Cat licking her hair off - allergies or stress?

[Samson_Delilah]

My female cat has started licking off her hair on her paws and legs and possibly is starting on her belly - they are long hair and it's kinda hard to tell until a definite bald patch appears.  This has been happening since before Christmas.  At first I thought it was due to the loss of her beloved "Cat tree" but I got her a replacement - although I'm not sure she likes it near as much.  The Vet thinks it's an allergy - probably to food - but I can't get her to eat the $35 per 8lb bag of Green Pea and Duck food I bought for her.  She went days without eating and I finally gave in - as I didnt want to deal with those complications too.  So, I have just ordered another type of food - Venison and Green Pea - hopefully she'll like that a little better.....and I've ordered the stop itch wipes and lotion from Dr. Fosters and Smith.  I am hoping one of those will help.  The other issue is that I travel A LOT for my job - often gone at least 3 or 4 days.  I started travelling this heavy in September and her hair loss started after Thanksgiving.

Any ideas or things I can try.  I was thinking of trying the Feliway diffuser - but after just ordering over $50 of food and itch relief - I am going to hold off before spending $30 on an air diffuser.

Any comments are appreciated.

[Feliz_the_abyssinian]

All these posts are reassuring in many ways, but at the same time somewhat confusing.  I have a beautiful abyssinian female and she has started to lick off her hair, especially on her back.  After a few visits to the vets and a flea treatment, the problem hasn't been solved.

Food allergy may be the problem, (although she feeds on grain-free high-quality food - «Core»), but I don't know where to start, as I was told that changing the food should be done gradually.  Before I find «by trial and error» which food she is allergic to, it will take years!

Litter is not an issue, as she is toilet trained.  No chemical is used in the household cleaning, only natural products and steam.  If stress is an issue, I don't see where she would get it from, as she is a very active and loving cat and very seldom alone in the house.

Any tips?

[opus88]

I am so happy to hear you were able to pinpoint what the problem was, cats can't tolerate all the ingredients in many household products...including cleaners, candles and room freshners....good for you!!! and btw welcome to our cat community...-)

[Dabest1]

It's soooo obvious now.  Both my cats steer away from anything that has or had Febreeze (household freshner) on it.  One of them used to lick the fur off his paws, legs, belly, top of back near tail.  I tried changing food, stress management, etc but all it was is Febreeze, I used to put it on everything.  I do not use Febreeze anymore and my cats are happy and have all their fur.  It took me a few years to find this out.  

[sallymally]

well i will try that, iam having probs with fleas idont know what to do next, i feel so sad for my little saffi

[opus88]

sorry I doubled up there, meant to post this site...

http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/Starnes/index.php

[opus88]

Omega 3 oils are very beneficial to the health of the skin and coat...I will include an article, but beware if you do want to use, the Nordic Naturals brand as named is one that is 'safe' for use for cats.

http://www.littlebigcat.com/nutrition/omega-3s-are-essential-for-your-cat/

an allergy to flea bites can develop after just one bite..they do not necessarily have to now have fleas...to develop the allergy.
the allergy can be inhalant, environmental or ingested(most commonly to grains in their food)
I will send you another informative site, however...please read past the steroid treatment(this is what Vets like to use but it can lead to many health problems and I do NOT recommend it)
read down to 'alternative treatments'
I hope this has been some help, please post if you have more questions.

http://www.littlebigcat.com/nutrition/omega-3s-are-essential-for-your-cat/