bald patches

Question
Hey,
I have a very much loved black moggy (Blixa) who I have had for about 9
years since he was a kitten.  In the last couple of years he started getting little
bald patches, where all of his hair was gone apart from a layer of really short
hair.  I took him to the vet and they really weren't much help ("could someone
be shaving him??") as there was no skin irritation.  My boyfriend thinks that
Blixa cleans/licks himself much more than other cats and I am beginning to
think that he is licking a couple of areas so much that he is taking the hair
off!  I have re-treated him with flea and worm treatment, but it doesn't seem
to be getting any better.  He is generally pretty happy but also pretty co-
dependent and sleeps with me and follows me around much of the time when
I am here.  He is mainly an inside cat but goes outside to go to the toilet.
Any ideas?  It doesn't seem to be bothering him very much but he looks a bit
weird!
Much appreciated!
Jacqui

Answer
Dear Jacqui,

Your boyfriend is most likely right, because if he isn't irritated, and it isn't any bug infestation on him, then he must be constantly cleaning himself in certain places everyday. It may be a large mat on him, or a knot that he has pulled off, so I suggest you brush him if he doesn't mind it, and it'll take off any knot that he may be pulling at and tugging with his teeth. Watch your cat to see how he cleans himself, that should explain. Ask a follow up for more help. Good luck! Bye.

Laiya