Cat Pulling Out Hair

You can often observe your cat pulling out hair. Though the act may seen deliberate, in reality, the cat is mostly only trying to relieve itself of the itch or the discomfort caused by allergies, infections, and fleas. Simply checking your cat’s fur can help you find fleas or infections on the skin of the cat. Cats often also pull out their hair due to anxiety. The cat may become anxious due to several reasons, the most common being a change in its surroundings or the addition of a new pet to the family. If a cat has been deprived or abused in the past, this too could often cause the cat to become extremely anxious. In some cases, a cat pulling out hair could simply be suffering from stress and anxiety. Though there are usually some causes behind a cat’s anxiety, some cats are simply genetically predisposed to anxiety.

Cats are used to grooming themselves. They do not require to be cleaned as often as dogs and other pets since they lick themselves clean. It is not unusual to see a cat licking itself aggressively to clean itself. Sometimes, however, the cat may end up pulling out its hair or biting at its skin. When the hair is pulled out in such aggression the skin may become red and appear infected in patches. The fur of such a cat can be seen as short and stubby in certain patches.

If your cat has bare patches of skin from where the hair has been completely pulled out, you may have to take it to the vet to get it checked for a fungal condition known as alopecia areata. If the vet rules the disorder out, it simply means that your cat is suffering from psychogenic alopecia, a condition in which it willingly pulls out its fur. The treatment of cat pulling hair usually depends on the cause of this behavior. If the cat is pulling hair simply because it has recently been under a lot of emotional stress, changing the cat’s environment may help. If the hair pulling has been caused due to fleas, infections or irritation on the skin, a flea shot from the vet may be in order. For infections and irritation on the skin, the doctor may perform a few tests to find the cause. Besides the treatment, cat hair care is also very important. If your cat is very outdoorsy, leaving it to clean up after itself may not be the best idea. Inspect your cat regularly for parasites or allergies. Your cat may require medicated baths from time to time. Your vet can suggest a few medicated shampoos and grooming products that will suit your cat.

Cat Ear Hair Loss

Cat ear hair loss is not a condition in itself but is actually a symptom of an underlying health condition. While in many cases, this hair loss may be caused by inherited genetic factors, it can also be caused by various infections and other problems.  Cat hair loss is medically referred to as feline alopecia or alopecia in cats and as long as it is caused by genetic factors there is no cause for worry. Some of the cat breeds that often suffer from ear hair loss and feline alopecia include the Siamese, the Burmese, and the Birman. However, it is important to have the cat examined to determine the root cause of the hair loss.

Cat ear hair loss can also be caused by factors other than heredity. These problems often result in discomfort and itching which causes the cat to constantly groom the area. Very often ear problems cause a cat to repeated rub their ears and in a while this repeated friction causes hair loss. Ear mites are one of the most common ear problems in cats and often results in cat ear hair loss. Examine the cat’s ears for brown waxy deposits as well as a foul odor as these are two of the most common symptoms of ear mites in cats. Fleas are another possible cause for cat ear hair loss as they often reside within the ear of a cat and can cause a lot of discomfort. Carefully check your cat for fleas to ensure that the hair loss is not being caused by a flea infestation. Ringworm is a rather common condition in cats and is caused by a fungus that thrives within the hair follicles. This is a serious skin condition and should be treated right away. In most cases, crusty patches form on the affected skin and this is one of the most common symptoms of ringworms in cats. Cat mange can cause ear hair loss but in most cases this hair loss would also affect other parts of the cat’s body. It may be necessary for the cat to be completely shaved in order to get rid of the mites. There are several topical applications too that may be necessary to completely cure this problem. Mange is very contagious, so if you have many cats, you will need to keep the affected one isolated. Keep in mind that it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a vet in order to start treatment as soon as possible.

Cat Kneading

Cat kneading can seem strange and confusing to the uninitiated cat owner. But there is little that cats do that we actually truly understand. Much of their activity is shrouded in mystery, probably just the way they’d want it. The fact is that cats are truly wild, and although you may domesticate them, you can never tame one. They will always retain their independence and unique personality and behavioral traits.

Cat kneading is not as inexplicable a cat behavior as it may seem. You’ve probably seen your cat do it a hundred times before, and pondered over it, wondering ‘why do cats knead?’ There are explanations for this behavior and for the most part it is believed to be a positive expression. You would have most likely seen your cat begin kneading its favorite pillow or blanket, before settling down in its comfy spot. If you haven’t already noticed cats can be pretty picky and have strong and distinctive likes and dislikes; right down from food to sleeping places. Cats often tend to knead the spot they are about to settle down in and may even begin purring contently when doing so. At times they may even extend their claws whilst kneading. This can be a wee bit unpleasant if it’s your lap or tummy that is receiving the kneading. But if it is any consolation this is a sign of affection!

