5yr old American Short Hair Cat Itching and Licking Coat with Patches of Hair Loss

by Jeff
(walnut creek, california)

Up until one week ago my 5 year old female(indoor only) had a glossy black coat. She now itches and licks her coat constantly and is getting bare patches in her fur. No fleas seen and no changes to her diet or surroundings.

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5yr old American Short Hair Cat Itching and Licking Coat with Patches of Hair Loss

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Feb 09, 2010
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Cat Licking and Scratching
by: Anonymous

Sorry to hear about your cat's problem. This is a classical presentation on how fleas affect cats. They can be hard to see, but try to look on the abdomen close to the skin.

Indoor cats get fleas all the time because we can carry fleas into the house on our clothing, or other pets can carry them inside the house as well. Also see: How to Get Rid of Fleas.

There are other reasons why cats will act like this, but until fleas have been definitively ruled out, this is my primary concern.

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