Most cats constantly shed hair and continue to grow. This hair loss will result in all hair remaining on your furniture and clothing, but this is normal. However, cats can experience severe shedding and develop bald patches or fine hair. This abnormal hair loss (also called alopecia) can be caused by a variety of health conditions, includingallergies,fleas,mites,had,Insect, miemphasize.
We know our cats love to groom themselves; it's part of their normal behavior and how they keep their skin and coat healthy. However, if they are itchy, sore, or stressed, they cangreat care, licking and scratching and actually cause excessive hair loss and alopecia.
In this article we will look at hair loss in cats, explaining its causes and treating it.
Short summary: hair loss in cats
other names: Paraneoplastic alopecia in cats
common symptoms: Excessive peeling, itching, frequent brushing, decreased appetite, weight loss, painful cracks in the balls of your feet
Diagnose: rule out other causes of hair loss, itching, etc. Finding an underlying internal cancer through tests that may be linked.
Diagnosed in cats: Fast no
long-term medication required: Sim
vaccine available: NO
treatment options: Internal removal of cancerous tissue. Other treatment options depending on the type of cancer found. Symptomatic treatment of itching or pain.
home remedies: NO
Common causes of hair loss
Cats can groom too much for a variety of reasons, but itching caused by allergies, fleas or dust mites, or even allergies to fleas and dust mites are some of the most common. In summary, the most common causes of hair loss in cats are the following:
- allergies
- fleas and mites
- Stress/Angst
- Insect
- had
allergies
Environmental influences such as dust, grass, pollen, trees, cotton or wool, or food components such as chicken bites or insects.
It's quite common for cats to be allergic to flea bites! This is called a flea allergy.Dermatitisand it is one of the most common reasons for hair loss in cats. Cats with this condition can be so allergic that a single flea bite can cause itching and hair loss for weeks, even if you've never seen fleas on them.
Fleas and mites, even if you are not allergic to them, can still bite and damage your hair and hair follicles, leading to hair loss. There are several types of mites that cats can become infected with,IncludingManyand itch mites.
stress and anxiety
Another reason cats often brush too much and cause hair loss is stress and anxiety (sometimes referred to as psychogenic alopecia).
Cats love routine and anything that interrupts them can be stressful for them. Not all cats get along with other cats or other pets, and this can also be a source of stress. Many cats are prone to anxiety and stress, which can lead to over-grooming and shedding.
Insect
The pain can also cause them to lick excessively and lose hair in the painful area. Most often it occurs due to stomach or abdominal pain in the abdomen,called, or equalBlasensteine, inflammation and pain. Cats can lick themselves too much and also cause hair loss from aching joints.
had
had(a fungal infection) is another fairly common cause of hair loss, particularly in kittens. This fungus actually damages the hair and hair follicles, causing hair loss. Ringworm can also be itchy and cause cats to lick, chew, and scratch the area. This creates bald spots.
Other causes of hair loss in cats
There are other less common causes of hair loss in cats, such as autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), hormonal imbalance and some types of cancer. On rare occasions, some older cats may have bald patches on bony areas like the ankles and ears as a change related to age.
When to worry about hair loss
If your cat sheds a significant amount of hair, it could be a symptom of pain, stress, or a health problem. Yo
Because hair loss in cats is rarely normal and can be a symptom of pain or other illnesses, it's important to make an appointment with your vet if you notice hair loss or balding in your cat.
Also read:10 subtle signs your cat might be sick
Diagnose the cause of hair loss.
As a first diagnostic step, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, focusing on the skin and coat, looking for signs of pain or fleas.
Your vet will also ask you about other symptoms you may see such as scratching, head shaking, behavior changes,to vomit,called,Diarrhea, ÖHarnprobleme.
Mites, bacteria, yeast, and fungi like ringworm can only be seen under a microscope, so your vet will likely recommend checking them with tests like skin scraping, cytology, and fungal cultures.
Allergy tests can be done with ablood testor skin test. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood and urine tests. Some unusual cases may require further testing, such as a skin biopsy, or may need to be referred to a specialist veterinary dermatologist.
Hair loss treatment
The appropriate treatment for your cat's hair loss will depend on the underlying cause.
Treatment depends on treating the underlying cause.
Flea and mite treatment
Because fleas and mites are common causes of hair loss in cats, effective treatment of these parasites is an important part of treating many cats with hair loss. However, not all flea repellents are equally effective, and not all are equally effective against dust mites. Your veterinarian can help you determine the safest, most effective options for your cat.
allergy treatment
If a food allergy is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a test diet to eliminate common allergens like chicken. For environmental allergens, there are treatments to reduce the allergic reaction.
For more information, see:The best hypoallergenic cat food
Emphasize
Stress can be addressed with environmental changes to reduce potential sources of stress, as welladditions, pheromones and anxiety medication.
Insect
abdominal pain likePancreatitis,Inflammatory Bowel Disease,called, or inflammation of the bladder is treated with painkillers and treatment of these diseases. Joint pain is treated with anti-inflammatories and other pain relievers.
had
Ringworm is treated with oral and topical medications.
Since hair loss is most often due to itchy skin, medications such as anti-inflammatories and antihistamines can be used to relieve itching. Your vet may also recommend using a cone or plastic insert to protect them from further licking or scratching until underlying issues are resolved.
Complete
Hair loss in cats is rarely normal and can be caused by serious health issues such as allergies, fleas, stress, pain or ringworm. If you notice any bald patches or areas of shorter or thinning hair on your cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian to find out what's going on and treat it.
frequently asked questions
Why is my cat going bald?
Bald patches in cats are most commonly caused by excessive scratching or licking of the area. They usually do it because they are itchy from allergies, fleas or mites, fungal infections (ringworm), because they are in pain, or because they are stressed or anxious.
How can I treat my cat's hair loss?
Treatment for hair loss is based on treating the underlying cause. Common causes include allergies, fleas or mites, fungal infections (ringworm), pain, and stress or anxiety. Everyone is treated differently, so it's important that you take your cat to the vet to find out the cause and the right treatment.
What does it mean if my cat loses hair?
It is almost never normal for cats to lose hair and have bald patches. Many diseases can cause hair loss and the most common are allergies, fleas and mites, fungal infections (ringworm), pain and stress or anxiety.