My cat keeps biting his belly. Why is he losing fur and what can I do?

Hello! Cats commonly cope with anxiety by over-grooming themselves, usually in their belly region. I think you are exactly right that she has licked the fur off. In a fungal infection, I would expect to see redness of the skin, crusting, or discharge. The first thing I'd recommend for anxious kitties is a product called Feliway. It's a feline pheromone product that helps naturally calm cats. It can come in diffuser, spray, and collar forms. Cats also find great comfort in height. If she doesn't have many high places to perch around the house, that can be something that helps her interact more. There are also options of anxiolytic drugs, such as Prozac, that can help if you don't find success in the other options. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It could be an allergy or food sensitivities. It may also be behavioral or boredom. Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further licking. Have your veterinarian examine Astro to diagnose skin infection (bacterial or fungal) and to discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets and food elimination trials. Consider interactive toys to keep him distracted and pheromone products such as Feliway spray or plug in diffuser to decrease any anxiety.

Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent excessive grooming. This may be enough to allow for healing. A pheromone product such as Feliway spray or plug in diffuser may decrease any anxiety. If the behavior persists, have Cina examined by your veterinarian or a certified veterinary behaviorist. Prescription anxiety medication may be indicated along with behavioral modification.

If there is no medical reason such as fleas or food allergy and it is behavioral there is medication to help. She may notice another animal or cat outside that is new that is stressing her out and causing her to do this more, There may be a new neighbor with a dog that she smells passing by the door increasing her anxiety. You can start with feliway diffusers and sprays to help in side the apartment. You can also talk to your vet about anxiety medication to start her on to decrease this behavior.

I would be very suspicious about possible allergies with these symptoms. I recommend rechecking with your vet, as that skin on the legs looks pretty raw and you need to make sure Cindy doesn't have a secondary infection. Then you can talk to your vet about whether they think it's appropriate to start Cindy on an allergy medication / food trial. Anxiety / behavioral overgrooming and parasites (fleas, mites) are other common causes of hair loss, and with an exam your vet can help differentiate these.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be stress-related overgrooming. Some cats are prone to get stressed and as a result they lick themselves excessively. Moving a house can be enough stress for Kai to show this behaviour. Please, try Feliway diffuser for 5-7 days as it often helps in this situations. However, if there is no improvement you should take Kai to your local vets for an appointment.

Wow - Bits certainly has groomed all of the fur off of her abdomen! The two most common causes of overgrooming in cats include allergies and anxiety/stress. I'm glad to hear that all of her diagnostic tests have been normal, but unfortunately, neither of these issues show up with blood tests or imaging. I would ask your vet if they feel that she would be a good candidate for a medication to help manage some allergies in cats (Atopica) or anti-anxiety medication (Prozac is the most common option). The only way to get her fur to grow back is to treat the underlying issue, although it will still take some time and patience. I hope that everything goes well for Bits!