Cat with Skin Issues and Hair Loss

Yes, I would absolutely consider allergies as a possible cause. Not just foods but also environmental allergies.

I would assume you've ruled out fleas. Had a cat with this and it was gross. Bald skin, moist, crusty.. yuck.

Did the cat come from a shelter or kennel? We had a cat that developed similar symptoms plus a problem with what looked like athletes' foot on her paws. Turns out there's a fungus and bacterial condition that develops from unclean kennels. Our cat was a shelter cat. A strong antibiotic and antiviral was administered and it cleared up. Sorry, can't remember the vet name for the condition, perhaps Dr. Doug can help with that. Another possibility is an allergic reaction to flea bites. Had a cat with that too.

Thanks for the responses. The cat was adopted as a kitten from a shelter. She has never had fleas and is a strictly indoor cat. She had feline acne as a kitten, but it is now much worse. Her ears appear to have some type of infection (cat shakes her head and scratches) and the tissue looks somewhat inflamed. She has been tested for ear mites. The area underneath the base of her tail is about an inch where she has licked the hair away - this is a recent occurrence. Her vet has declined to do blood work, saying it was not necessary. The cat's coat looks healthy and her eyes are clear with no discharge. She has no cough and her appetite is good. This cat is very dear to my sister and she is at her wit's end trying to find relief for the cat. Any thoughts are appreciated. Dr. Doug, any experience with these conditions?

I would try changing food to see if it's a food allergy. Have you tried an antibiotic cream topically on the spots. Our small dog gets hotspots and the hair comes out. If I clean the area and then put neosporin on it, it heals right away. If I don't use an antibiotic, she keeps licking and licking and then it gets crusty and bleeds, no hair etc. I'd sure give it a try on any of her spots, even the feline acne area.

There is obviously an undiagnosed parasite condition or an issue with this kitten's immune system.

The infectious/parasitic causes seem to have been treated or eliminated that pretty much leaves the unusual:

1. overwhelmed and unable to deal with usual infections (like acne) or
2. immune mediated/auto-immune disease (many possible - like pemphigus)
3. severe allergic reaction to ???

Food allergies do happen and it's worth trying a limited ingredient food with a single protein and single carb source.

Antihistamines can help, my favorite in cats is chlorpheniramine (it's available OTC).

BUT, my suggestion is to get another opinion with a fresh set of eyes, probably a dermatologist would be your best bet.

The most frustrating case in a cat I had in 37 years of practice was one I referred to the derm dept at Purdue. The cat cleared up when in their hospital and relapsed every time it went home. Nothing worked. After about a year back and forth, totally unrelated the owner stopped smoking and THE CAT CLEARED UP. Go figure, the cat was allergic to tobacco.

Allergies can be really hard to track down and require a very dedicated owner willing to communicate with a vet that's willing to communicate.

Doug, DVM

Thank you, Dr. Doug, for your reply. Your recommendations will be followed and are greatly appreciated. My sister is desperate to see this little cat get better.

Paulette

crouseman41 wrote:
Thanks for the responses. The cat was adopted as a kitten from a shelter. She has never had fleas and is a strictly indoor cat.....

It's past time to get a second opinion. Good luck.

The beauty and health of the skin, nails, and hair are not possible without sufficient nutrients in the body. Vitamin for hair biotin is used as a means for external and internal use for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Biotin is also compatible with other vitamins and beneficial ingredients http://thehairlossadvisor.com At the same time, I use spirulina, which is the building material for the hair.

I highly recommend Veterinary Formula Hot Spot/Anti Itch Spray for the skin. Stops the itch immediately and helps the skin heal. You can get it at Tractor Supply, Walmart or online - not all stores have all formulas on their shelves.

It is possible as was the case with our dog --- yeast infection - too much yeast in the body. Skin/ears itching, scratching, licking, hair loss, secondary skin infection. We changed from dry to wet food to eliminate the grains used to bind the ingredients into the shapes - they are carbs and add to the yeast in the body. There is a veterinary formula shampoo to help treat this too.