thyroid disease in cats

[goose101]

I recently got a new cat and she sheds excessively even loses tufts of hair.  Her coat has a weird texture-almost slightly greasy. My daughter who was a vet tech for years says it may be a bad thyroid.

[goose101]

thanks for all the info. I will have her checked soon but her hair seems to be getting better. I'm thinking that she is getting a better diet and that may be helping.

[CML2014]

Hi goose (love this name)
Lorrain has some very good info for you.  My cat also has hyperesthesia. and she has some information I was not aware of. So all and all a very helpful post.

Here is something I found when researching this problem:

"Shedding is influenced by surrounding changes in light. The more exposure to light the more shedding. Cats the go outside part of the day will shed normally and grow a new coat in summer. In the fall as the days grow shorter their begins to thicken for winter. Indoor cats exposed to light may shed and grow a coat year round.
When A cat with a double coat begins to shed their appearance can be alarming and at first suggest a kin disease, This is because "undercoat" is shed in a mosaic or patch pattern giving a moth eaten look.
This is perfectly normal. When shedding begins , though, you can prevent skin irritation by removing as much dead hair as possible with daily brushings."

Long story short ( too late for that, huh) this may be nothing more than your kit growing a new coat for summer , with a lot of undercoat still on him. They should be brushed daily if possible. This will
A. Bond you and your kit. It 's like mamma bathing her baby
B. Eliminate a lot of fur that would be shed
C. Leave less fur for your cat to be able to roll into a giant hairball, by cleaning his fur.

SOOOOOOOOO, my suggestion would be to get that soft brush out and give your little lady a "Spa Day", sans the mani and pedi. You will be surprised at how much undercoat you will get out of your kit.

SHE will love you for it, even if that is not the problem, because she will feel BEAUTIFUL and pampered. I would suggest a soft rubber brush not to hurt the delecate skin. The "Furminater" is a wonderful tool for undercoat, but you have to go easy as the comb is made of metal.

Ya know DOGS have DOG Groomers to go to for pampering. Kitties come to US, LOL!

Let us know what happens ,
CML

[LorraineP]

Hi goose

My cat is the same, she was tested for hyperthyroid and was clear.  But turns out she does have hyperaesthesia.  I think maybe they feel so uncomfortable and "flinchy" all the time that they just can't bear to clean their coats thoroughly.

She is now on medication and the texture of her fur is much improved and she's more comfortable.  She still loses chunks of fur though!

She's about to be tested for hyperthyroidism again as she's started to lose weight lately.  Other signs you should look out for are vomiting, diarrhea, drinking a lot of water.

Either way, it's worth a blood/urine test if you are worried.

Lorraine