Changes

In true alopecia, hairs are easily epilated in the areas that are becoming bald, but the hairs remain normal to touch. When the hairs are being removed by deliberate grooming, barbering or hair-pulling then the hairs will feel '''spiky''' and '''sharp''' because the tips have been taken off. Microscopic examination of a hair pluck will confirm the state of the hair tips. '''Hair loss is restricted to parts of the body that may be reached whilst grooming with the tongue'''. These signs are an immediate indication that the cat is not suffering from a true alopecia. Parasitism and allergic skin disease are major differentials for overgrooming. Localised or referred pain, or deep pruritic conditions such as Notoedric mange may be a cause of overgrooming that progresses into self-harm.  

In true alopecia, hairs are easily epilated in the areas that are becoming bald, but the hairs remain normal to touch. When the hairs are being removed by deliberate grooming, barbering or hair-pulling then the hairs will feel '''spiky''' and '''sharp''' because the tips have been taken off. Microscopic examination of a hair pluck will confirm the state of the hair tips. '''Hair loss is restricted to parts of the body that may be reached whilst grooming with the tongue'''. These signs are an immediate indication that the cat is not suffering from a true alopecia. Parasitism and allergic skin disease are major differentials for overgrooming. Localised or referred pain, or deep pruritic conditions such as Notoedric mange may be a cause of overgrooming that progresses into self-harm.  

Feline idiopathic cystitis [FIC] has recently been found to account for the vast majority of feline lower urinary tract disease. Cats with this condition, which has behavioural and medical components, will often barber and overgroom the perineal area to create a bald groin and abdomen. They may also bite and chew the skin in this area. Cats with overgrooming and hair loss that is chiefly restricted to this area should be investigated as potential cases of FIC. [[Feline Hyperaesthesia|Feline hyperaesthesia]] can cause frantic bouts of self-biting and hair pulling, but this is accompanied by other signs that differentiate the condition from compulsive overgrooming or self-mutilation.

Feline idiopathic cystitis [FIC] has recently been found to account for the vast majority of feline lower urinary tract disease. Cats with this condition, which has behavioural and medical components, will often barber and overgroom the perineal area to create a bald groin and abdomen. They may also bite and chew the skin in this area. Cats with overgrooming and hair loss that is chiefly restricted to this area should be investigated as potential cases of FIC. [[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|Feline hyperaesthesia]] can cause frantic bouts of self-biting and hair pulling, but this is accompanied by other signs that differentiate the condition from compulsive overgrooming or self-mutilation.

Target areas for overgrooming include the flanks and abdomen, but it must be remembered that barbering of groin fur can be a sign of lower urinary tract disease.

Target areas for overgrooming include the flanks and abdomen, but it must be remembered that barbering of groin fur can be a sign of lower urinary tract disease.