Chunks of hair falling out

[sharon]

Despite brushing, my 10 year old Himalayan Persian cat has gotten matted and is loosing chunks and tufts of her hair down to her skin. She seems fine otherwise. What's going on?

[dianne]

I own a persian cat that from time to time has the same problem. Typically every spring I have her shaved down. This is called a lion cut at the groomer. It takes a little getting used to but your cat will feel much better.
I suggest you do this as soon as possible because if the hair is matted that badly, it can cause irritation, infection etc.

[Pearly]

most long haired cats suffer from various skin infections at some point of their lives.

the symptoms you have mentioned are indicative of "Dermatophytosis" which is a fungal infection of the skin.

My baby kipper aged 2 and a half year, had to undergo treatment for the same, which was characterised with acute hairloss, and irritation. The infected part, is devoid of any hair, the skin is clearly visible and one can see patches of pink infection.

Treatment: incase of mild infection , an anti fungal oitment,can be applied,after cleaning the infected part with a cotton pad,dipped in luke warm water. I am not sure if the ointment that i used,would be available outside India,where i reside, but still if it helps, try canisep ointment.

Incase of extensive and recurring infection- the Veterinarian may suggest a medicated treatment,which might last for more than 4 weeks. my Veterinarian used small doses of erythromycin to help reduce the relapse and heal this problem by boosting his immune system,thro sum tonics.

PS: It is infectious, and could be a problem if u house more than 1 cat.I have 5 of em, so I need to be on my toes to address such eruptions

Hope this helps

[Pearly]

ive dug up another link which i found quiet informative and useful.. try it

Cat Skin and Hair Problems - Cat Shedding - Cat Hair Loss | NZYMES ARTICLES

[cichlidfreak]

Originally Posted by dianne

I own a persian cat that from time to time has the same problem. Typically every spring I have her shaved down. This is called a lion cut at the groomer. It takes a little getting used to but your cat will feel much better.
I suggest you do this as soon as possible because if the hair is matted that badly, it can cause irritation, infection etc.

Is you cat and inside or outside cat? My mom had this cat named boots, he would have issues in the spring as well, my mom could not afford to take him in for grooming and his hair matted in the back HORRIBLY!!! Over time he worked it up a little ( enough for mom to help him out a little) she use a small pair of nail scissor. (I DON'T SUGGEST DOING THIS) especially if you can afford the grooming. In any case though some cats will not let you touch them as it makes them sore from the pulling of the hair, IF you CAN"T afford the groomer and your cat is a burly one (and not a huge suck) chanses are over time he will work it out on his own, Like Pearly and Diane said though watch closely for irritation and infection!!! I DO suggest going to the groomers if you can though, (he might not like that given his age [and temperment])