pippy has bumps and hair loss please help

[Karen]

I told him if her biting herself relieves her from feeling anxiety or relieves her from whatever it is that is making her bite herself that as long as its not hurting her of course other than cosmetically, then I soon just let her bite bc she is so unhappy and sad while wearing the collar. Ok I have rambled enough and like I said any help or advice will be very appreciated and Pippy and I thank you in advance and hope everyone is having an amazing day or night.
Sincerely Pippy & Rochelle

Any idea what is causing her anxiety?

[phesina]

Dear Rochelle, thank you for the update on sweet Miss Pippy. I'm so sorry she's having these problems with anxiety and hair loss and biting. That's a good question from Karen about what is causing her anxiety. I don't have any specific advice to give you.

Have you talked with the vet yet about this? It would be a good idea to touch base there and fill them in on the current situation. Are you able to get in touch with them? You were having problems earlier. I hope you can connect with them. If you still have problems, you might want to have her checked by another vet.

We are sending loads more loving good wishes and prayers and warm healing energies to dear Pippy and you. Please keep us posted on what happens and how she's doing!

All the best from Pat (human) and Sparkler and Tinker (felines) .

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Rochelle and Pippy!

So sorry to hear of Pippy's issues. My Tabby boy, Tigg'r, never had any skin issues then, at 12 years old out of nowhere, he suddenly began incessant/obsessive licking, biting at the fur on his back legs, his bottom and lower stomach leaving him totally furless in those areas!

All tests proved negative for medical issues such as mites, allergies etc. so our vet conculded it was an OCD/anxiety issue,"psychogenic alopecia!"

. Psychogenic alopecia is a stress-related disorder. It is an obsessive-compulsive behavior where the cats suddenly cannot stop licking or chewing at themselves. Since grooming releases endorphins (hormones that make the cat happy), they will often partake in this pleasurable and relaxing ritual to help calm themselves.

Tigg'r had not shown any change in behavior (acting stressed out) other than the licking so I was doubtful that was the problem; he's always been a very laid back kitty, taking everything in stride! Anyway, the vet suggested we try a synthetic pheromone treatment like Feliway (available online) so we did, along with growing some kitty grass for him to graze on, hoping it would be a distraction. After a few weeks the licking subsided, his fur beginning to grow back. Two months later the obsessive licking had stopped, all of his fur grown back in full!

Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, which comes in a spray and diffuser form, can also be used in calming cats. It mimics the facial pheromones that cats use to mark their territory and keep calm.

This is a great article from the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston on over-grooming,
"psychogenic alopecia," causes and treatment! Hope it helps!

Love to dear Pippy!

https://www.mspca.org/angell_service...grooming-cats/