Cat loosing hair from unknown reasons. need help ASAP!

My grandparents have a farm cat that has been loosing patches of hair. They say she's been eating and drinking lots, also they say that her hair was dry instead of her nice shinny coat. I should also mention that there is a new cat that came to the farm. We believe it's blind in one eye.

[JMux]

I had the same problem with my cat, and there are a few different things that can cause it.  The most common is parasites and/or fleas.  I would lean towards that since you have a new cat.  Thyroid problems can also cause it.  Old age can cause it as well.  Your vet can take a look and a skin scraping to determine if it's fleas or a parasite.  

[Zoey007]

my grandparents cat is a farm cat. they won't want to waste money on her. Is there anything you know that would help with fleas that you can get at a store?