Cat Hair Pulling

Question
We adopted a full grown cat two weeks ago (owners abandoned her). We are told she is Himalayan, pure long white hair, one blue and one green eye. I began finding clumps of hair around the house within a day or two of bringing her home. She has an area on her tail that is thin and almost fur-less. We've seen her licking and in doing so, what appears to be pulling out her hair. I shampooed her with Dove shampoo when we first brought her home (she was filthy). Is this a physical problem or is she psychotic?

Answer
KD,

A cat who pulls out hair can do so for a number of reasons. I never recommend that anyone use a shampoo meant for humans on cats because the ingredients are often irritating to a cat's skin. Himalayan cats aren't all white, she may simply be a domestic long haired cat. I would suggest a visit to a vet within 24 hours or so to try and get to the bottom of the balding kitty. Your kitty may be itchy from the bath with human shampoo, it is also possible that she has environmental/food allergies. I normally suggest that cats only be bathed with a high quality, gentle shampoo meant for cats. I have found Earthbath to be a good quality shampoo that doesn't irritate the skin...I would recommend that tea tree oil and aloe vera formula to help alleviate the itch. If you would like more information on Earthbath products check out the website at www.earthbath.com.

Allergies don't manifest themselves in cats the same way that they do in people. Many people associate itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose with allergies. In cats those symptoms indicate an upper respiratory infection. Cats become itchy and sometimes pull out/lose hair. Stress can cause cats to develop self injurious behaviors like pulling out hair and excessive grooming that leaves the skin red, raw and infected...Your vet will be able to help determine what the issue is, but be prepared that it may take some time...As far as I am aware allergy testing in cats is not widely available and it is prohibitively expensive, so many vets make diagnoses in these situations by eliminating possible causes until they are left with one. Another interesting fact for you is that pure white cats with blue eyes (one or both) are often deaf. In your cat's case it is likely that she hears on the side with the green eye and is deaf on the side of the blue eye...

I hope that you have found this information helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns or you would simply like to send an update or some pictures my way please don't hesitate to contact me again.