Cat licking off hair in patches

[kat9286]

Our six-year old cat started licking off his hair on his back last summer, and it has gotten worse ever since.  Now his back is bare (and starting to get scabs) and so are his legs and paws.  We cannot think of any reason for why this started last summer (no change of food, we did not move or introduce a new pet, etc.)  The vet tested for mites and ringworm, we gave him flea medication, and we did a few months of a hypoallergenic food that the vet suggested and nothing seemed to help. The vet also ran an allergy test, but the things that our cat is allergic to were seasonal allergies which makes me doubt that they are the cause since he has been licking all year long.  Our vet does not seem to have any clue, and I feel horrible since our cat seems so unhappy.  Does anyone have any advice?  We are really at a loss!

[MYoungAtHeart]

I adopted Sophia Loren a year ago and the owners told me that if we use the cheap brands of flea medication found in many stores, that Sophia will lose the hair on her back.  They showed me photos they had taken and now I get my meds from my vet.  I have not noticed any hair loss in a year.

My other 3 year old is allergic to the perfume in the litter box clay and I did find a perfume free litter at Petco for the same price as the regular perfumed type.  I have been using it for 3 weeks now and she is not constantly licking and biting at her feet anymore.......

I wish you the best of luck in your search....Sometimes it takes a bit of detective work on the internet or a phone call to your trusted vet to find alternative foods, medicines and litter for the kitties....

M

[opus88]

when you tried a different food was it GRAIN free? many cats exhibit skin issues b/c of an intolerance to grains....not necessarily an allergy and won't show up on any Vet testing...also was the new food canned and NOT dry kibble, kibble contains so many additives and preservatives that many cats are also intolerant to.
and did you try a natural litter? not just ones that claim to be natural....not any of the corn based ones that too are full or chemicals. try paper pellet litter or there also a walnut litter i've heard of...thats good for sensitive kitties.
made by Blue Buffalo if I remember right.
I am also sending you some info on a condition called Hyperesthesia Syndrome which is another possibility.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/feline_hyperesthesia_syndrome.html

good luck to you and kitty, I certainly know how frustrating this can be when something is obviously wrong and we can't seem to find out what.
I will also suggest if the simple food and litter changes don't work to urge your Vet to do a test for Hyperthyroidism. I can't locate the info I've been looking for but I have read that pulling out hair from their backs can sometimes be an over looked sign of HyperT.
best to you and please keep us updated♥