We had a new cat sitting on our doorstep when we went outside this morning. I am more of a bird and iguana person although I do like cats as well but I am not as aware of skin disorders in cats. My first thought was of course mange. Any time there is hair loss in an animal that is one of my first thoughts. But after a closer examination and a talk with our vet (who does treat cats but mainly works with exotics) I don't really think it is mange. I was told she would have to examine it to be certain but that mange usually has certain symptoms in cats, yellowing skin, or pink irritated patches. She said that one type of mange usually sticks to the head or face but another may be anywhere. She also said usually the skin is quite itchy and irritated besides the possible hair loss.
Okay so looking at the cat yes there is definite hair loss. There is no pinkness or yellowing of the skin. The skin is very dry no oozing. One place the skin has a blackish/gray appearance but in all other areas there is just hair loss. In the entire time the cat has been here there is no scratching or itching, the areas don't seem to affect it at all. The hair has a brittle feeling in some ways it almost looks like hair regrowth after injury or surgery and the cats back leg has been torn up like in a cat fight but there is no hair loss on it.
The vet also mentioned something about a hyper or hypothyroidism which causes brittle hair and hair loss in cats or overcleaning where they end of licking/chewing their hair off causing brittle hair and patchy hair loss.
Take a look at these photos and see what you think. Anyone seen any cats with these problems? Our usual vet can check the cat out but not until the end of next week since it doesn't seem to be an emergency. Our other local vets don't seem to be as good with animals and I really hate to take the cat to them. Either way it will be seeing our vet but I would like to know if anyone has any ideas or suggestions!
