Cat pulling fur from her tail

[njg55]

About a month ago I realized that the fur on the last inch or so of my cat's tail was noticeably thinner. I also saw her periodically abruptly shift her position so that she could aggressively lick the tail, and also pull out strands of fur. Since she was due for a regular check-up, I took her to the vet a few days ago. He couldn't find a medical reason for this behavior, but he gave her a steroid injection just in case. That may have stopped the behavior for a while, but now she's at it again. She's also meowing a lot, as if she's hungry, but when I check her dish and foraging toys, I almost always find plenty of dried food. Two things have been going on that might be related: one is that two months ago another cat, her daughter, unexpectedly died. That cat had kidney disease, so she was on a special diet of kidney foods; not long before she died, she was also prescribed urinary diet foods. I had a lot of both left over after she died; I gave most of it to a shelter but saved some and have been giving it to the mom cat (the one with the behavioral problem I'm describing) and my other cat (he's not having any problems that I'm aware of; he already has some fur loss related to lymphoma, but I haven't noticed any change). They weren't getting this food while Luna was alive. Could the introduction of all these different foods (along with some regular Purina brand foods that I've given them before) be causing the itching problem? Just too many different varieties of food, some of which may disagree with her? Could grief also be an issue, that the hair pulling is a "psychological" symptom? I'm nearly out of the prescription diet foods so within a few days I will likely be sticking with just one brand purchased from a local store, assuming I can find something my finicky felines like! I've just sent a request for consultation with a cat behavior specialist with whom I've worked before, but I welcome any opinions from others on this forum.

 

[tarasgirl06]

About a month ago I realized that the fur on the last inch or so of my cat's tail was noticeably thinner. I also saw her periodically abruptly shift her position so that she could aggressively lick the tail, and also pull out strands of fur. Since she was due for a regular check-up, I took her to the vet a few days ago. He couldn't find a medical reason for this behavior, but he gave her a steroid injection just in case. That may have stopped the behavior for a while, but now she's at it again. She's also meowing a lot, as if she's hungry, but when I check her dish and foraging toys, I almost always find plenty of dried food. Two things have been going on that might be related: one is that two months ago another cat, her daughter, unexpectedly died. That cat had kidney disease, so she was on a special diet of kidney foods; not long before she died, she was also prescribed urinary diet foods. I had a lot of both left over after she died; I gave most of it to a shelter but saved some and have been giving it to the mom cat (the one with the behavioral problem I'm describing) and my other cat (he's not having any problems that I'm aware of; he already has some fur loss related to lymphoma, but I haven't noticed any change). They weren't getting this food while Luna was alive. Could the introduction of all these different foods (along with some regular Purina brand foods that I've given them before) be causing the itching problem? Just too many different varieties of food, some of which may disagree with her? Could grief also be an issue, that the hair pulling is a "psychological" symptom? I'm nearly out of the prescription diet foods so within a few days I will likely be sticking with just one brand purchased from a local store, assuming I can find something my finicky felines like! I've just sent a request for consultation with a cat behavior specialist with whom I've worked before, but I welcome any opinions from others on this forum.

njg55 It could indeed be grief and stress. She has experienced a deep personal loss and since cats may very well be more sensitive and intuitive than humans, she may also be stressing about her housemate (male). And/or it may be a dietary issue. Good on you for putting in the request with the cat behaviorist. Hoping and praying it will be fruitful. Please keep us informed as to how they are both doing.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

There could be a food allergy involve, as well, if there are ingredients in the kidney diet that aren't present in her regular food. Cot that out for now, and see if it helps.