Why is my cat scabby and baldy?!

[RedPandaFluff]

I have two four-year-old neutered indoor Maine Coons, one of which has developed scabby bald patches on her face in the area between her eyes and the base of the front of her ears. The fur there has always been scanty so I think it probably doesn't take much to rub it away.

I've had the vet out twice (less stressful for the cat than taking her to the surgery - she's a nervy wee thing) and there's absolutely nothing physically wrong that the vet can see, no fleas, worms, infections etc., and she's putting it down to either stress or just one of those things.

I'm struggling to accept that, though - why all of a sudden? There's been no change to her food or environment at all. Has anyone else experienced this? I feel so bad for her!

Food ingredients can change even if the outward appearance is the same, so could be food allergies. Also allergies develop over time.

What flea treatments are you using and how regularly? It sounds like flea allergy and you often can't see the fleas

Did they not do a skin scraping?

I’d recommend a different vet, and actually take it to the surgery where they have the full range of equipment. I doubt it’s stress. A skin scraping should be done to look for mites/mange/ringworm etc

Our cat had the same, she had food allergies

I thought fleas, or a flea allergy or ringworm initially, but the vet was adamant that it's none of those things (although she didn't do a skin scraping, she did check her over really thoroughly with a comb and said she definitely doesn't have fleas). The vet did mention a possible food allergy but I mentally ruled that out as I haven't changed their food, but maybe I need to reconsider that in light of the possibility of a change of ingredients.

I asked the vet what I should do now, and she said to give it a while to see if it settles. I'll give it a couple of weeks and then try a different vet if it doesn't improve.

Thankfully the cat doesn't seem to be in any distress or scratching or anything.

So what flea treatments are you using and how frequently? I've had cats with flea allergy even when there was no evidence of fleas even when a flea comb is used.

Allergies

My friend has a cat that is allergic to 'everything ' . £1 per day for medication .

Sorry I didn't answer your question, @thecatneuterer - we use Advantage and both their treatments are current/up to date.

Damn. I've no idea in that case.