My cat is licking his belly and losing fur. Is it an allergy?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 20th, 2018

  I am so sorry to hear about your kitty! This sounds like a very frustrating problem. If it was responsive to steroids then I suspect an underlying allergy may be the root of the issue. I would consider asking your vet if they think allergy testing may be helpful in confirming this. There are some medications besides steroids which can be helpful in allergy cases and this include Atopica and Apoquel (though this drug is labeled for dogs it is used off label in cats occasionally). Other options could include anthistamines in combination with fatty acid supplements. You can read more about itch control at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951477

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 9th, 2020

  Allergies can be caused by food, fleas, or environmental allergens. It’s possible he has an environmental allergy in addition to the food allergy. You could talk to your vet about using allergy medications to see if that helps. You could also take him to a dermatologist for allergy testing. Pulling out fur can also be a sign of anxiety so you could also try a Feliway diffuser and see if that helps.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on December 3rd, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. You could consider bathing him with a medicated shampoo you could can find at your local pet store. However, of the primary cause of the rash or infection is not dealt with, it will just reoccur. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful