Our 16 year old male cat Walter started to pull his fur out in big chunks

by Inka Lanser-Liebe
(Calgary, AB, Canada)

Some 2 weeks ago our male cat Walter started to pull big chunks of fur out of his right lower side. We immediately went to our vet and were told that he probably was shedding extremely. We got Omegapro3 liquid to put in his food once daily and Douxo Seborrhea Spot-on to apply once weekly.

After we applied Douxo Walter stopped pulling his hair out for one day but then started again.

We have read the story about your Lily and the herbal remedies. We rather believe in them than conventional medicine.

We also thought he might have an enlarged anal gland, but the vet said no.

Would you be so kind and give us any advice? Thank you,

Inka and Ron, your friends from Canada

RESPONSE:

Hair pulling, if not caused by a health issue (most comonly, a flea allergy), is often caused by anxiety and becomes an obsessive/compulsive disorder.
Aspen, Elm and Crab Apple Bach Flower Essences can sometimes help. Spirit Essences has some very good products, the best being Ultimate Skin Soother which includes Skin Soother, Obsession Remedy and Stress Stopper which helps to treat all 3 aspects of fur pulling behavior.
Despite what you use, it is important to try to figure out what may have triggered this hightened level of stress and attenpt to fix it. Even something that seems minimal to you can create high stress in a cat so try to view things from your cat's point of view and see if you can determine what might have started this whole thing. In the meantime, try the essences and see if they help. Also, get some "Bitter Apple" spray or roll on and rub it on the area he is obsessed over. This stuff tastes awful and discourages chewing but is safe for cats. You should be able to find it through our Cat Supply Store.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom