Hi,

First, you need to take Stormy to the vet for an exam and diagnosis. Especially since he hasn't been to one for a long time. It looks like he may need a steroid injection to start with, no matter what the cause is of the hair loss and scabs. You shouldn't just assume that this is a stress thing. Hair-pulling, maybe, but not usually scabs. You might also ask the vet about behavior modification medication, temporarily, if the vet feels this is at least mostly stress related.

There are medical conditions that can cause hair loss, so if this were one of my cats, I would have a full blood panel done, one that includes thyroid function.

Stormy may be a cat that does not do well in a multi-cat household. I wouldn't suggest placing him, since I believe animal ownership is for life, but he may need to have his own space. His own room would be ideal, if it is possible. Not forever, just to let him have some privacy, and then slowly reintroduce him into the household.

I have 10 cats myself, so I know what a challenge a multi-cat home can be, but everything has always worked out here eventually.

Regards,
PHKitkat

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