One theory to explain this peculiar behavior suggests that kneading may be an evolutionary left over. The wild ancestors of the modern cat would tread down or knead grass foliage to create a temporary nesting space. The other theory is that this behavior is in some way a remnant of a newborn kitten’s behavior of kneading at the mother’s teats to facilitate or encourage milk secretion. Most cats also tend to purr when kneading, and the same behavior is also observed in kittens, who also tend to fall asleep after kneading. This behavior in adult cats would generally indicate feelings of comfort and security. If your cat nestles up to you and starts kneading your lap, arm, or belly it’s just feeling safe and comfortable and most probably intends to settle down for some petting or a nap.

Another possible explanation for the behavior at times may be attributed to the presence of scent glands in the pads of their feet towards the claws. This reasoning basically implies that it could also be a behavior to mark territory. In all likelihood a cat kneading is influenced by all of these factors, not any single one.

Cat Stops Eating

A cat stops eating and drinking may seem strange and bothersome to an owner who is used to having that feline friend begging for food and stealing normally. But cat loss of appetite is not always a sign of illness, as just like their human counterparts they can have their good and bad days. Just pay attention and you’ll soon figure out if it’s just the heat getting to your cat or some other problem.

If your cat is just as active and alert than it usually is and shows no other signs of illness, then they are not very likely that there’s anything the matter. Very often cats that are allowed to wander around are fed by neighbors or even hunt and eat their own prey, like birds or mice, and may sometimes even scavenge on garbage. This behavior would quite naturally affect your cat’s appetite at home. Although these behaviors can be troubling there’s little you can do if your cat roams free, but the cat not eating food is at least not a cause for worry. You also need to keep in mind that just as the weather affects us, it also affects your cat, and there is bound to be a loss of appetite in warm weather.

At the same time if a cat stopped eating then it could be symptomatic of some illness, so if it does persist it would be wise to get the cat to a vet. If you notice any other symptoms of illness then don’t attempt to wait it out. An injury or abscess in the mouth and gums often causes a loss of appetite, so you could examine the cat’s mouth. This would also be a minor problem that your pet can solve quite easily. Cat appetite loss for a prolonged time or accompanied with other symptoms should be addressed promptly however, and your vet would be able to make a diagnosis. Some of the common causes of cat appetite loss include anorexia, which may set in once the cat stops eating, as the increase of stomach acids and simultaneous drop in blood sugar does cause nausea and uneasiness, which in turn reduces appetite. A cat that is unwell due to an infection or ailment may also not eat because of the discomfort it is in, or because of a loss of smell. Certain medications can also cause nausea that will again diminish the cat’s appetite.

Some other possible causes of a cat not eating include tooth decay, injury or trauma, chronic pain, even stress and anxiety, or hairballs.

Cat Keeps Vomiting

Cats’ vomiting is a very common complaint from cat owners. It can be a perfectly natural thing and most of the times it is nothing to worry about. There can be a multitude of reasons for a cat vomiting. It can be something very harmless or even something serious. One must check not just for the obvious and primary symptoms, but also any secondary symptoms and consult a vet in case for a sound diagnosis. Most of the times, cats vomit because of ingested hairballs, eating grass and similar vegetation, or very often from simply eating too hastily. Eating grass or plant matter and then throwing up is actually quite healthy and should be no cause for worry. In some of the more severe cases of hairballs, it might need medical attention. The easiest way to control the problem of hairballs is by cat grooming regularly and providing it with food and medication which will help prevent them. Vomiting can sometimes be a serious issue in case of some diseases and other complications such as kidney and liver disease, intestinal parasites, central nervous disease disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, feline panleukopenia, which refers to unexpected vomiting accompanied by fever (usually seen in younger cats), tonsillitis, sore throat, peritonitis infected uterus, infectious diseases, ingestion of toxic substances, hyperthyroidism or Chronic Renal Inefficiency or Chronic Renal Failure.

One can know if the vomiting indicates something serious. Usually symptoms such as persistent vomiting, sporadic vomiting, projectile vomiting, vomiting feces, worms or cat vomiting blood, can indicate a more serious problem. Cats suffering from vomiting can easily suffer from dehydration. It can become dangerously dehydrated if the cat is also suffering from diarrhea. One must seek immediate veterinary care if the cat is suffering from persistent vomiting for more than twenty four hours or if there are any secondary symptoms seen such as fever, weakness, diarrhea, lethargy, blood or feces in the vomit.

The vet will usually take a medical history of the cat. He might even as a lot of questions about the cats vomiting and even about the cat diet. He will ask if there were any secondary symptoms seen along with vomiting. He will check the cat’s abdomen for signs of tenderness. He might run a blood test and take an X-ray. Depending on the condition, he might also perform endoscopy or laparotomy. After the correct diagnosis, the vet might administer subcutaneous fluids to prevent dehydration and inject anti-emetics. Hospitalization is required for severe cases. Follow the prescribed medication and the vet’s advice closely.

