“Unless you have a hairless breed, your cat shouldn’t look like this. See more cat pictures.iStockphoto/Thinkstock
When you’re a cat owner, you’re used to dealing with cat hair — using a lint roller to get it off your dark clothes, vacuuming it off of your sofa, even picking it out of your food on occasion. Unless you have a hairless breed such as a Sphynx, there’s a certain amount of natural hair loss that you should expect. However, if your cat’s hair is visibly thinning, there are bald patches, or you notice areas that are inflamed and red, there’s a problem. When your cat loses more hair than normal, the condition is called alopecia.
There are lots of different things that can cause hair loss in your cat, including parasites, diet, psychological factors, infection, allergies or something more serious. Your cat may scratch and groom excessively with an infestation of fleas or mites as well as a fungus like ringworm, causing hair loss. Hair loss can be self-inflicted as a result of stress. A less-than-adequate diet or a change in diet can cause hair loss. Alopecia can also be a manifestation of another condition or disease, requiring diagnosis by your vet.
If there is hair loss in places where you see your cat nibbling regularly, such as his leg or paw, the alopecia is probably a reaction to a parasite. Giving your cat a thorough once-over should turn up the source of the problem, and your vet can suggest medications to get rid of the parasite. When your cat is no longer licking and scratching the area, the hair should grow back with time. It’s especially important to get treatment if you suspect a fungal infection, as these can easily spread to humans (in addition to your other furry friends).
But what if you can’t find any parasites on your cat to go along with the hair loss? Or there are other symptoms? Next, we’ll look at other potential causes of alopecia in cats, and how they can be treated.
Causes and Treatment of Hair Loss in Cats
What else might be causing your cat to lose his hair? It could be a food allergy. If you’ve changed your cat’s food lately, simply changing it back could get rid of the problem. Cats can also develop food allergies over time, so you may need to try different foods.
Does your cat have a "hot spot"? Also known as acute moist dermatitis, this condition is more common in dogs, but cats can get it, too. Hot spots start with a skin irritation, such as a flea or tick bite. When your cat grooms the area, bacteria can infect the wound. These oozing sores are hot, painful, and can spread quickly. Your cat makes the problem worse by licking the area, keeping it wet and preventing it from healing. After diagnosing and treating the underlying cause (if there is one), the hot spot needs to be treated. Your veterinarian may shave around the area to promote drying and prescribe antibiotics.
Hair loss can also be self-inflicted due to psychological factors like stress; upset cats will sometimes groom excessively to soothe themselves. When you see your cat doing this, you can try to redirect the behavior by giving him more attention (or, ideally, removing the source of stress, although that’s not always possible). Your cat may also benefit from anti-anxiety medication; consult with your vet if the problem becomes severe.
If the alopecia is in a hard-to-reach place (between the shoulder blades, for example), it’s probably not self-inflicted. One possibility is contact dermatitis — an allergic reaction from something your cat has rubbed against. If the hair loss is limited to the lower legs, for example, it could be a reaction to a new rug. You may have to do some detective work to figure out the cause, but once you remove it, the hair should grow back. Your vet may prescribe a hydrocortisone spray to stop the cat from scratching.
Alopecia can also signal a more serious problem, such as a hormone imbalance. Cats with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism (an under- or over-active thyroid) may experience patchy hair loss, and an excess of the hormone cortisol can cause thinning hair in a symmetrical pattern on your cat’s trunk. These conditions must be diagnosed with a blood test. If your cat’s hair loss is accompanied by changes in appetite, vomiting, weight loss or fever, get him to the vet immediately.
Originally Published: May 24, 2011
Cats With Hair Loss FAQ
What causes a cat to lose its hair?
Feline fur loss can be caused by parasitic and fungal conditions, such as fleas and ringworm. Allergies are another common reason, as well as metabolic conditions like hyperthyroidism.
Can ringworm cause hair loss in cats?
Yes, ringworm can cause feline hair loss. The most common clinical signs of ringworm in cats include circular patches of missing hair, crusty or scaly skin, inflammation, excessive scratching and/or grooming, dandruff, infected nails or claws and changes in the color of hair or skin.
Why does my cat have bald spots on his legs?
Feline hair loss or thinning (referred to as alopecia) on the hind legs can be caused by a long list of health conditions, including stress, fleas, bacterial infection or allergies. Make an appointment with your vet to determine the cause and any necessary treatment.
Can I use human shampoo on a cat?
It is strongly recommended not to use human shampoos on cats or kittens as they are unsuitable for their hair and may cause skin issues. Instead, use a feline-specific shampoo that consists of natural ingredients.
Will my cat’s hair grow back after ringworm?
Ringworm in cats often causes secondary skin bacterial infections that destroy the hair follicles, which means that their hair doesn’t always grow back.
Lots More Information
Related Articles
- Home Remedies for Cats with a Cough
- Home Remedies for Cats with Dandruff
- Home Remedies for Cats with Diarrhea
Sources
- ASPCA. "Cat Care: Shedding." ASPCA. 2011. (April 24, 2011)http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/shedding.aspx
- Eldredge, Debra M., et al. "Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook." Howell Book House. Dec. 10, 2007.
- PetMD. "Diseases with Hair Loss in Cats." WebMD. 2011. (April 24, 2011)http://pets.webmd.com/cats/diseases-hair-loss-cats
- Plotnick, Arnold. "Skin Disorders in Cats." Manhattan Cats. Feb. 9, 2006. (April 24, 2011)http://www.manhattancats.com/Articles/Skin_Disorders_in_Cats.html
