Why Is My Cat Losing Hair?

Hair loss in cats is often not a cause for concern, but it still can cause discomfort in our cats. Find out the causes behind the bald patches in your cat's body and the ways you can treat them!
Why Is My Cat Losing Hair? - KittyNook Cat Company
Is your feline friend a little less hairy nowadays? Some hair loss—like the shedding of your cat's winter coat—is natural. But if your cat is losing a tremendous amount of hair, there could be an issue.

Is your cat repeatedly scratching or grooming itself? Cats groom themselves a lot—as much as half of the time they're awake. Too much grooming can trigger loss of hair, skin sores, and even infection. If your feline appears to be more interested in grooming themselves over, say, playing or eating, something is wrong.

Some causes of losing hair:
  • Your cat is born with a harmless skin condition.
  • It's a side effect of an easy-to-treat problem.
  • Your cat is sick.

A vet visit is needed to know what's going on. More often than not, the reason isn't a cause for concern. It could be:

Allergies

Allergies are the leading reason for the loss of hair in cats. Like in humans, cats can be allergic to food, insect bites, medications, dirt, or plant pollen. To ease the itch, they'll lick their hair up until there are bald spots. Allergies are relatively easy to treat, but you may need to provide medication for the remainder of your cat's life.

Bloodsuckers

Fleas and ticks can make your cat scratch and lick, resulting in bald areas and sores. The treatment for this is typically fast and easy. Ask your vet which medication to give your cat.


Ringworm infection

A circular, scaly patch of skin is an indicator. Your vet can suggest antifungal creams or lotions, medicated baths, and even oral medications for ringworm.

Anxiety

Cat licking it paw

When felines are worried, they obsessively lick and scratch themselves, resulting in the shedding of their hair. Veterinarians call this "psychogenic alopecia." Cats afflicted with this tend to pick at their stomach, sides, and legs. To treat psychogenic alopecia, your vet may require an antidepressant or changes in their atmosphere, like putting up high perches or keeping other pets away.

Pain

Pet cats with joint inflammation may lick themselves at the site of the discomfort.

Uncommon Reasons

Pure breeds, like Himalayans and Bengals, are most likely to have the genetics that triggers loss of hair. Others, like the Sphynx, are bred to be hairless.

It's not likely, however, hair loss can be a symptom of an immune system issue, diabetes mellitus, an overactive thyroid, or even cancer. Tell your vet about your cat's diet, behavior, and environment to help identify the cause.

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