cat pulling out clumps of fur

Question
Hi there,

I have a beautiful four year old male neutered cat. Every year around the Rainy season ( In India ), he for some reason or the other starts tearing his tail to pieces and removes all his beautiful fur from the tail. we asked the Vet and he feels that my cat may be suffering from anxiety because of the rain. we have also tried many medicines but none have worked. the surprising thing is that My cat Mangi is very happy during the rainy season as he enjoys watching the rain from the window seat. what can i do about the thin hairless tail? please help.

Answer
Sakshi,

Have you had him checked for fleas?  During rainy season, fleas would be worse and cats allergic to flea bites may have the same reaction as Mangi is.

Another possibility is that, if this a seasonal problem, it may be occurring when females are in heat.  Even though the male is neutered, he still has hormones and, it sounds as if they may be acting up.  Usually a steroid shot helps with this.

Double check that the cat does not have "stud" tail, where the oils at the base of the tail are very active and the cat can get cysts which will result in much itching.  Regular bathing of the base of tail both front and back would take care of this possibility.

Please let me know if any of the above is helpful.

Best regards... Norm.