Toxic Plants for Cats

Most common household plants can be poisonous for cats. Cats are by nature curious and they may often go exploring in and around the house for new things. If a cat ingests any of the plants that are toxic for them many serious symptoms could result such as breathing difficulties, irritation in and around the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney problems. Although many pet owners may also desire to keep plants indoors and in the garden, they must do so with caution so as to protect their cats from suffering any severe allergic reactions. Cats can also ingest the chemical fertilizers and pesticides from the plant leaves. Some of the poisonous plants for cats include aloe vera, baby’s breath, cactus, daffodil, eggplant, ferns, geranium, hemlock, ivy, juniper, lily, lupine and oak. These plants can result in various unpleasant side effects in cats.

The good news for plant lovers is that there are certain plants that can be considered cat friendly plants. As such these can be kept around the house without the fear of the cat ingesting them. These plants will also ensure that the cat does not go in search of other plants that may indeed be poisonous. One such example of a cat friendly plant is catnip. This is a plant that is very easy to grow and can adjust to all environmental conditions quite fast. Due to its rapid growth, catnip is better grown in a pot. It can be placed both outdoors and indoors and does not need much care and attention. Catnip also works well in naturally repelling pests, and therefore serves to also protect other household plants in its vicinity. Cats are known to find the scent of catnip leaves very appealing. They can often be seen rolling around the catnip in order to crush the leaves and avail of the fragrance. Another cat friendly plant is valerian. Valerian has mild sedative properties which appeals to cats.

You can also grow cat grass which grows easily and quickly. Cats enjoy wheat grass, oat grass and some other types of grass as well. You may grow separate areas of different types of grass or create a mixed patch of grass. Cat grass mixes are easily available at most pet supply stores. Other types of cat friendly plants include bamboo, dahlia, heliotrope, nasturtium, alyssum and catbrier. You can also grow common herbs such as chamomile, lavender, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, coriander and thyme.

Read more on catnip effects on cats

Strange Behavior in Cats

Just as with any type of pet, understanding the animal’s character will go a long way into developing a stronger bond with it. Cats are one of the most popular household pets and are highly regarded for their aesthetic value and companionship. While each cat has its own set of distinct character traits and mannerisms, they are very alike in a broader spectrum of intelligence and behavior. The debate about which is a better pet to house between the dog and the cat is an age old one and compares a number of aspects between the two animals including the fact that a dog can be easily trained and can perform tasks for our benefit – facts that make the dog come out on top in most discussions. However, it is important to understand that they are two very different animals and have their own sets of positives. While cats cannot be trained as easily as dogs, their behavior can be modified. They do, however, have very independent minds and will usually revert back to their natural nature if they feel hard done by with the training. Given the fact that they are harder to train, strange cat behavior will also be substantially harder to curb. Excessively ferocious cats will tend to scratch and bite people for seemingly no reason at all and this behavior will need to be corrected as soon and as effectively as possible.

The indulgence of the owner while the cat is growing up plays a big role in the development of this habit, as allowing the kitten to play, bite and scratch a bare hand or foot will usually allow the cat to assume that this behavior is acceptable. To curb this behavior, you need to be able to identify when the cat is about to attack. It helps to have a spray bottle full of water ready and spray the cat a little just as it is about to scratch you. Avoid chasing the animal with the water or shouting at it as the spray of water is more than enough to help her associate scratching with the unpleasant experience of being sprayed. Another behavioral problem with cats is that they are very choosy about the food that they consume. However, studies have shown that this behavior is not one that is inherent in the animal and is usually brought on by allowing the animal to consume a variety of foods over a long period of time, thereby enabling it to choose preferences that will come back to bite you in the future. Cats are known to be willing to eat the same food, twice a day for their entire lives without a fuss.

A cat making hacking noises and throwing up a cylindrical mass of hairs and mucus can be quite alarming. This problem is cat hairball, a mass of hairs accumulated in the intestine and stomach when the cat grooms and licks its fur thereby swallowing loose hairs. These loose hairs cannot be digested and do not pass through stools completely, which makes the cat throw it all up. The problem becomes graver when the cat sheds heavily, grooms and licks other cats, or swallows big hairs. Cat hairball can clog the digestive system and can be removed only by surgery. Whether the cat has long hairs or short, over grooms or not, it will face this problem some time or the other.

The cat will vomit hairball just about anywhere and any time. Some cat hairball symptoms include the cat passing hard stools containing hairs in them, lethargy, vomiting after consuming food, dry cough, and a loss of appetite. Additionally, the cat’s fur also becomes matted, and the cat will seem depressed and fatigued all the time. A general pet health information is that when the cat tries to vomit a hairball out, she will crouch, back up and hack, symptoms that are similar to cat asthma too. So, if one finds the cat showing these symptoms several times without throwing up anything, the owner must take it to the vet immediately as it may be an asthma attack in deed.

