meowing may be due to discomfort and anxiety or just part of the increased activity.
Treatments are available – please see your vet again or a new one asap. Hyperthyroidism can cause other health problems such as high blood pressure which in turn causes other problems such as heart, kidney, and eye problems.
Hyperthyroidism is almost always associated with cancer. But as stated, it is treatable.
Ask your vet about this. He should palpate (gently feel) the area under the chin with the head lifted. He may feel a small lump. He’ll do blood work etc..
If it is due to something else such as stress Feliway may help. This is my best shot answering your query.
Good luck to both of you.
