Question:
My name is Fifi. I am a mixed female Siamese cat about 7 years old. I weigh nine pounds, and was spayed at an early age. I also have a problem -- I am losing my fur!
It started on my hind legs and has spread to my belly and front legs. It looks as if someone has taken a shave to me. I also fear that it has now spread to my left ear. My humans have been worried sick over me. I hear them say, "Our pretty little cat is looking a little bald and sickly." They have taken me to two different vets and they have read several books about my condition. They say that I am "overgrooming" because I am a stressed out mess and I might have a hormonal imbalance.
My humans, Edward and Francoise, are losing their minds because they do not understand the source of my distress and neither do I. The vets don't seem to have an answer, and they say that I am a normal, healthy cat.
I have a roommate named Minouche. He is a handsome rag doll who picks on me once in a while, but it is nothing I can't handle -- especially when I smack him upside his head and put him in his place.
There are no hairballs around the house, my hairball ejections seem to be normal, and I appear to be a happy cat. I go outside once in a while and like to sit on the enclosed patio. I am fed Meow Mix Hairball Food and Premium Fancy Feast.
At my vet's suggestion, they have been bathing me with a special shampoo called Hexadene. I have been given two cortisone shots, and they are now using an expensive organic kitty litter. Nothing seems to help.
Before they send me off to a shrink and put me on mood-altering medication, do you have any advice to correct this condition?
F.E., Hobe Sound, FL Jun 13, 2011
Answer:
Having raised a fabulous Siamese cat name Igor, who used to play ambush games with me and would follow me like a dog on walks in the Maine woods, I know how bright and sensitive you are.
Your guardians should have the good veterinarian rule out any thyroid cancer, if that hasn't been done yet. If you check out OK in that domain, all scented products (especially those toxic room fresheners and laundry detergents) should be removed from your environment. The World's Best Cat Litter (corn-based) or Yesterday's News (recycled newspaper) may also help your condition.
I would not rule out a complicating food allergy, so have your human companions check out www.feline-nutrition.org and my website DrFoxVet.com/info. I would like to see you on a better diet. Some catnip herb (either dried or as a tea, which some cats as well as their owners love) may help take the edge off when given early in the evening.
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