BEHAVIORS

FELINE PSYCHOGENIC ALOPECIA

Species affected: Cats
Background: May have many causes, including allergic, endocrine, parasitic, neoplastic and others. Reasons for this behavior are poorly understood, but anxiety or underlying inflammatory problems such as inhalant allergies, food allergies, or cystitis may be a factor.
Symptoms: Total alopecia, in some cases due to cats licking themselves incessantly (usually in the area of the ventral abdomen and/or legs), is common to this condition.
Diagnostics: Should include endocrine testing for diabetes, Cushing's disease, and hyperthyroidism, cultures for dermatophytosis, skin scrapings for demodicosis, an elimination diet trial or other diagnostics if appropriate.
Special Notes: If other disorders are ruled out, psychogenic alopecia is a possibility.
Principles for Supplementation: Reduce anxiety, anti-inflammatory.

FELINE PRODUCTS—FELINE PSYCHOGENIC ALOPECIA