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/