Cat Has Bald Patch On Leg (pic)

Jtsousa

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I’m a new(ish) cat owner, having adopted my father-in-law’s senior cat when he passed away. The cat seems to be doing very well now, but he’s developed a bald patch on one of his hind legs with a small circular patch of fur in the middle. He has engaged in overgrooming in the past due to stress, but that was always on both legs. He had a flea treatment a few months ago, and he is an indoor cat, so I don’t think fleas are the problem. I’m concerned that the small black patch might be a raised sore of some kind, although he doesn’t mind me touching it.
Does anyone have any idea what it might be?
 

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minniesunshine

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I’m a new(ish) cat owner, having adopted my father-in-law’s senior cat when he passed away. The cat seems to be doing very well now, but he’s developed a bald patch on one of his hind legs with a small circular patch of fur in the middle. He has engaged in overgrooming in the past due to stress, but that was always on both legs. He had a flea treatment a few months ago, and he is an indoor cat, so I don’t think fleas are the problem. I’m concerned that the small black patch might be a raised sore of some kind, although he doesn’t mind me touching it.
Does anyone have any idea what it might be?
Same problem here! Been going to specialist. My poor little girl has been to three different vets n atleast 6 visits n I've been told allergies to food. But I don't believe it. Bc my other older cats have itching (definitely no fleas) but she's the youngest it's effected her way worse. I'm convinced it's either the liter or something environmental. Bc we had no problems until we moved to this house in NJ. But they all use same
Kinds of liter. Other than this house n toys n scratchers they don't eat the same food at all. Stress definitely could have effected ur cat. My Cream is the most scared cat I've ever had. And I've had 7 in the last 20plus years. Just read as much as u can on here before u go spend hundreds of dollars on Vet bills. I'm sure the loss of ur father in law has a lot to do with his stress. Cats don't take well to knew environments. Idk if u have children or dogs but that would also effect him. Sorry for your loss n I hope ur cat gets better. U definitely made the right choice but coming on here. U learn a lot! Lol
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I’m a new(ish) cat owner, having adopted my father-in-law’s senior cat when he passed away. The cat seems to be doing very well now, but he’s developed a bald patch on one of his hind legs with a small circular patch of fur in the middle. He has engaged in overgrooming in the past due to stress, but that was always on both legs. He had a flea treatment a few months ago, and he is an indoor cat, so I don’t think fleas are the problem. I’m concerned that the small black patch might be a raised sore of some kind, although he doesn’t mind me touching it.
Does anyone have any idea what it might be?
It looks like he's licking the area of his hips, is that correct? And that patch left is the middle is fur? That's weird! But you said maybe it's raised? If you think it's anything other than just fur, then I'd take him in to have it checked out. Also, if you think he's licking due to anything other than stress, like pain in that hip, I'd take him in to get him checked out. Cats will often lick at an area that is causing them pain, so I'm thinking maybe he's got arthritis or something in that hip, although, honestly, I've never heard of a cat licking like that due to arthritis.

If you think he's really just over grooming, have you tried using any pet calming sprays and spending extra time playing with him? One of my cats recently had some stress issues, and we sprayed everyplace he hangs out with a calming spray. It really helped! So did giving him lots of extra attention.
 
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Jtsousa

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Mystery solved! His patch was getting bigger and he seemed to be getting skinnier, so I took him to the vet and got some blood work done. Turns out he has hyperthyroidism, which accounts for both the bald patch and the weight loss. He also had a significant heart murmur, likely due to the thyroid problem. We have him on meds now and need to bring him back in a month to recheck his T4. I’m so glad it’s something treatable, because although we’ve only had him for a couple months, this little guy already has my heart wrapped up in his paws, and I know I’m going to be a wreck when he goes, which I hope isn’t too soon. We’re not sure how old he is, but he’s at least 13–I’m hoping we get a few more years with him!
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Isn't that interesting? Who would have thought thyroid issues would result in that type of over grooming? (obviously not me :wink:) So glad you've got your answer and your boy is on his way to feeling better.

They DO have a way of wrapping their little paws around our hearts, that's for certain :catrub:
 
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