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My cat is licking her belly bald. Is it anxiety or a skin issue?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Why is my ten year old car missing all the hair from her belly and inner thighs? Im pretty sure she’s licked it all off, shes bald! Theres a couple spots on her front legs missing hair too but she’s fine on her face, chest, and back. she’s spayed, vaccinated, otherwise healthy but has always been a bit jumpy. Is it general anxiety or something fungal? Theres no lesions or rough or bleeding areas. Just bald skin.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2018

Hello! Cats commonly cope with anxiety by over-grooming themselves, usually in their belly region. I think you are exactly right that she has licked the fur off. In a fungal infection, I would expect to see redness of the skin, crusting, or discharge. The first thing I'd recommend for anxious kitties is a product called Feliway. It's a feline pheromone product that helps naturally calm cats. It can come in diffuser, spray, and collar forms. Cats also find great comfort in height. If she doesn't have many high places to perch around the house, that can be something that helps her interact more. There are also options of anxiolytic drugs, such as Prozac, that can help if you don't find success in the other options. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2017

    Stress can definitely cause cats to lick their bellies causing hair loss. You could try a Feliway diffuser or spray and see if that helps alleviate some stress. Your vet could also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication, like Prozac or Trazodone. As for the spot behind her ear, she may have an ear infection and may be scratching at her ear causing the hair loss. Have your vet take a look at her to determine if treatment is needed. Hopefully she adjusts to her "mom" going to school! That is so sweet that they are so close. http://www.feliway.com/us

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 12th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Even though it is best wait for biopsy results, some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 19th, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about your kitty! Excessive licking and balding is often a sign of an allergy in cats. There can be many different causes of allergies, which you can read about at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952664 . I would recommend an examination at her veterinarian to see if there is any secondary infection that requires treatment and get her started on treatment for possible allergies.

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