Cat losing hair ....

My older male cat started loosing fur on his stomach few months back... Now he has really really short fur on his tummy, I don`t know if it`s growing back - but it seems it isn`t, it`s just really short, so his stomach is practically bald... He rarely goes out and is a generally healthy cat (tho a bit overweight)... What could this be? Any advice?

[nancyjac]

Examine the area for any redness or tiny dots that look like white spores.  It could be ringworm, treatable with an antifungal cream or dip.  Hair typically does grow back, though it may take longer with an older cat.  It could also be from excessive grooming if the cat feels stressed.

[MiuMau]

He did have some brown - ish spots ... So, I should take him to a vet?

Probably the best idea.
Thanks

[kiwi25]

Cats can get leukemia and "cat aids" from sexual intercourse. The test is about $50 at most vets(in the south). There is no cure. One sign is loss of hair.

[opus88]

cat aids is called FeLv....I would more so be suspicious of a food or allergy to something in his environment. Have your Vet do a small skin scraping of one of these brown spots........could be a condition called eosinophilic plaque or EGC (eosinophilic granuloma complex)
let us know the outcome please. good luck.

♥Opus

[nancyjac]

Actually, feline AIDS is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).  FeLv is feline leukemia virus. FIV, like AIDS, results when the immune system has been debilitated and is unable to fight off  infection.  FeLv is a cancer of the blood cells.  Like most viruses, both can be spread among cats from any type of fluid exchange, primarily saliva, so while contracting it from sexual intercourse is possible, it is not likely. Specific hair loss is not a symptom of either, though FIV can result in general poor condition of the coat due to the innability of the immune system to ward off various skin conditions.

[opus88]

thats right Nancy's info is correct, not mine. :(

♥Opus

[MiuMau]

Yeah... But since both FeLv and FIV cause weight loss and lethargy - I`m not at all concerned - Fatty has earned his name and wears it proudly, we have to keep him on a diet so his weight doesn`t get to be a health issue :) ...
And no sign of depression or lethargy either ....

Anyway, going to the Vets today, so I`m hoping for the best (given the situation, I hope it`s just the fleas that we can`t get rid of for a couple of months now...)

[opus88]

hi...wondering how kitty made out at the Vets?...keep us posted ok.

just came across something while reading an article that kitties with 'bladder inflamation (inflammation)' will sometimes lick and groom their bellies excessively.
Because of the pain they are feeling in the general area.

may well be worth investigating, I hope your Vet did do a urine test during the visit?

♥Opus

[MiuMau]

Well, supposedly Kitty has an allergy to flea saliva.

So, since we`re moving to a new apartment next month - as soon as we move in, we have to dip him in a bathtub and rub away! :) which will be pretty interesting as he is terrified of water... She gave us what to bathe him with and when he is all dry and shiny - then we should give him a spot on FrontLine for cats...

So that`s that ... My other two cats are gonna get a treatment as well, tho not a rough one as poor Fatty!

Thanks for your interest!