Even though one cannot do anything when the cat is expelling hairball, controlling this problem is quite possible. Preventing hairballs can be a part of pet health care as this problem can lead to extreme abdominal pain, intestinal blockage and even death in some cats. The owner must brush the cat’s fur about twice a week and once everyday during the shedding season to remove loose hairs. Feeding the cat half a spoon of melted butter everyday for a few days or a little petroleum jelly will lubricate the intestine and make the hairball pass through feces instead of vomit. It’s important to improve the quality of the cat’s coat to prevent shedding and consequent hairballs. For this, the cat’s food must have more fiber and less grains like corn or wheat. Heavy snacking and inadequate exercise will make the cat’s bowel movement difficult and in turn make it throw up the hairball. There are many commercial hairball remedies that can help in treating pet health issues like hairballs and inability to defecate.

Cat Hair Loss Tail

Hair loss in cats is becoming one of the commonest pet health issues these days. A cat loses hair all over the body or just in patches, (a condition called alopecia areata) due to many reasons. One of the most common parts where a cat loses hair is its tail. Often, the hair loss is at the tip of the tail and moves upwards. Factors like toxins in the blood, mites or flea infestation, stress, hormonal imbalance, injury, or stud tail causes alopecia areata in cats tail.

The most common cause for a cat to lose hair on its tail is an allergic reaction to flea bites. In this case, the bite of a single flea is enough to make the cat scratch, bite and lick the tail at the skin level causing baldness in that area. One can prevent this by applying anti-flea ointment or brushing the coat with a metal flea comb regularly. Including fish oil in the cat’s diet also helps in treating flea bite allergies. There is also endocrine alopecia that is responsible for hair loss on the tail. This condition causes inadequate or excessive hair growth hormones thus disturbing the hair growth cycle. This problem can be treated only by a veterinarian. Injury to the tail can also be a reason for hair loss, as it makes the cat lick the wound excessive causing hair fall. So, it is important to check for injuries on the tail or any other body part if one notices hair loss in an area.

If there has been a change in the cat’s environment or even food, it will become edgy, nervous, stressed and anxious and lick itself excessively causing hair loss. Checking for and eliminating such factors will help in getting rid of the hair loss on the tail. The presence of toxins in the body also makes them lose hair excessively as the poisonous chemicals in the blood stream affect the body cells. Keeping the cat free of toxins should be a regular part of pet health care and it can be ensured by regular moderate exercise and nutritious cat food. An important pet health info with regards to cat hair loss is a condition called stud tail. Sometimes a build up of wax or oil from the sebaceous glands near the base of the tail causes hair loss and a sour smell. A veterinarian must be consulted if the owner suspects this condition.

Cat Ear Hair Loss

It is disheartening and worrying to find hair loss in a furry pet like cat. Cat hair loss, also called alopecia areata, can be hereditary or acquired and has several causes. Though the cat loses hair all over the body, the face, neck, and ears are most prone to cat alopecia. Pet health info worth noting is that hair loss caused on the ear the most worrisome one and must be treated immediately. Allergens like some food products, pollen or dust mites, ear mites, fleas, chronic stress, and side effects of some medications cause alopecia areata in cats. General pet health care can prevent all these problems and the resultant hair loss.

Ear mites infesting a cat’s ears cause severe itching, redness, wax, foul odor and hair loss. Mites can be easily removed from the ears and a solution can be instilled into the ear canals. Similarly, the saliva left behind by the fleas after biting causes an itchy reaction in the ears. The cat scratches its ears against furniture or rough surfaces to find relief, in turn, losing hair. Fleas can be treated by insecticidal sprays or shampoos. Ringworms, actually an itchy fungal infection, also affect the cat’s ears. The mites that cause this infection survive in the hair follicles and nourish on dead cells and cause breakage of the hair at the skin level thereby leaving bald patches. Fungal infections often require the cat’s hair to be shaved off completely. Tablets and topical ointments are available to treat the infection. Mange is also a mite infestation that causes hair loss in the ears, and on the neck and face. Additionally, the skin gets covered by a yellowish crust. The treatment of mange includes applying lime sulfur once a week about six to eight times.

Apart from these infestations, food allergies also cause itching and subsequent hair loss, which is further worsened by chronic ear infections. It’s important to find out what is causing the allergy and avoid feeding the cat that food. Lastly, though in only a few cases, stress and boredom also cause hair loss in cats. The more stressed a cat is, the more it licks its fur and paws. This causes the hair to fall, and since ears have short hair, they fall off more easily. If all the factors causing stress are eliminated, the cat won’t suffer from hair loss. There are other problems like damage to the sebaceous glands or even cancer that cause hair loss on the ears too.