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We have a family of five cats. One mother and four ...

Sent to Cat Experts April 08, 2006 2:34 p.m.

We have a family of five cats. One mother and four siblings one of which is an all-white (non-albino) male (the only male), medium short-hair who is very handsome, extremely loving and well-behaved with just one problem. Mostly while waiting for mealtime, but also sometimes during the day, he reaches around and pulls out the hair on both sides of his back. He has made two "paths" in the middle of his back on each side of his spine stopping short of exposing bare skin â€“ there seems to be just a single layer of hair left â€“ and he has never broken the skin.

I did talk to my vet about this and I believe he gave him a cortico-steroid shot and told me if that didn't help (which it didn't) we would have to consider some type of anti-depressant or mood relaxer. When he mentioned these, he did not sound convincing that they would help either â€“ more like they were expensive options to try. Which is why we've continued to put up with the problem, hoping it's perhaps a phase he will outgrow â€“ and there is no broken or inflamed skin, which of course we would address immediately.

We're not fans of using drugs for the sake of drugs and are wondering what other treatment options or behavior adjustments might be available to us. Thanks so much for your answer.

Please reply to Customer (name blocked for privacy)@bex.net

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Answer
April 08, 2006 4:05 p.m. (1 hour and 30 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

Dear friend,
your cat has a stress related disorder called feline alopecia. It mimics obcessive compusive disorder in humans and is caused when a cat is very high strung and/or nervous about something. You can read about it here:
www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/alopeciafelsym.htm
www.flippyscatpage.com/health.html

www.petplace.com/cats/pschogenic-alopecia-in-cats/page1.aspx

your cat is concerned he will not have enough food, the other cat will eat his food and/or he will have to fight for it.
I agree with you 100% about not using prescription drugs for this problem. IMO such drug use is ggoing to make him withdrawn, uncoordinated and unresponsive. It can also case nausea and lead to innappetite. Instead, go to www.onlynaturalpetstore.com and try composure liquid. This is perfectly natural, safe and will calm him without unpleaseant side effects. you can also use some feliway plugins.Another suggestion would be to try to feed him in a separate room so he does not have so much anxiety about sharing his food.
Please let me know if you have any more questions. I will be more than happy to help.
Best of luck with your wonderful little cat family.
Very sincerely,
Terri

Edited by purrfectkitty on April 8 2006 at 4:09pm

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