The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Feline Hair Loss
My question pertains to my cat, Tubby. He was recently diagnosed with a thyroid condition. He only weighs about seven pounds. He’s sixteen years old and stays indoors all of the time, against his will. The vet prescribed a medication, but Tubby is losing his hair! I don’t think it’s related to the meds because it started happening before. It comes out in patches, right down to his skin. He’s got some scabs, too. No fleas, but we treated him with Frontline anyway. He eats Petguard canned foods. The vet thought the hair loss might be a food allergy, so we’re not giving him fish and turkey. At times he was vomiting a great deal, but that hasn’t been happening anymore. What can I do for this poor guy to stop his hair from falling out? Thanks!
From: Marisa in Pottstown, PA, via Martha Stewart Living Radio
Dear Marisa,
Hair loss is directly related to thyroid issues, and can take quite a while to resolve. Petguard is a fine quality food, and I’m glad to hear you’re feeding him canned, not dry, which helps with digestibility and assimilating the nutrients in the food, which becomes harder as a cat ages. (You will find more information about wet vs. dry cat food right here in the Q&A section of CatChatRadio.com.)
It sounds like you need to be patient. As a cat gets older, its whole metabolism slows down, so it’s going to take a while to get his system functioning properly again.
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
