Overgrooming Bald Kitty

Cat pulling chunks of his own fur out
Question:	Hi we have a 10 year old ginger cat who has a habit of pulling tufts of his own fur out. He does this when he is licking himself and then will pull out four or five tufts of fur - what could be causing this? He is regularly de-wormed and de-flead.
Answer:	Hi Rachel, Thank you for inquiring. Before we discuss several reasons that make a kitty itchy (biting is often associated with an "itchiness") or things that cause a kitty to over-groom i must tell you from a holistic perspective practitioners do not believe in regular "flea treatments" as this is a toxin that is filtered through blood, liver and kidneys and monthly uses surely breaks down immunity. A traditionally trained vet or multi billion dollar company that promotes monthly use will not tell you this though. Fleas prey on sick animals so keep kitty healthy with optimal nutrition and diet and fleas shouldn't be a problem. Regularly de-worming is also detrimental to intestines, so only when you see signs of worms should you de-worm. I am not sure if you mean tapeworm/droncit or what exactly you are giving your kitty? Now, there are several things that should be ruled out in itchy skin and pulling out hair. One is fleas, which you are already treating. Other reasons would be mites, lice, allergies . potential immune mediated disorders, self-soothing which becomes obsessive compulsive from over grooming. There is also psychogenic alopecia but all health issues should be ruled out before this is determined. I only believe in a holistic vet, and holistic only. A holistic trained person can help you with investigative skills to determine underlying cause. Are there bumps or spots on your kitty? Itchiness is also very often correlated to food allergies, commercial cat food with chemicals and preservatives, coloring, grains, meat by-products and definitely the dry food, too. For preparing natural nutrition specific for kitty's needs read Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. If there is a miliary dermatitis absolutely suspect kitty's diet. Any supermarket brand will lead to problems. Over-vaccinating (meaning vaccinating every year or when not needed and the body already has sufficient antibodies and vaccines is overkill(has also been traced to skin disorders and itchiness. I am not quite clear if your cat is with a dermatitis or just overgrooming. If health issues are all ruled out and it is an emotional/psychological issue then stress is the biggest factor. Things that attribute to stress is stressful environment, being bullied or challenged by another cat, innocent kids just being sweet loud kids jumping and yelling, running make sensitive, nervous nellie cats uneasy, inadequate outlet for exercise or pent up energies, also an owner that is very stressed or people in the home that carry a lot of stress. Cats/animals are very sensitive and attuned to our moods and anxieties, just like our children are. A nice kitty treat with L-theanine that i like isPet Naturals Of Vermont Calming for Cats Soft Chews. For me a healthy cat means optimally balanced human food prepared for feline needs and nutritional requirments, loving, tender affection, shelter, calm environment, stability, play and mental stimulation, sunshine, adequate fresh air, grass and earth underfoot. Good luck investigating! I hope this has maybe given you some questions that can help direct you in solving the pulling out fur issue. Shanti