Loosing fur?

[Jalks]

My 15 year old Bob has lost fur in one part of his back. It's about a 6"-7" long streak about 2" wide. I haven't noticed this before but the little patch has been getting larger. My cat rarely gets into fights and when he does he usually comes out on top even against dogs dispite his age. I read somewhere that you may have to shave all the fur off an older can if he can't groom himself. Any help is appreciated.

[Yzma]

Your cats beats up dogs? Wow... That's scary....
I can't imagine what he does to the mice.

Have you had it checked by a vet? I think that might be a good first step to take. The only experience I've had of cat's loosing hair is from a fungal infection on the tip of his tail, but that was easily cleared up with a shot and some shampoo.

I think when they say they shave all the fur off, i think they mean just the matted bits. I can't imagine that shaving a cat in old age would be terribly good for insulation.

[MA]

Is he losing fur or pulling it out? If he is losing it, it could be anything parasitic to diet, if he is pulling it out, it could be a response to pain. A vet visit would be a good idea.