My senior cat has bald spots on his front legs. What's causing them?

[Allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/feline-allergies/) are the most common cause of hair loss and [excessive grooming in cats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/excessive-grooming-in-cats-what-it-means-and-how-to-help), but there are several other medical causes as well - including [fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas/), bacterial or fungal infections, or skin mites. I would definitely start your cat on a good monthly spot-on product such as [Advantage II](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-flea-and-tick/cat-flea-and-tick-drops/advantage-ii-once-a-month-cat-and-kitten-topical-flea-treatment-over-9-lbs) to make sure fleas are not the problem - you can get this over the counter at many pet stores. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you will need to have your cat examined by a vet - he/she can do some testing if needed to diagnose the problem and get your kitty the appropriate prescription medications to treat it. Behavioral causes, such as stress or anxiety, can also lead to overgrooming. [Calming supplements](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-training/cat-training-calming-aids/calming-cat-supplements) or [pheromone products](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/feliway) can be found at the lcocal Petco. If these do not improve the condition, your veterinarian may recommend prescription strength remedies.

Risia could be overgrooming, and that can occur due to stress, fleas, mites, allergies, or a medical illness like hyperthyroidism. I'd have her seen by a vet on Monday for a health check and a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. Once a cause is found, the vet can discuss treatment options. I hope this helps!

This can be a sign of a medical disease such as hyperthyroidism, which can be common in senior cats. I'd have Sweetie seen by a vet for this behavior. The vet can do a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis. I'd take him into a vet today if possible. Best of luck.

If he seems to be losing weight, I would make sure her thyroid level was tested. If so, the skin could be due to an allergy or other skin condition. Thyroid level being high can cause skin and hair changes so I would first get this level checked out. As for the skin, you can use Douxo PS calm shampoo and mousse, both of which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Moochie. This hair loss could be due to over-grooming. This could be caused by stress but in a cat her age it could be caused by a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism. I'd have her seen by a vet to get this checked out, and I recommend getting a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis done. I hope this helps!

Oh no, poor Paddy! Unfortunately without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain if this is something relatively minor. A rash in cats could be caused by an infection (bacteria or yeast), allergies, or insects (fleas, mites). This would also cause fur loss. In a senior cat, hyperthyroidism could cause hair loss. Make sure he is up to date on his flea treatments, giving him one such as Revolution or Advantage if he isn't. You will have to disinfect the environment as well. I would have him seen by a vet for this though, and I can give you a number of resources that may help you afford a vet. He does need a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis to check on his overall health, and these tests can help diagnose if he does have hyperthyroidism or not, which is very common in senior cats. Once the cause of his symptoms is diagnosed, the vet can prescribe treatment for him. Affording a vet: You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
 God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.


I really do not know what that is from. If he has been over-grooming or scratching a lot I would be worried about fleas. If he has no other symptoms you can try this wound spray gel on that area to see if it helps. I do see some red bumps in that hairless area. If no improvement after a few weeks then you should have him to the vet for an exam. It should have nothing to do with renal disease or diet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel )