Feline psycogenic alopecia occurs when cats lick their hair compulsively. Stress situations play a role in this disturbance, due to changes in neurohormone mechanisms. The introduction of a new animal or baby in the household can also be associated. Besides behavioral changes towards the animal, the use of anxiolytics is suggested to treat the disease. Fluoxetine was used in the treatment of 5 domestic cats with psycogenic alopecia, showing showing inhibition of licking attitude, with repilation within two to three months of use.
feline neurohormone disturbances; psycogenic alopecia; dermatologic disease
