Question:
In response to B.E. in Hendersonville, N.C., nothing was mentioned about the possibility that B.E.'s cat (experiencing hair loss) was allergic to the cat litter.
The same reaction happened to one of my cats. Given the location of the loss of fur, I determined that my cat was reacting to the chemicals in the various cat litters. After we switched to the 100 percent clay cat litter, our cat improved and her fur came back. B.E. might want to give this solution a try.
D.A.P., Burke, Va Sep 06, 2009
Answer:
There are many factors to consider when a cat develops what appears to be an allergy that manifests as asthma and/or loss of fur. Hair loss may be on the flanks or legs where the cat licks most, presumably because of feeling itchy all over. Inhaled allergens often trigger such behavior. More rarely, there is a contact allergy on those parts of the body that come into contact with the allergen -- be it a wool blanket, floor cleaner or cat-litter ingredient. Paws and underbelly may be affected.
Clearly, your detective work paid off. I caution against clay-based litter because some are dusty and contain lung-harming micro-particles of silica. At all costs, avoid scented and other deodorizing chemical-laced litter materials.
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